Jami Gertz, a familiar name from 1980s cinema and television, has quietly climbed to the top of the wealth ladder—not through the glitz of fame but through strategic business moves. Once celebrated for roles in Sixteen Candles and Twister, Gertz stepped away from the spotlight after marrying billionaire investor Tony Ressler. Their combined empire, built on savvy investments, now includes sports teams and philanthropic ventures, soaring to a reported $8 billion. Her remarkable journey proves fortune sometimes favours quiet choices over loud fame.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Gertz’s film and TV credits include Sixteen Candles, The Lost Boys, Twister, Seinfeld, and Ally McBeal

• Married businessman Tony Ressler in 1989 — she was the primary earner early in their relationship

• Ressler co-founded Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, handling billions in global assets

• The couple owns the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and holds a minority stake in MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers

• Entered the billionaire list in 2015; now estimated at $8 billion per CelebrityNetWorth

• Gertz took a step back from acting to support strategic investments and philanthropy

• Co-founded the Painted Turtle Camp for children with serious illnesses

• Among the top celebrity donors; wealth comparable to Oprah, Jay-Z, and Taylor Swift

In an industry where fame is often measured by visibility, few stories are as quietly powerful as that of Jami Gertz. While most may remember her for her 1980s charm in cult classics like Sixteen Candles or The Lost Boys, Gertz’s path has taken turns that have led her far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood. With a career that began in youthful exuberance and matured into strategic empire-building, Gertz has become one of the wealthiest women in the entertainment world — not by sheer screen time, but by smart choices off-camera.

Her acting résumé is by no means modest. Gertz made her entry into the film industry with roles in Endless Love and quickly became a familiar face with hits such as Sixteen Candles and Twister. On television, she held her own in iconic shows including Square Pegs, Seinfeld, ER, and the Emmy-nominated Ally McBeal. Even in recent years, she remained relevant with appearances in titles like the 2022 romantic comedy I Want You Back. Yet, acting, while foundational, was only one chapter of her journey.

The real financial transformation began in 1989, when Gertz married businessman Tony Ressler. At the time, it was Gertz who had the higher income, even footing the bill for vacations and purchasing their first home. But as Ressler ventured into the world of finance, the trajectory of their lives shifted. Ressler would go on to co-found Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, two powerhouse firms in the asset management sector that now oversee hundreds of billions of dollars globally.

Through these ventures, the couple’s wealth steadily grew. They entered the billionaire list in 2015 with an estimated net worth of $1 billion. That figure, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com, has since ballooned to $8 billion. Forbes estimates Ressler’s personal net worth alone at approximately $10.9 billion.

With financial security firmly in place, Gertz made a conscious decision to slow her pace in Hollywood. She chose to focus on her family, business, and philanthropic efforts — a pivot that, while quieter than her earlier stardom, proved to be immensely effective. Alongside Ressler, she became co-owner of the NBA team Atlanta Hawks and a minority stakeholder in the Milwaukee Brewers baseball franchise, diversifying their portfolio beyond traditional entertainment and finance.

Philanthropy also emerged as a significant priority for the couple. They co-founded the Painted Turtle Camp, a non-profit initiative providing children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses a chance to experience summer camp. Their consistent donations and active involvement in various causes have earned them a spot among the top celebrity philanthropists.

In an entertainment landscape where wealth often appears tied to blockbuster salaries or sold-out tours, Gertz’s story stands out. It defies the notion that stardom is the only path to financial success. She joins a rare class of Hollywood billionaires, standing beside figures like Tyler Perry, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, and Taylor Swift — but she arrived there through a markedly different route.

Her narrative is not one of flash or spectacle. Instead, it’s rooted in adaptability, long-term vision, and partnership. Jami Gertz may not be the most talked-about name in Hollywood circles, but her legacy — built quietly and methodically — may well be one of its most enduring.

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