Jami Gertz
Sean Cate
Sean Cate
March 1, 2024 ·  4 min read

She’s The Richest Actor in the World, and You’ve Probably Never Heard of Her

When discussions about the wealthiest actors arise, names like Dwayne Johnson and Tom Cruise often take center stage. However, amidst these household names stands the wealthiest of them all—a name less familiar, Jami Gertz.1 Despite her significant wealth, many remain intrigued, asking, “Who exactly is she?”

Gertz made a mark in the ’80s through films like “Sixteen Candles” and “The Lost Boys,” seamlessly transitioning to television, showcasing her talent in shows like “Still Standing,” “Seinfeld,” “Modern Family,” and “This is Us.” Her career spanning over four decades solidifies her place in the industry. Yet, her remarkable success story extends far beyond the glitz of Hollywood.

Beyond Stardom: Jami Gertz’s Staggering Wealth

Gertz’s estimated net worth of $3 billion isn’t a mere Hollywood mirage—it’s her tangible reality.2 Beyond her acting career, her partnership with billionaire husband Antony Ressler serves as a gateway to immense prosperity. Their ownership stake in the Atlanta Hawks NBA team and a minority share in the Milwaukee Brewers underscore their diverse investment portfolio. Yet, their influence transcends sports.

Their philanthropic endeavors echo profoundly. A $10 million donation to the Ressler-Gertz Foundation supporting the arts, education, health, and Jewish organizations underscores their commitment beyond material wealth. Gertz’s pivotal role as a board director for the Melanoma Research Alliance further emphasizes her dedication to philanthropic causes.

Gertz’s journey encompasses iconic ’80s classics like “Quicksilver” and “Less Than Zero,” intertwined with a hiatus exploring fragrance design for Lanvin. Her resurgence saw her soar to new heights with the blockbuster hit “Twister,” despite initial critical reception. Embracing television in the 2000s, she garnered acclaim and an Emmy nomination for her role in “Ally McBeal.”

Read: A billionaire couple has donated $1 million every week this year. Here’s where the money is going

A Wealth Beyond the Stage

However, her immense wealth isn’t solely derived from acting prowess. Gertz’s pivot into multifaceted business ventures alongside her husband reshaped their financial landscape. Ressler, with an estimated net worth of $7.1 billion by Forbes, complements Gertz’s diverse business interests, including ownership in consulting and lifestyle firms like JG&A, LLC, and Henry Rose. This multifaceted approach underscores Gertz’s entrepreneurial flair beyond entertainment.

Jami Gertz and Antony Ressler
Jami Gertz and Antony Ressler. Credit: Shutterstock

Gertz’s story defies the typical Hollywood archetype. Her journey—from ’80s cinematic brilliance to multifaceted business ventures—stands as a testament to resilience, versatility, and visionary spirit. Acknowledging Gertz’s substantial contributions, Ressler highlighted her pivotal role in shaping their formidable business empire. Her narrative transcends fame and fortune; it’s a saga of triumph, entrepreneurial brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to creating enduring impact.

Jami Gertz’s Philanthropic Vanguard

Gertz’s staggering net worth of $3 billion is not the sole marker of her success. Her partnership with husband Antony Ressler, a billionaire, is a conduit to substantial prosperity. Their ownership stakes in the Atlanta Hawks NBA team and the Milwaukee Brewers, alongside various investments, diversify their financial portfolio. However, their impact extends beyond business.

Their philanthropic pursuits resonate deeply. A record $10 million donation to the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, committed to arts, education, health, and Jewish organizations, underscores their commitment beyond mere wealth. Gertz’s pivotal role as a board director for the Melanoma Research Alliance amplifies her dedication to charitable causes.

Gertz’s journey navigates through iconic ’80s classics like “Quicksilver” and “Less Than Zero.” Despite initial critical reception, her appearance in the blockbuster hit “Twister” elevated her career to new heights. Transitioning to television in the 2000s, she earned critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for her role in “Ally McBeal.”

However, Gertz’s financial eminence isn’t solely a product of acting. Her foray into diverse business ventures alongside Ressler reshaped their financial landscape. Ressler, valued at $7.1 billion by Forbes, complements Gertz’s business interests, including consulting and lifestyle firms like JG&A, LLC, and Henry Rose. This multifaceted approach underscores Gertz’s entrepreneurial acumen beyond the realms 

The Enduring Impact

Gertz’s story transcends conventional Hollywood narratives. Her journey—from ’80s cinematic brilliance to multifaceted entrepreneurial pursuits—stands as a testament to resilience, versatility, and a visionary spirit. Recognizing Gertz’s substantial contributions, Ressler emphasized her pivotal role in shaping their formidable business empire. Her narrative encapsulates triumph, entrepreneurial brilliance, and an enduring commitment to creating impactful legacies.

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Sources

  1. “How the richest actor in the world made her billions despite not being well known.” Lad Bible.
    Jess Battison. November 3, 2023.
  2. “Jami Gertz net worth: How did actress Jami Gertz become so wealthy?.” We Got This Covered. Danilo Castro and  Aleena Malik. September 13, 2023.