Lisa Kudrow, best known for her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay on the hit sitcom Friends, is one of the most successful and wealthiest actresses in Hollywood.
As of 2025, Lisa Kudrow net worth is estimated at $140 million, a result of her decades-long career in acting, producing, and smart investments.
In this article, we will explore how she earned such a vast fortune, her earnings from Friends, her other career ventures, and her lifestyle.
Lisa Kudrow’s Rise to Fame
Lisa Kudrow was born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, California. She grew up in a middle-class Jewish family, with a father who was a doctor.
Initially, Kudrow pursued a career in science, earning a biology degree from Vassar College. However, her passion for comedy and acting led her to switch gears, and she soon found herself performing in local theater and comedy troupes.
By the early 1990s, Kudrow began landing small roles on television, including a recurring role on Mad About You as Ursula Buffay, Phoebe’s quirky twin sister.
However, it was her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay on Friends that truly launched her into stardom. From 1994 to 2004, Kudrow became a household name.
Phoebe’s quirky humor, heartfelt moments, and memorable songs like Smelly Cat made her a fan favorite, earning Kudrow critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1998. This role would be the foundation of her massive fortune.
How Lisa Kudrow Built Her Net Worth
Lisa Kudrow net worth has grown significantly over the years, and much of it can be traced back to her time on Friends. Let’s break down the major sources of her income.
Earnings from Friends
One of the biggest factors contributing to Lisa kudrow net worth is her salary from Friends. In the early seasons of the show, the cast was paid $22,500 per episode, which increased as the show gained more popularity. By the time Friends reached its final seasons, Kudrow and her co-stars were earning $1 million per episode.
This was a groundbreaking salary at the time, making them some of the highest-paid TV stars in history. Over the course of the show’s ten seasons, Lisa Kudrow earned a significant amount in base salary.
In total, each cast member earned around $90 million from their work on the show, excluding bonuses and royalties.
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Royalties from Syndication
In addition to her base salary, Lisa Kudrow also earns money from royalties. As part of the original contract with NBC, the Friends cast negotiated a deal that granted them a share of the profits from the show’s syndication.
Even years after the show ended in 2004, Friends continues to earn money through syndication and streaming deals. Each year, the show generates over $1 billion globally from reruns and streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO Max.
Lisa Kudrow’s share of these royalties can amount to $10-20 million annually. This ongoing revenue stream has been a major contributor to her growing net worth and is likely to continue for years to come, as Friends remains a beloved part of television history.
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Film Career
While Kudrow is most famous for Friends, she has also had a successful film career. Some of her most notable films include Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997), The Opposite of Sex (1998), and The Boss Baby (2017).
In The Boss Baby, Kudrow voiced the character of Mother, which became one of her most financially successful roles, as the movie grossed $530 million worldwide.
Her diverse filmography, including both comedic and dramatic roles, continues to add to her net worth. Films that have collectively grossed over $2 billion at the global box office have certainly played a part in her financial success.
Investments and Real Estate
Beyond her acting career, Lisa Kudrow has made savvy investments. She has an extensive real estate portfolio, which includes luxury properties in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and New York.
She purchased a $1.9 million home in Beverly Hills back in 1996, and she later acquired another property in the area for $2.4 million. Her properties are now worth much more, contributing to her total wealth.
Kudrow has also invested in other ventures outside of entertainment. These investments, along with her well-maintained assets, play a large role in growing lisa kudrow net worth.
Endorsements and Other Ventures
Lisa Kudrow’s fame and popularity have made her a sought-after name for brand endorsements. Over the years, she has signed several high-profile deals with various companies, boosting her income even further.
Her involvement in The Comeback, which she co-created, produced, and starred in, also showcases her talents as a producer and writer, adding a new layer to her career and income.
These endorsement deals, combined with her acting and producing work, keep Kudrow’s annual income in the multi-million-dollar range.
Lisa Kudrow’s Personal Life
Despite her massive success, Lisa Kudrow is known for being quite private about her personal life.
She married French advertising executive Michel Stern in 1995, and they have one son, Julian, born in 1998. Kudrow’s pregnancy was written into the fourth season of Friends, where Phoebe’s character also carried triplets.
Kudrow maintains a relatively low profile compared to other Hollywood stars, preferring to focus on her career and family.
She is also involved in various charitable activities and is an advocate for education, further enhancing her public image as a grounded, socially conscious celebrity.
Conclusion
Lisa Kudrow net worth of $140 million in 2025 is the result of her hard work, smart investments, and successful career. As Friends continues to generate millions through reruns and streaming deals, Kudrow’s wealth will likely keep growing for years to come.
In addition to her ongoing earnings from the show, her diverse film career and business ventures ensure that Kudrow’s financial future remains bright.
With her talents as an actress, producer, and businesswoman, Lisa Kudrow has built a legacy that goes beyond Friends. She will continue to be a major influence in both Hollywood and beyond.
For now, it seems clear that lisa kudrow net worth will only continue to rise as she explores new projects and enjoys the rewards of her past successes.
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FAQs
What does Lisa Kudrow’s husband do?
Lisa Kudrow’s husband, Michel Stern, is a French advertising executive. He works in the advertising industry and is known for his work in marketing and promotions.
Does Lisa Kudrow have a PhD?
No, Lisa Kudrow does not have a PhD. She earned a biology degree from Vassar College but chose to pursue acting instead of continuing in science.
What Is Lisa Kudrow Net Worth?
Lisa Kudrow net worth is estimated at around $140 million in 2025, mainly from her role in Friends, movies, and smart investments.
