Who comes to mind when you think of the richest actor in the world? Maybe you’re thinking Dwayne Johnson or Tom Cruise, or perhaps Margot Robbie after the incredible success of “Barbie.” But, you might be surprised to learn about the actual titleholder.
It’s none other than Jami Gertz, an actress whose name might not ring a bell immediately. Gertz, a familiar face from the 80s to the early 2000s, holds the unexpected title of the wealthiest actor globally.
Over the years, Gertz has appeared in popular films and shows like “Twister,” “The Lost Boys,” “Still Standing,” and “Sixteen Candles.” More recently, she graced the screen in the 2022 Prime Video romantic comedy, “I Want You Back.”
According to NME, as of 2023, Gertz’s net worth is an astonishing $3 billion. This staggering amount surpasses other wealthy actors like Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lopez, and Jackie Chan, securing her the top spot as the richest actor in the world.
While Gertz’s acting career surely contributed a fair share to her fortune, her significant wealth mainly stems from her savvy business ventures away from the film industry.
Gertz married businessman Tony Ressler in 1989. The following year, Ressler went on to found the private equity firms Apollo Global Management, and his current net worth stands at a cool $10.5 billion, according to Forbes.
The couple has invested their fortune in several areas, including sports. They are part owners of the NBA team, the Atlanta Hawks, and minority owners of the Milwaukee Beavers baseball team.
In addition to sports, Gertz also founded her own production company, Lime Orchard Productions, back in 2010.
Despite her husband’s substantial wealth, Gertz shared in a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she was the higher earner when they met. “Everyone thinks I married a rich guy,” she said. “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. I married him because I fell in love with him.”
Beyond their business and sports investments, Gertz and Ressler are also known for their philanthropy. They founded The Ressler-Gertz Foundation and were ranked as the top celebrity donors in 2012, after donating a whopping $10 million to their foundation.
Additionally, the couple contributed a significant $50 million of their own money towards the $192 million renovation of the State Farm Arena, which reopened in late 2018 after six months of upgrades.
The story of Jami Gertz is a fascinating look at success that extends far beyond the silver screen, blending Hollywood charm with hardcore business acumen and heartfelt philanthropy.