Imagine disappearing from the limelight after starring in some of the biggest movies of the 1980s—only to re-emerge years later as one of the wealthiest women in Hollywood. That’s exactly what’s happened with Jami Gertz.
Though she’s kept a low profile in recent years, she was recently spotted out and about in Los Angeles—and yes, she’s still every bit the style icon she was decades ago.
A Low-Key Outing with Major Style
The 59-year-old actress turned billionaire was seen this week having lunch at the ultra-exclusive San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood.
The members-only club is known for attracting big names like Leonardo DiCaprio and Elon Musk, and Jami fit right in.
Dressed in a powder blue blouse, white trousers, and coordinating loafers, she carried a chic red handbag and wore stylish sunglasses, wrapping a cozy shawl around her shoulders just in case the LA weather turned chilly.
A Household Name in the ’80s
If the name Jami Gertz rings a bell, it’s because she was everywhere in the 1980s.
She starred in teen classics like Sixteen Candles, Less Than Zero, and cult favorite The Lost Boys—where she played a vampire opposite Kiefer Sutherland.
By the time the ’90s rolled around, she was still active on screen, scoring her last major box office hit with Twister in 1996.
Marriage to a Future Billionaire
In 1989, Jami married Tony Ressler, a banker at the time who would later make a fortune in private equity.
He helped launch Apollo Global Management and later founded Ares Management.
Today, Tony is worth an estimated $14.2 billion—and their joint fortune makes them one of the wealthiest couples in entertainment.
She Was the Breadwinner at First
It might surprise people, but Jami has said she was actually the one with more money when they first met.
In a 2018 interview, she proudly recalled paying for their first home and their first vacation.
“I married him because I loved him,” she said, adding that at the time, he was “just a nice guy with a job,” which, for a nice Jewish girl from Glenview, was good enough.
Still a Familiar Face on TV
Though her big-screen appearances have slowed, Jami stayed active on television throughout the 2000s.
She starred in the family sitcom Still Standing from 2002 to 2006 and appeared in fan-favorite shows like ER, Entourage, Ally McBeal, and Modern Family.
Her most recent major role was in The Neighbors, a quirky sitcom about aliens that aired until 2014.
Sports, Scandals, and Billion-Dollar Headlines
In 2015, Jami and Tony bought the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, joining forces with former player Grant Hill.
They stepped in after the previous owner stepped down following controversy over a racially insensitive email.
Their ownership marked a new chapter—not just for the team but for Jami, too, as she transitioned into high-profile business and philanthropy.
Viral Net Worth Claims Spark New Attention
Earlier this year, Jami’s wealth made headlines again when Celebrity Net Worth estimated her fortune at $12 billion.
Though the accuracy of the figure sparked debate online, it added to her mystique as a former teen star turned ultra-wealthy businesswoman.
A Quiet Return to the Screen
While she’s not acting regularly, Jami hasn’t completely left Hollywood behind.
Her most recent film credit was in the 2022 dark comedy I Want You Back, alongside Jenny Slate and Charlie Day.
Living Her Best (Low-Key) Life
These days, Jami seems perfectly content living out of the spotlight, enjoying her family, and staying grounded—despite her staggering fortune.
Whether she’s making headlines for her fashion sense or for her business ventures, she’s proving you don’t have to be in front of the camera to make a lasting impact in Hollywood.