Sarah Biren
Sarah Biren
September 7, 2024 ·  1 min read

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

When one thinks of the wealthiest actors, figures like Dwayne Johnson and Tom Cruise often come to mind. However, standing atop this list is a surprising name—Jami Gertz—a figure not as widely recognized. Despite her substantial fortune, curiosity remains with many asking, “Who exactly is she?”

In the ’80s, Gertz made her mark with memorable roles in films such as “Sixteen Candles” and “The Lost Boys.” She seamlessly transitioned to television, showcasing her talent in shows like “Still Standing,” “Seinfeld,” “Modern Family,” and “This is Us.” With a career spanning over four decades, Gertz has firmly cemented her place in the entertainment industry. Nevertheless, her success story extends far beyond Hollywood’s limelight.

Beyond Stardom: Jami Gertz’s Enormous Wealth

Gertz’s estimated net worth of $3 billion is not just from her acting career. Her partnership with her billionaire husband, Antony Ressler, has been a significant factor in their financial achievements. They own stakes in the Atlanta Hawks NBA team and hold a minority share in the Milwaukee Brewers, highlighting their diverse investment portfolio. Still, their influence surpasses just business.

Their charitable efforts are noteworthy. They donated $10 million to the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, which supports arts, education, health, and Jewish organizations. Gertz also serves as a board director for the Melanoma Research Alliance, demonstrating a strong commitment to philanthropy.

After her iconic roles in the ’80s, including “Quicksilver” and “Less Than Zero,” Gertz took a break to explore fragrance design for Lanvin. She made a strong return with the blockbuster hit “Twister,” although it initially received mixed reviews. During the 2000s, she earned accolades and an Emmy nomination for her role in “Ally McBeal.”

A Wealth Beyond Acting

Gertz’s substantial wealth isn’t solely derived from her acting career. Her ventures into various business enterprises alongside her husband significantly changed their financial landscape. According to Forbes, Ressler has an estimated net worth of $7.1 billion. Together, they manage diversified business interests, including ownership in consulting and lifestyle firms like JG&A, LLC, and Henry Rose, reflecting Gertz’s entrepreneurial spirit beyond entertainment.

Jami Gertz and Antony Ressler. Credit: Shutterstock

Her story deviates from the traditional Hollywood script. From ’80s film stardom to a business mogul, Gertz exemplifies resilience, versatility, and visionary thinking. Ressler has acknowledged her critical role in their expansive business empire, reiterating that Gertz’s journey is one of triumph, entrepreneurial acumen, and an unrelenting commitment to meaningful impact.

Jami Gertz’s Philanthropic Leadership

Gertz’s wealth is accentuated by her partnership with Antony Ressler, which has led to significant financial growth. Their investments, such as in the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Brewers, diversify their holdings. However, their influence goes beyond business.

Their philanthropy is profound. They contributed a landmark $10 million to the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, focusing on arts, education, health, and Jewish organizations. Gertz’s involvement with the Melanoma Research Alliance further highlights her dedication to charitable efforts.

From her early roles in classics like “Quicksilver” and “Less Than Zero” to her comeback with “Twister,” Gertz’s career has continuously evolved. Her transition to television in the 2000s, bringing critical praise and an Emmy nomination for “Ally McBeal,” marked another high point in her journey.

The Enduring Impact

Gertz’s narrative transcends conventional Hollywood stories. Her evolution—from ’80s cinematic success to varied entrepreneurial ventures—stands as a testament to resilience, versatility, and visionary spirit. Antony Ressler has highlighted her crucial role in shaping their extensive business empire. Gertz’s story is one of triumph, superior business insight, and a commitment to substantial, lasting impact.

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. Castro, Danilo and Malik, Aleena. September 13, 2023.