Let's talk about great timing! Matt LeBlanc, who's now living the high life, didn't always have it so easy. Believe it or not, before he landed the iconic role of Joey Tribbiani on Friends, he was flat broke. The 51-year-old actor recently opened up about how he was down to his last few dollars, struggling to make it in Hollywood. It's a story that shows just how unpredictable life can be, even for someone who eventually becomes a household name.
From Struggling Actor to Global Stardom
During a candid appearance on Conan on January 31, 2019, Matt revealed just how dire his financial situation had been before Friends came along. “I had, I think, I was down to $11,” he admitted, referring to his bank account balance before landing the role that would change his life forever. “That’s holding out too long. Because even if I said at that point, ‘Alright, I’m going to go get a waiter job.’ By the time that $11 ran out, it would have been before the first paycheck on that job. I would have starved.”
Now, picture this: Matt LeBlanc, a guy who’s now making millions, was on the brink of starvation. It’s a reminder that even the most successful people face tough times. But Matt didn’t give up, and his perseverance paid off in a big way.
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Pinching Pennies in Hollywood
Matt didn’t just talk about his financial struggles; he also shared some hilarious stories about how he had to stretch every penny. One of the most memorable anecdotes involved a headshot photo session where the photographer pointed out a slight issue with his teeth. “He said, ‘Before we take this, you might want to go get that tooth filed.’ I go, ‘What are you talking about?’ ‘One tooth is a little longer than the other one. You should go get that filed,’” Matt recounted.
Now, for most people, this might seem like a minor issue, but for Matt, it was a huge deal. He didn’t have dental insurance, and the cost of filing the tooth was $80—money he simply didn’t have. So, what did he do? “I go to the drug store and buy a three-pack of emory boards. I’m very frugal,” he joked. Talk about resourcefulness! This story not only highlights Matt’s creativity but also his determination to make it in a tough industry.
Life After Friends
Fast forward to today, and Matt LeBlanc is living the dream. Thanks to the massive success of Friends and its syndication, he’s raking in around $22 million a year. That’s quite the turnaround from the guy who was down to his last $11. But Matt hasn’t forgotten his roots. In fact, he shared a fun story about stealing a Magna Doodle from the set of Friends when the show wrapped up. The Magna Doodle, which hung on the door of Joey and Matthew Perry’s character Chandler, became a cherished keepsake for Matt.
“I stole it and gave it to him, so he’s got it,” Matt said, referring to someone on the crew. “So, that’s kind of cool. I could have sold it for a lot more.” It’s a sweet reminder that even though Matt has achieved great success, he still values the little things that remind him of his journey.
