When you think of Hollywood’s richest stars, names like George Clooney, Margot Robbie, or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson probably come to mind. Fame and fortune have long gone hand-in-hand in the entertainment industry, with leading roles often translating into big paydays – and even bigger followings.
But here’s the twist: the wealthiest actor in the world isn’t someone you regularly see on red carpets or starring in blockbuster films.
Her name? Jami Gertz. And her estimated net worth? Well, that sits at a jaw-dropping $3 billion, according to NME. Yes, billion.
You may recognize Gertz from 1980s cult classics like The Lost Boys or Sixteen Candles, or maybe her guest appearances on hit shows like Seinfeld, Modern Family, and This Is Us. But despite a long-running acting career, her enormous fortune isn’t solely the result of Hollywood paychecks.
That’s likely why many people online were stunned when Gertz’s name began trending recently. One viral post featuring a photo of the actor prompted confused reactions, with one person admitting: “I’m off to Google first cos this is giving I don’t know who this person is.”
Another asked the question on everyone’s minds: “How come I hardly see Jami Gertz in movies? Did she make it from acting, or does she have other incomes?”
Turns out, she definitely has other incomes.
Gertz has been married to billionaire businessman Tony Ressler since 1989, and together they’ve built an investment empire. Ressler, who Forbes estimates to be worth $10.8 billion, co-founded major firms like Ares Management, and the couple also own a controlling stake in the NBA team Atlanta Hawks, as well as a minority share in the Milwaukee Beavers.
Between savvy business decisions and investments in sports, the pair have quietly become one of the wealthiest power couples in America – without the constant media glare.
And while they’ve stepped back from the limelight in recent years (Gertz’s last big screen appearance was in 2022’s I Want You Back), their influence is far from fading. They're also deeply committed to philanthropy, with their Ressler-Gertz Foundation supporting initiatives in education, health, arts, and Jewish causes. Back in 2012, the Giving Back Fund even named them the most generous celebrity donors, following a $10 million donation.
So while Jami Gertz may not be dominating movie posters or breaking box office records, she’s quietly outpaced most of Hollywood in both wealth and impact.
And who knows? With a story like hers, maybe a biopic isn’t out of the question. Gertz could even star in it herself – and this time, the spotlight would be all hers.