40 Things You Didn't Know About 'Friends'

Joanna Varikos
Updated January 26, 2022 1.7M views40 items

By now, everyone has seen at least half a dozen Friends episodes, right? The popular sitcom, which catapulted six unknown actors to superstardom in the 1990s, has found a second life in the streaming era, becoming one of the biggest hits in Netflix's library before eventually making its way to HBO Max.

Many moments and storylines from the classic TV series have become entrenched in pop culture in the years since its 1994 premiere. Everyone knows about Ross and Rachel. Everyone knows about "Smelly Cat." But not everyone knows every bit of Friends trivia that has accumulated over the years. So try these behind-the-scenes facts on for size and see if you can come out on top next time your local bar has a Friends-themed trivia night.

  • Matt LeBlanc Really Needed The Job

    Matt LeBlanc Really Needed The Job
    Photo: NBC

    When Matt LeBlanc auditioned for the role, he only had $11 to his name.

    When the cast got their paychecks, the first thing that Courteney Cox bought was a car. LeBlanc bought a hot dinner.

  • The Opening Sequence Wasn't Easy To Film

    The Opening Sequence Wasn't Easy To Film
    Photo: NBC

    The water fountain opening sequence was filmed at the crack of dawn - 4 am to be exact. The water had to be kept heated during filming.

    Additionally, the actors were given the lyrics to the theme song to lip sync because the song had not yet been recorded. 

  • The Six Main Stars Isolated Themselves Backstage Before Every Episode

    The Six Main Stars Isolated Themselves Backstage Before Every Episode
    Photo: NBC

    The lead cast held a private huddle backstage before every episode and wouldn't allow anyone else in the room while prepping for the show.

  • Bruce Willis Worked On 'Friends' For Free

    Bruce Willis Worked On 'Friends' For Free
    Photo: NBC

    Bruce Willis appeared on the show for free.

    After losing a bet about whether The Whole Nine Yards, in which he starred with Matthew Perry, would make it to No. 1 at the box office opening weekend, Willis ended up donating his paycheck for his role on Friends to charity.

  • Tom Selleck Was TOO Good

    Tom Selleck Was TOO Good
    Photo: NBC

    When Tom Selleck made his initial on-set appearances, he received standing ovations from the studio audience.

    This would render his entrances unusable, prompting the need for later reshoots without the audience.

  • The 'Friends' Cast Got A Really Big Raise

    The 'Friends' Cast Got A Really Big Raise
    Photo: NBC

    In the first season, each of the six lead cast members received $22,000 per episode.

    By the final season, they each got $1,000,000 per episode.