Jami Gertz

Jami Gertz is an American actress, sports team owner, and philanthropist, known as the world’s richest actress. Although her acting career had limited success, her wealth comes from business investments. Married to billionaire Tony Ressler, whose net worth is $13 billion according to Forbes, Jami Gertz has been with him since 1989. Together, they co-own the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB).

Jami Gertz has so much wealth that even the combined fortunes of the world’s richest male actor, Tyler Perry ($1.4 billion), along with top female stars like Taylor Swift ($1.6 billion), Rihanna ($1.4 billion), Selena Gomez ($1.3 billion), and Madonna ($850 million), cannot surpass her. Let’s take a closer look at how Jami Gertz built her wealth and financial empire.

What Is Jami Gertz’s Net Worth?

As of December 2024, Jami Gertz’s net worth is estimated to be $8 billion as per Celebrity Net Worth.

Jami Gertz may be best known for her roles in Less Than Zero and The Lost Boys, but she has come a long way to become a billionaire. While she had a successful career on her own, most of her wealth came from her marriage to billionaire investor and sports team owner Tony Ressler. Together, they co-own the Atlanta Hawks NBA team and hold a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler married in 1989, with Jami being the higher earner at the time. She funded their vacations and bought their first home in Los Angeles while Tony worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert during a financial crisis. A year later, in 1990, Tony co-founded Apollo Global Management with former Drexel colleagues Leon Black, Joshua Harris, and Marc Rowan. Despite the challenges, Apollo grew into a leading asset management company with over $500 billion in assets under management. 

In 1997, Tony co-founded Ares Management, LLC, an asset management firm with a global presence, including offices in Los Angeles, London, New York, and Shanghai. As of September 2024, Ares manages around $464 billion in assets as per Bloomberg. Tony, who owns approximately 17% of the publicly traded company, stepped down as CEO in 2017 and now serves as chairman.

The couple made their debut on the billionaire list in 2015 with a net worth of $1 billion. By 2017, their wealth grew to $1.8 billion, and today, their combined net worth is $8 billion. However, some sources, such as Forbes and Bloomberg, estimate Tony Ressler’s net worth to be around $13 billion. This discrepancy is due to differences in asset valuations, public reporting methods, and how their wealth is publicly attributed. Net worth figures can vary depending on the sources and how assets and liabilities are assessed.
Though Jami gained early fame in the 1980s, it’s her partnership with Tony that has significantly boosted her wealth. Together, Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler joined Mark Attanasio's group in 2005 to buy the Milwaukee Brewers for $223 million, as per Celebrity Networth. Ressler owns a minority stake in the Brewers, with the size of his stake undisclosed, but he is credited with a 6% stake based on the ownership group as per Bloomberg. According to Forbes, the Milwaukee Brewers are valued at $1.605 billion in 2024.

Since June 2015, Tony Ressler has been the principal owner of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, acquiring the team for an estimated $730 million, which was ultimately sold to him for $850 million. He is credited with a 51% stake in the Hawks based on the December 2023 NBA team valuations report by Sportico. The Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise is valued at approximately $3.8 billion in 2024, as per Forbes. To purchase the Hawks, Ressler formed a group that included former NBA players Grant Hill, Sara Blakely, Jesse Itzler, Steven Price, and Rick Schnall. Since then, Gertz and Ressler have built a 90,000-square-foot training facility and sports medicine center at Emory University and led a $192 million renovation of Philips Arena, now State Farm Arena, in Atlanta. Public funds covered $142.5 million, while the Resslers and team investors, including Sara Blakely, contributed $50 million as per The Hollywood Reporter. 

Beyond their business ventures, the couple is also deeply involved in philanthropy, co-founding the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation and the Painted Turtle Camp and supporting various charitable causes.

What is Jami Gertz’s Claim to Fame?

Jami Gertz’s journey to success is equally impressive. Let’s take a look at the key moments that helped her become one of the wealthiest actresses in the world.

• Early Career: Jami was discovered in a nationwide talent search by Norman Lear and studied drama at NYU. In 1983, she appeared as a child actor in shows like Diff'rent Strokes and had a recurring role on The Facts of Life as Blair's friend, Boots St. Clair.
• Debut Film: Jami Gertz made her film debut in the 1981 romance Endless Love, based on Scott Spencer's 1979 novel of the same name. The film, which grossed $32.4 million, featured Gertz as Patty and co-starred in the TV sitcom Square Pegs. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in the 1987 films Less than Zero, alongside Robert Downey Jr. which grossed $12.4 million, and The Lost Boys, as Star, the "half-vampire" girlfriend.
• Less Than Zero: Jami gained wider recognition with her starring role in 1987's Less than Zero, playing the friend of a troubled drug addict portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. The film grossed $12.4 million at the box office.
• Marriage: Jami Gertz has been married to business executive and investor Tony Ressler since 1989. The couple, who has three sons, is known for their active involvement in philanthropy and the financial empire they have built. Early in their marriage, Jami was the higher earner, funding their vacations and buying their first home in Los Angeles while Tony worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert during a financial crisis. 
• Apollo Global Management: In 1990, Jami’s husband Tony Ressler co-founded Apollo Global Management with former Drexel colleagues Leon Black, Joshua Harris, and Marc Rowan. Despite the challenges following the collapse of Drexel, Apollo grew into a leading asset management company, managing over $500 billion in assets.
• Ares Management: In 1997, Tony co-founded Ares Management, LLC, a global asset management firm with offices in cities such as Los Angeles, London, New York, and Shanghai. By September 2024, Ares had grown to manage roughly $464 billion in assets. Tony, who holds about 17% of the publicly traded company, stepped down as CEO in 2017 and now serves as chairman.
• Milwaukee Brewers: In 2005, Jami and her husband, Tony Ressler, joined Mark Attanasio’s group to purchase the Milwaukee Brewers for $223 million. While Tony holds a minority stake, Jami shares in this successful investment. As of 2024, Forbes values the Brewers at $1.605 billion.
• The Neighbors: From 2012 to 2014, Gertz starred in the ABC sitcom The Neighbors, where she played the mother of a human family that moves into a neighborhood inhabited by residents from another planet.
• Atlanta Hawks: Since June 2015, Jami Gertz and her husband, Tony Ressler, have been major owners of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. Tony bought the team for $850 million, which was originally valued at $730 million. According to Forbes, the Hawks are valued at $3.8 billion in 2024, with Tony owning 51% of the team. 
• Richest Actor: Jami Gertz, the American actress-turned-entrepreneur, became the world's richest actor in late 2022 to early 2023, surpassing even the wealthiest male actor, Tyler Perry who has an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion as of December 2024. 

What businesses does Jami Gertz own?

In addition to her acting work, the 59-year-old actress is a successful businesswoman and has investments in several companies. Let's take a look at them.

• Milwaukee Brewers: Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler are part of a powerful investment group that purchased the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball in 2005 for $223 million. Ressler owns a minority stake in the Brewers, with his stake credited at 6% based on the ownership group. In 2005, Ressler was part of the investment group led by Mark Attanasio, which successfully acquired the MLB team.
• Atlanta Hawks: In 2015, Jami and her husband, Tony Ressler, joined efforts to acquire the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. Since June 2015, Tony has been the principal owner of the Hawks, purchasing the team for an estimated $730 million, which was ultimately sold to him for $850 million. He is credited with a 51% stake in the Hawks. Jami represented the Hawks during the NBA draft lottery for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 drafts.
• Lime Orchard Productions: In 2010, the Chicago-born actress and former agent Stacey Lubliner established Lime Orchard Productions to produce films about the human condition. The company’s most successful project was A Better Life, a 2011 film directed by Chris Weitz. The movie grossed $1.8 million at the box office and earned an Oscar nomination for Demian Bichir’s performance. Despite this success, Gertz mentioned that she struggled for five years to produce other films with the company but did not achieve much success in those efforts.
• JG&A, LLC: Jami Gertz is the founder and owner of JG&A, LLC, a consulting firm that offers entrepreneurship advice and guidance for start-up companies. 
• Henry Rose: The Lost Boys star co-founded Henry Rose, a lifestyle brand that focuses on high-quality home goods, accessories, and essential apothecary items. The brand aims to offer well-crafted products that enhance everyday living.

Jami Gertz's husband, Tony Ressler, co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990 and Ares Management in 1997. He now serves as chairman of Ares after stepping down as CEO in 2017.

What Brands Does Jami Gertz Endorse?

Jami Gertz, known for her acting career and charitable work with her husband Tony Ressler, has kept a low profile when it comes to brand endorsements. While she doesn't do many commercial endorsements, she is seen endorsing her own franchise.

• Atlanta Hawks: In 2015, Jami Gertz and her husband, Tony Ressler, teamed up to acquire the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. Since June 2015, Tony has been the principal owner of the Hawks, and Jami has represented the team during the NBA draft lottery for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 drafts. Fans were surprised to see the half-vampire from The Lost Boys running an NBA franchise. While her husband, famously shy, takes charge behind the scenes, Jami has largely become the "face" of the brand, frequently appearing at events and speaking about the team. 
• Henry Rose: Jami Gertz is also the face of Henry Rose, the brand she co-founded, which focuses on offering high-quality home goods, accessories, and apothecary items. Specific details of this business including her endorsement remain unknown.

How does Jami Gertz spend her billions?

The richest actress is known for her charitable contributions and commitment to giving back. In addition to her business ventures and philanthropy, the couple has also invested in real estate ventures. Let’s take a look at them.

Jami Gertz’s Real Estate Portfolio 

Jami Gertz and her husband own properties in some of the most expensive areas in the United States. Let’s take a look at these properties:

• Beverly Hills Home: Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler’s primary home is located in Beverly Hills, in one of the most exclusive gated communities, perched on a mountaintop offering a stunning 360-degree view of Los Angeles. The property is valued at $17 million, according to My Flashy Home. Their luxurious 13,049-square-foot mansion in Beverly Park is surrounded by high-profile neighbors like Denzel Washington, Sylvester Stallone, Mark Wahlberg, and Eddie Murphy. The home includes seven bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a guest house, a pool, a tennis court, and breathtaking views of Los Angeles. It also features a gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, living room with glass walls opening to the backyard, home theater, music room, and office. The property offers relaxation with amenities like a swimming pool, lush gardens, and a cabana with a fully-equipped gym.
• Malibu Beach House: The Chicago-born businesswoman and her husband Tony Ressler’s Malibu home is located above Broad Beach, one of the most sought-after areas in Malibu. They purchased this luxury beachfront property in 1993 for over $3.5 million. While their Malibu beach house is smaller at 4,016 square feet, it features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, spacious living areas, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Vehicles Owned By Jami Gertz Over The Years

Jami Gertz's car collection is not widely known and appears understated, especially compared to her impressive real estate portfolio and financial ventures.

What Are Jami Gertz’s Charitable Contributions?

The 59-year-old entrepreneur is also a generous philanthropist. In 2010, The Giving Back Fund recognized her and her husband as the top celebrity donors to charity. Some of her philanthropic efforts and charitable donations include:

• The Ressler Gertz Foundation: Founded in 1997, The Ressler Gertz Foundation is a philanthropic organization established by Jami Gertz and her husband, Antony Ressler. The foundation supports a variety of causes, including education, art museums, Jewish organizations and temples, and health and human services. Thanks to a record donation of $10,569,002 to the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, actress Jami Gertz and her husband, Antony Ressler, topped The Giving Back Fund's list of the 30 Most Generous Celebrities, a non-profit organization that tracks global philanthropic giving.
• Painted Turtle Camp: Jami Gertz is the co-founder of The Painted Turtle, a summer camp for children with serious illnesses. The camp, created with her husband, Tony Ressler, and other philanthropists like Paul Newman, provides a unique experience for children with serious medical conditions, though the financial details are not disclosed.
• LACMA: In December 2022, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) received a $1.7 million grant from the Ressler Gertz Foundation to support its mission as a cultural hub, offering art and educational programs to the community. Founded in 1965, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western U.S. and plays an important role in providing art and education to Los Angeles' diverse communities.
• Cedars-Sinai: In December 2022, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a leading healthcare institution in Los Angeles, received a $400,000 grant from the Ressler/Gertz Foundation. The funding will support programs that enhance patient care and promote innovative medical research. Cedars-Sinai is known for its top-tier healthcare and research.
• RCIE: In 2024, The Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, led by Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, donated $5 million to the Herman J. Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE) in Atlanta. RCIE is known for providing real solutions to support the growth of Black businesses, jobs, and wealth in the community. This grant is part of a $40 million plan to help local African-American entrepreneurs with resources, education, and networking.
• Prostate Cancer Foundation: In March 2024, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation pledged $75,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), supporting research and patient care, and the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation matched the donation, bringing the total contribution to $150,000.

What’s Next For Jami Gertz?

Currently, Jami Gertz hasn't shared her plans for the rest of 2025. However, she recently sparked online discussion after the release of Twisters, the sequel to the 1996 film Twister. As fans revisited the '90s classic, many were puzzled by Gertz's role, raising curiosity about what this actress-turned-businesswoman would do next.