When we think of the richest actors in the world, names like George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, or Meryl Streep often come to mind. But it may surprise you to learn that the true richest actor on the planet is someone most people haven’t heard of. Jami Gertz, an actress best known for her roles in The Lost Boys, Sixteen Candles, and Twister, is estimated to have a net worth of $3 billion — a fortune that makes her the wealthiest actor in the world, yet she remains relatively unknown to the public.
While Gertz’s acting career has spanned decades, her high net worth is not solely attributed to her roles on screen. The 58-year-old actress has built much of her wealth through her business ventures and investments, particularly in partnership with her husband, billionaire businessman Antony “Tony” Ressler.
Jami Gertz’s Career and Breakthrough Roles
Although Gertz’s name may not be as widely recognized as some of Hollywood’s A-listers, she did achieve fame with her performances in several iconic films. Her breakout role came in the 1987 vampire classic The Lost Boys, where she played Star. She also appeared in the 1984 teen comedy Sixteen Candles and in the 1996 blockbuster Twister, alongside Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Gertz has made numerous television appearances too, including roles in Seinfeld and Modern Family.
Despite these successful projects, her relatively low profile in Hollywood has left many wondering how she amassed such wealth. The answer lies not in acting alone but in her business savvy and strategic partnerships.
Jami Gertz is best known for her roles in The Lost Boys and Sixteen Candles. Credit: Warner Bros.
Jami Gertz’s Fortune: Business Interests and Philanthropy
In 1989, Jami Gertz married Tony Ressler, a billionaire entrepreneur who co-founded the private equity firm Apollo Global Management and later co-founded Ares Management. Ressler’s business acumen and investments have earned him a fortune that Forbes estimates at $11 billion. As a result, Gertz has shared in this immense wealth, thanks to her role as a partner in Ressler’s business ventures.
Additionally, the couple holds a minority stake in the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, a sports franchise that has significantly contributed to their wealth. Their business portfolio extends to other investments, including partial ownership in the Milwaukee Beavers, further solidifying their financial empire.
Jami Gertz is not the star who springs to mind when thinking of the world’s richest actor. Credit: Alamy
However, despite their fortune, Jami and Tony Ressler are not known for hoarding their wealth. In 2012, they were named the top donors to charity by the Giving Back Fund, after donating over $10 million to the Ressler Gertz Foundation. This foundation supports various causes, including the arts, education, health, and Jewish organizations.
Gertz’s philanthropic efforts also extend to her role on the board of directors for the Melanoma Research Alliance, the world’s largest nonprofit funder of skin cancer research. In addition to this, the Resslers are known for their commitment to creating meaningful change within their community.
Why Is Jami Gertz So Little Known?
Despite her staggering wealth, Jami Gertz has remained relatively out of the public eye. This may be due to her choice to focus on her family and philanthropic efforts rather than pursuing a high-profile acting career. Unlike other celebrities who continue to dominate Hollywood, Gertz has opted to maintain a low-key lifestyle, concentrating on her personal and charitable ventures.
This combination of a successful acting career, strategic business investments, and a dedication to philanthropy has led to her wealth — making her the richest actor in the world by a significant margin. While she may not be a household name like some of her peers, Jami Gertz’s legacy goes beyond acting. She’s a businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a role model for those who believe in using wealth and influence to create positive change.
Jami Gertz is married to billionaire Tony Ressler. Credit: Alamy
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Jami Gertz’s Unlikely Path to Becoming the Richest Actor in the World
When the name Jami Gertz is mentioned, most people’s first reaction might be confusion or curiosity. While she’s not the most famous actress in Hollywood, she holds the title of the world’s richest actor. Her fortune, valued at $3 billion, is a result of her astute business decisions and investments rather than her acting career.
Her marriage to Tony Ressler, who co-founded the multi-billion-dollar firms Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, has significantly contributed to her wealth. In addition, their ownership stake in the Atlanta Hawks has added another lucrative dimension to their financial portfolio.
Gertz’s philanthropic work is also worth noting. Along with her husband, she has donated millions to charity, focusing on causes such as education, health, and the arts. This commitment to giving back has earned them recognition, with the couple being named the number one charitable donors in 2012.
In conclusion, while Jami Gertz’s name might not be instantly recognized, her story is one of financial success, charitable giving, and making a difference in the world. Her wealth is a testament to how acting, combined with smart business moves, can result in extraordinary fortune.
