How a girl from Glenview became the richest actress in the world

She may not be a household name today, but Jami Gertz quietly became the world’s richest actress—with a net worth topping $3 billion.

Jami Gertz didn’t grow up in Beverly Hills or have famous parents. She was raised in Glenview, Illinois, where her father worked as a builder and contractor. She went to public school and lived an ordinary life—until everything changed.

She was discovered in a nationwide talent search as a teenager. Soon after, she was cast in beloved 1980s films like The Lost Boys, Less Than Zero, and Sixteen Candles. Her roles made her a familiar face, bringing warmth and charm to every scene.

“I was found at a search, thrown right in, that was it,” Gertz once said about her early break into acting.

By 16, she was already out-earning her father. “That changes the dynamic. That changes a lot of things in your life,” she reflected later.

Unlike many rising stars, Gertz didn’t chase the spotlight. She stayed grounded and chose a life focused more on family and purpose than red carpets and paparazzi.

Her TV appearances in shows like Seinfeld and Modern Family kept her in the public eye, but she was never one for flashy fame.

In 1989, she married financier Tony Ressler—years before he co-founded two major investment firms: Apollo Global Management and Ares Management. At the time, she was actually the higher earner in the relationship.

“Everyone thinks I married a rich guy,” she said in a past interview. “But I made more money—way more money—than Tony when I met him. I paid for our first house. I paid for our first vacation.”

Building a billion-dollar life together

As Ressler’s business empire grew, the couple made smart, long-term decisions together. They invested in private equity and even sports—owning stakes in the Atlanta Hawks and other ventures.

But their wealth didn’t stop with personal success.

In 2012, Jami and Tony were named the top charitable donors of the year, giving more than $10 million to causes they care about. Their foundation supports education, health, Jewish organizations, and the arts.

Gertz also serves on the board of the Melanoma Research Alliance, helping fund critical medical research.

Now 60, Gertz remains private and deeply involved in her family’s life. The couple has four children, and Gertz focuses much of her time on philanthropy and advocacy.

Though she’s not starring in new blockbusters, her legacy is still strong—with a career that paved the way for a fortune many stars only dream of.

Her story is a reminder that success comes in many forms—and sometimes, the richest person in the room isn’t the one in the spotlight.

And yes, the richest actress in the world today is… Jami Gertz.