Fans remember her from iconic roles in films such as Endless Love, Sixteen Candles, and The Lost Boys, while her television appearances include guest spots on popular series like Seinfeld, ER, and Ally McBeal.
While Hollywood is known for its A-listers with bulging bank balances, some stars’ net worths come as a complete surprise. One such individual is Jami Gertz, whose staggering wealth eclipses even the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, and George Clooney. In fact, her fortune is so substantial that it surpasses the combined net worths of these celebrated figures.
But who is Jami Gertz, and where have you seen her before?
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Jami carved out a unique path in the entertainment industry and beyond. While many recognize her for her acting roles in popular films and television shows, her financial success story extends far beyond the realm of Tinseltown.
Jami’s acting career began in the early 1980s when she landed roles in films like Endless Love, Sixteen Candles, and The Lost Boys. She also made her mark on the small screen with shows such as Square Pegs, Seinfeld, ER, Ally McBeal — for which she was Emmy-nominated — and The Neighbors. Jami’s acting credits also include the 1996 blockbuster Twister and the 2022 film I Want You Back.
However, Jami’s wealth is largely attributed to her savvy business decisions and strategic investments, particularly after she married businessman Tony Ressler in 1989.
When they met, Jami was the higher earner, covering their vacations and buying their first home. But her greatest financial success came through her marriage to Tony, who co-founded the asset management firms Apollo Global Management and Ares Management. These firms manage hundreds of billions in assets, contributing to the couple’s growing fortune.
Together, they became co-owners of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team and hold a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. The couple made their debut on the billionaire list in 2015, with a combined net worth of $1 billion. Today, that wealth has soared to $8 billion, according to Celebritynetworth.com.
Gertz put her acting career on hold, focusing instead on her marriage to Ressler, who is worth a staggering $10.9 billion, according to Forbes. This strategic shift has allowed her to accumulate significant wealth outside of her acting career.
In addition to her business ventures, Jami and Tony are well known for their philanthropy. They co-founded the Painted Turtle Camp, providing a camping experience for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Their charitable efforts have made them top celebrity donors, further solidifying their influence both in business and in giving.
In addition to Gertz, actors such as Tyler Perry, with a net worth of $1.4 billion, and Jerry Seinfeld, worth $1.1 billion, have also made the leap into the billionaire club.
Jami’s story is a testament to the fact that Hollywood wealth isn’t solely earned through acting — sometimes, it’s about making the right connections and decisions. And when it comes to those making big waves in the billionaire entertainment club, Jami Gertz is now among the wealthiest, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, and Jay-Z.
While Jami Gertz may not be a household name like some of her peers, her staggering wealth and savvy business moves have cemented her place in Hollywood’s elite circles, proving that sometimes the quietest successes make the biggest impact.
