From '80s Starlet to Billionaire Mogul: How Jami Gertz Quietly Became the Richest Celebrity Alive.
In the glittering haze of 1980s Hollywood, Jami Gertz stood out—not just for her iconic roles, but for a grounded charm that set her apart from the decade’s usual bombshell crowd. With her expressive brown eyes, untamed curls, and confident screen presence, Gertz wasn’t just another pretty face—she was the cool girl. Whether she was lighting up the screen in The Lost Boys, navigating teen angst in Sixteen Candles, or spiraling through high society in Less Than Zero, Gertz became a recognizable and beloved part of pop culture.
She shared the screen with stars who would go on to become Hollywood royalty—Kiefer Sutherland, John Cusack, Andrew McCarthy, and Robert Downey Jr., among others. While Sutherland now boasts a net worth of $100 million and Downey Jr. an eye-watering $300 million, neither come close to the jaw-dropping financial status Jami Gertz quietly built for herself.
Because—surprise—Jami Gertz is not only wealthy. She’s the wealthiest celebrity on Earth, with an estimated net worth of $12 billion.
An Unlikely Billionaire
Despite a film career that slowed in the 1990s, Gertz never left acting entirely. She kept working in smaller roles and eventually starred in the sitcom Still Standing. But while the world may have forgotten her name, she was busy building something far more valuable behind the scenes—thanks to one life-changing relationship.
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In the mid-80s, Gertz was introduced at a dinner party to a financier named Antony “Tony” Ressler. The party happened to be at his apartment. Sparks flew. He invited her to brunch. She said yes. The next day, roses showed up at her dressing room, where she was starring in a play opposite Jason Patric.
At the time, Gertz was the bigger name by far—an A-list actress, while Ressler was still carving his path in the financial world. But that meeting would turn out to be the beginning of a billion-dollar empire.
From Junk Bonds to Juggernauts
Tony Ressler was working at Drexel Burnham Lambert, a major firm that made its name (and infamy) in junk bonds. Drexel was led by the notorious Michael Milken, the so-called "Junk Bond King," who later spent nearly two years in prison and paid a $200 million fine after a massive financial scandal.
By 1989—the same year Gertz and Ressler got married—Drexel had collapsed spectacularly, sending shockwaves through the financial industry. At that point, it was Gertz who supported the couple financially. She paid for their vacations. She bought their first home. She was the star. He was the underdog.
But not for long.
In 1990, Ressler teamed up with fellow Drexel alumni Leon Black, Josh Harris, and Marc Rowan to found Apollo Global Management. That little startup would go on to become one of Wall Street’s most powerful private equity firms.
Fast forward to today, and Apollo manages over $500 billion in assets, with a market cap of roughly $80 billion. Leon Black is now worth $14 billion. Harris owns multiple professional sports teams. Rowan has $7 billion to his name.
But Ressler’s story didn’t stop at Apollo.
Enter: Ares Management
In 1997, Tony Ressler branched off again—this time founding Ares Management, a firm now managing $350 billion in assets. Ares, like Apollo, became a financial titan. Publicly traded under the ticker ARES, the company has a $50 billion market cap.
The bulk of Jami and Tony’s $12 billion fortune stems from Tony’s stakes in Ares and, to a lesser extent, Apollo. Unlike many celebrities whose net worths rely on branding deals and box office returns, Gertz's wealth is rooted in smart, long-term investments.
Billionaire Philanthropists
Despite their immense wealth, Gertz and Ressler have gained a reputation for generosity. They’ve donated hundreds of millions through the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, supporting institutions like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, LACMA, and the Gertz-Ressler High Academy—a school that’s part of the Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools.
They also founded the Painted Turtle Camp, which offers free summer experiences for children with chronic illnesses.
An NBA Dream Realized
In 2015, the couple made headlines when they purchased the Atlanta Hawks for $850 million—realizing Tony’s dream of owning an NBA team after losing out on the Clippers in 2014 to Steve Ballmer. Today, the Hawks are valued at $4 billion, making that investment one of the savviest in professional sports.
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They had already dipped their toes into sports ownership with a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers, but the Hawks solidified their place among elite sports moguls.
Family and Real Estate
Together, Gertz and Ressler have three sons and own over $100 million in real estate, including opulent homes in Beverly Park and Malibu. The couple lives comfortably—but not extravagantly, by billionaire standards—and Gertz still occasionally acts, appearing in series like Entourage, Modern Family, and of course, Still Standing.
Despite the wealth, Gertz has kept a low profile. She remains grounded and chooses causes she cares about, maintaining a level of humility rare in celebrity or finance circles.
A Surprising Legacy
Jami Gertz’s story is one of the most quietly incredible in the entertainment world. While many may remember her as the cool girl from The Lost Boys, few would guess that she’s wealthier than Oprah, Spielberg, and George Lucas combined.
She didn’t achieve this through blockbusters or streaming empires, but through a rock-solid marriage, smart investments, and philanthropic dedication. She may not be a household name in 2025, but her legacy—and her fortune—are undeniable.
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Jami Gertz was a success in her own right, carving out a notable acting career during one of Hollywood’s most iconic decades. But the love story that followed—marrying a brilliant financier who rebuilt from the ruins of Wall Street—was the icing on the cake of her remarkable fortune. Today, Gertz stands not only as the richest celebrity in the world but also as a symbol of longevity, loyalty, and smart living. Hers is a story of unexpected turns, powerful partnerships, and proof that greatness can come in the most unassuming packages.
