Jami Gertz is far more than a familiar face from iconic ’80s films. As of 2025, the 59-year-old actress, philanthropist, and sports team owner holds an estimated net worth of $8 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in entertainment. While her acting career helped launch her public profile, her financial empire is rooted in her marriage to billionaire investor Tony Ressler—a partnership that has combined Hollywood and high finance in remarkable ways.
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, Jami Gertz grew up in a working-class Jewish family. She attended Maine East High School before moving to New York City to study drama at NYU. Her screen debut came in 1981 with the movie On the Right Track, and she quickly became a staple of American television in the early 1980s.
She appeared in hits like Diff’rent Strokes, The Facts of Life, Family Ties, and Square Pegs. By the mid-’80s, she was making waves in films like Sixteen Candles, Less Than Zero, Solarbabies, and the cult classic The Lost Boys.
Sustained Hollywood Presence
Gertz’s acting career didn’t end with the ’80s. In the ’90s and 2000s, she took on roles that proved her versatility. She starred in the sitcom Still Standing from 2002 to 2006, playing Judy Miller alongside Mark Addy. She later appeared in The Neighbors from 2012 to 2014, and had memorable guest roles in Seinfeld, Ally McBeal, ER, and Modern Family.
In 2001, she earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Ally McBeal. Her range across drama, sitcoms, and sci-fi kept her name familiar to audiences long after her teen idol days.
Marriage to Tony Ressler: The Billion-Dollar Pivot
Jami married Tony Ressler in 1989, at a time when she was the higher earner. Tony was working at Drexel Burnham Lambert, which soon collapsed amid scandal. Just a year later, he co-founded Apollo Global Management, now managing over $500 billion in assets. In 1997, he launched Ares Management, where he currently holds about 30% equity. Ares now manages over $300 billion in assets.
While Gertz continued acting, the couple’s wealth exploded thanks to Ressler’s financial acumen. By 2015, they entered billionaire territory with a net worth of $1 billion. Just two years later, that figure had nearly doubled. As of today, their combined fortune sits at a jaw-dropping $8 billion, ranking them among the richest celebrity couples in the world.
Sports Ownership and Business Moves
Gertz and Ressler made a splash in the sports world when they co-purchased the Atlanta Hawks NBA team in 2015. Jami became the public face of the franchise, often seen courtside, representing ownership at NBA events. They also hold a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers, further diversifying their investment portfolio.
Though not directly involved in player decisions, Gertz’s presence as a high-profile female owner in the male-dominated sports industry has been praised as both groundbreaking and inspiring.
Philanthropy at the Forefront
Despite their massive wealth, Gertz and Ressler have consistently prioritized giving back. The couple is among the most generous celebrity philanthropists and have topped charitable giving lists in the past. Their work spans education, health, and youth development.
They co-founded the Painted Turtle Camp, a nonprofit that offers camp experiences for children with serious medical conditions. The camp is part of Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp network and serves hundreds of children annually.
Gertz is also involved in numerous Jewish charities and serves on boards that promote healthcare and community engagement. Her philanthropy is not performative—she’s deeply involved, often hands-on, and passionate about making a difference.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
The Gertz-Ressler lifestyle matches their elite net worth. They own luxury properties in Malibu and Beverly Hills, each worth tens of millions. Their Beverly Hills estate is nestled in an exclusive gated community with neighbors like Denzel Washington, Sylvester Stallone, and Eddie Murphy. With panoramic views of Los Angeles, the home is valued between $30 million to $50 million, depending on market conditions.
Their Malibu home overlooks Broad Beach, one of the most desirable stretches of coastline in California. Their real estate choices reflect understated luxury—opulence without the over-the-top flash often associated with celebrity wealth.
Family and Personal Life
Jami and Tony have three sons and are known to be a close-knit family. Despite their immense success, they’ve kept their private lives largely out of the tabloid spotlight. Gertz remains grounded, often reflecting on the early years of her marriage when she supported their lifestyle before Tony’s business career took off.
Interestingly, Gertz’s sister, Sharyn Gertz, is also in the family business loop—she was the real estate agent involved in a $38 million Beverly Hills mansion deal for Tony’s sister Debra Ressler and brother-in-law Leon Black, Apollo’s co-founder.
Final Thoughts
Jami Gertz’s net worth in 2025, estimated at $8 billion, is an extraordinary example of how early Hollywood success can evolve into generational wealth through smart partnerships, strategic investments, and long-term vision. While she’s best remembered for her roles in The Lost Boys and Still Standing, her influence now stretches across the worlds of finance, sports, philanthropy, and entertainment.
Far from a footnote in her husband’s financial success story, Gertz has played an active role in shaping their empire—from supporting Tony in the early years to leading charitable initiatives and representing the family in high-profile ventures. Her journey proves that stardom can open doors—but it’s what you do with those doors that builds a legacy.
