Jami Gertz: The Life, Career, And Net Worth Of A Hollywood Legend

Just How Rich is Jami Gertz?

Let’s talk about Jami Gertz. She’s not just your average Hollywood star—she’s an actress, sports team owner, and philanthropist with a net worth that’ll knock your socks off: $8 billion. Now, before you think she hit the jackpot all on her own, most of that fortune comes from her marriage to billionaire investor and sports team owner Tony Ressler. Together, they own a piece of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team and have a stake in the Milwaukee Brewers. Not too shabby, right?

But here’s the twist: when Jami and Tony tied the knot back in 1989, she was the one bringing home the bacon. She paid for their vacations and even bought their first home in LA. Tony, at the time, was working for Drexel Burnham Lambert, which was about to go belly-up in one of Wall Street’s biggest collapses. The next year, he co-founded Apollo Global Management with a few former colleagues, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Of course, Jami wasn’t sitting around waiting for her husband’s investments to pay off. She’s had a storied career in Hollywood, starring in films like “Crossroads,” “Less Than Zero,” and “The Lost Boys.” She also made a name for herself on the small screen, with memorable roles in “Square Pegs,” “Seinfeld,” and “Ally McBeal.” Later, she became a regular on “Still Standing” and “The Neighbors.”

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Early Days: A Chicago Girl Makes Good

Let’s rewind to the beginning. Jami Gertz was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 28, 1965. She’s a proud product of the Midwest, attending Maine East High School before heading to NYU to study acting. Her journey to fame started early, with her first on-screen role in the 1981 film “On the Right Track.” From there, she quickly made a name for herself in the competitive world of entertainment.

Rising to Stardom: The Breakthrough Years

Jami’s big break came in the 1980s when she landed roles in some of the most popular TV shows of the era, like “Square Pegs,” “Different Strokes,” and “The Facts of Life.” But it wasn’t just TV where she shone. In the mid-80s, she transitioned to the big screen, starring in films like “Sixteen Candles,” “Solarbabies,” “Less Than Zero,” and “The Lost Boys.”

Her career took a brief detour when she moved to France to work as a scent designer for Lanvin. But she soon returned to acting, picking up right where she left off. In 1997, she had a recurring role on “ER” as Dr. Nina Pomerantz, and she went on to land guest or co-starring roles in shows like “Sibs,” “Seinfeld,” “Ally McBeal,” and “Still Standing.” In 2001, she earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her work on “Ally McBeal.”

Jami’s versatility and charm kept her in demand throughout the 2000s and beyond. She played Gilda Radner in the biographical movie “Gilda Radner: It’s Always Something,” had a recurring role as Marlo Klein on “Entourage,” and made a memorable appearance on “Modern Family.” Between 2012 and 2014, she starred in 44 episodes of the quirky sci-fi sitcom “The Neighbors.” Along the way, she also appeared in films like “Twister” and “Keeping Up with the Steins.”

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Marriage and Family

When Jami married financier Tony Ressler in 1989, little did she know how much her life was about to change. The following year, Tony co-founded Apollo Global Management, which today manages over $500 billion in assets. Later, he co-founded Ares Management, which manages another $300 billion. Ressler owns an estimated 30% of Ares’ equity, making the couple billionaires many times over.

The Gertz-Ressler family first appeared on the billionaire list in 2015 with a net worth of $1 billion. By 2017, that number had grown to $1.8 billion, and today, they’re worth a staggering $8 billion. Interestingly, Tony’s sister Debra is married to Leon Black, another Apollo co-founder, and they all seem to be doing just fine in the real estate game.

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Philanthropy and Giving Back

But it’s not all about money for Jami and Tony. They’re incredibly generous philanthropists and have been ranked among the most charitable celebrities in the world. They’ve even been the top donors in some years. One of their proudest achievements is founding Painted Turtle Camp, an organization that provides life-changing camping experiences for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

Living the High Life: Real Estate Empire

Where do you live when you’re worth $8 billion? For Jami and Tony, it’s Malibu and Beverly Hills. Their Beverly Hills home is tucked away in one of the most exclusive gated communities in town, perched atop a mountain with breathtaking 360-degree views of LA. Their neighbors include A-listers like Denzel Washington, Sylvester Stallone, Eddie Murphy, and Mark Wahlberg. Tax records peg the house’s value at a minimum of $30 million, but if it ever hit the market, it could fetch closer to $50 million. Their Malibu home, meanwhile, overlooks the pristine sands of Broad Beach, one of the most sought-after locations in the area.