Jami Gertz, best known for her roles in movies like Twister and The Lost Boys, has quietly amassed a fortune that far surpasses that of some of Hollywood’s richest stars.
With a net worth of around $8 billion, Gertz’s wealth eclipses the likes of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Jennifer Lopez.
What’s remarkable, however, is that her path to riches didn’t follow the typical trajectory of marrying into wealth.
In fact, when she and her husband, Tony Ressler, met in the 1980s, she was making more money than he was.
A Different Kind of Power Couple
Gertz’s story isn’t one of simply marrying a billionaire businessman.
When they first crossed paths, Gertz was financially independent and made more money than Ressler, who would later co-found the successful private-equity firm Ares Management.
She even paid for their first house and their initial vacation together.
Despite their wealth and the public’s assumption that she married for money, Gertz insists that her decision to marry Tony was driven by love, not finances.
The Early Years: From Acting to Business Ventures
While Gertz gained fame as an actress in the 1980s and ’90s, starring in films like Less Than Zero and The Lost Boys, her career in Hollywood started to slow down in the 2000s.
By the time she launched her production company, Lime Orchard Productions, in 2010, acting roles were becoming fewer and further between.
Despite her best efforts, Lime Orchard’s ventures didn’t take off, with the only success being A Better Life—a film that earned Demian Bichir an Oscar nomination.
Turning to Business: Building an Empire with Tony Ressler
After the lackluster results of her production company, Gertz shifted her focus toward business ventures.
Together with Ressler, she became deeply involved in sports ownership.
Their first major investment was in the Milwaukee Brewers, and their second, and more successful, endeavor was acquiring a controlling stake in the Atlanta Hawks in 2015.
As co-owners of the Hawks, they’ve made significant investments in the team’s facilities, including a $142.5 million renovation, with taxpayers covering most of the bill.
Gertz has also taken on a more public-facing role, appearing as the face of the couple’s sports ventures, while Ressler continues to work behind the scenes.
A Strong Focus on Philanthropy
Now that they are firmly entrenched in the ranks of the ultra-wealthy, the couple has expanded their focus to philanthropy.
Their wealth has allowed them to give back to various causes, continuing to build their legacy beyond the world of business and entertainment.
More Than Just Hollywood Fame
Through her marriage to Tony Ressler, Gertz has built a vast fortune, but it’s her own entrepreneurial drive that has cemented her place among the wealthiest individuals in America.
While she may have initially been known for her acting, Gertz’s story is now one of financial independence, business acumen, and the growth of a legacy far beyond the silver screen.
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