Jami Gertz's Net Worth 2025: From Hollywood Starlet to Billionaire Businesswoman.
Jami Gertz, once a familiar face in 1980s Hollywood, has transformed into one of the wealthiest and most quietly powerful women in the world of entertainment and finance. Her journey from teen movie fame to boardroom prominence is a rare example of long-term reinvention. With a net worth estimated in the billions, Gertz exemplifies what it means to evolve with grace, intelligence, and strategic thinking. Though often associated with her husband, billionaire investor Antony Ressler, Jami Gertz’s own achievements—on-screen, in philanthropy, and as a sports team owner—are substantial. Her life story is more than just a tale of wealth; it’s about determination, evolution, and legacy.
Jami Gertz's Early Life
Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in a tight-knit Jewish family in the suburb of Glenview, she grew up in a middle-class home with her two brothers. Her father, Walter Gertz, worked as a builder and contractor, while her mother, Sharyn, managed the household. Gertz’s upbringing was modest, grounded in family values, education, and strong community ties.
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From a young age, Jami showed signs of artistic flair and a passion for performing. Encouraged by her parents, she took ballet lessons and participated in local theater productions throughout childhood. Her drive and talent led her to attend Maine East High School, the same school that spawned notable alumni like Harrison Ford and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
After high school, Gertz pursued higher education at New York University's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied drama. Her big break came when she was discovered by legendary television producer Norman Lear during a nationwide talent search. Lear recognized her potential and cast her in the sitcom “Square Pegs,” launching her into early television stardom and setting the stage for her film career.
Jami Gertz's Career
Jami Gertz’s acting career began in the early 1980s and quickly gathered momentum. She became a standout in coming-of-age films and teen dramas that defined a generation. Among her most iconic roles are Star in The Lost Boys (1987), Blair in Less Than Zero (1987), and Melissa in the blockbuster Twister (1996). Her performance in Less Than Zero showcased her dramatic range, acting opposite Robert Downey Jr. in a gritty portrayal of drug addiction and privilege.
She also enjoyed significant success on television. Gertz starred in the CBS sitcom Still Standing (2002–2006), where she played a wisecracking suburban mom—a role that endeared her to a new generation of viewers. She later led the ABC sci-fi comedy The Neighbors (2012–2014), proving her comedic timing and staying power on the small screen.
In addition to her acting work, Gertz briefly worked behind the scenes in the 1990s as a scent designer for Lanvin, a French perfume house—a surprising but creative detour.
While acting was her first passion, Gertz gradually stepped away from the industry by the mid-2010s. Her final notable appearance was in 2022. Since then, she has focused her energy on family, philanthropy, business, and sports ownership—areas where she has made a profound and lasting impact.
Jami Gertz's Personal Life
In 1989, Jami Gertz married Antony Ressler, an American financier and entrepreneur. Ressler is the co-founder of private equity powerhouses Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, firms that together manage hundreds of billions in assets. Their union became a powerful merger of Hollywood glamour and Wall Street brilliance.
The couple has three sons—Oliver, Nicholas, and Theo—and they are deeply committed to maintaining a grounded family life despite their wealth. They are known for being philanthropic, low-profile, and community-minded. Together, they established the Gertz-Ressler Foundation, which supports education, health care, and Jewish community initiatives.
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One of their most notable contributions is the funding of the Gertz-Ressler High Academy, a charter school in Los Angeles focused on academic excellence and leadership development. In 2012, Gertz and Ressler were recognized as top donors to charitable causes in the U.S., illustrating their dedication to giving back.
Although her marriage has brought immense financial fortune, Jami Gertz is widely admired for maintaining her own identity and integrity. She continues to be a strong presence at philanthropic events, NBA games, and educational initiatives across the country.
Jami Gertz's Real Estate
Gertz and Ressler own two primary residences: a beachfront property in Malibu and a sprawling estate in Beverly Hills. The Malibu home, purchased in 1993 for over $3.5 million, offers breathtaking ocean views and luxurious amenities fit for a movie star. Their Beverly Hills mansion, located in the exclusive Beverly Park community—home to other celebrities and billionaires—is estimated to be worth around $60 million.
Jami Gertz's Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Jami Gertz's net worth is estimated to be between $8 billion and $12 billion accoriding to Celebrity Net Worth. While this massive figure is primarily attributed to her husband Antony Ressler’s financial ventures, Gertz herself has played an integral role in managing and expanding their shared empire.
How Did We Calculate Jami Gertz's Net Worth?
The estimation of Gertz’s net worth is based on the following factors:
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Investment Firms: Ressler’s co-founding of Apollo Global Management and Ares Management—each managing assets in the hundreds of billions—forms the financial backbone of the Gertz-Ressler fortune.
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Sports Ownership: The couple owns a majority stake in the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, valued at approximately $2.5 billion as of 2025. They also own a minority interest in the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
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Real Estate: Their luxury homes in Beverly Hills and Malibu, worth approximately $63.5 million combined, add to their tangible assets.
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Other Investments & Philanthropy: Their foundation, arts contributions, and educational investments also form part of the larger valuation.
How Did Jami Gertz Earn Her Wealth?
Jami Gertz initially built her wealth through a successful acting career in television and film. She then transitioned into business and philanthropy, and her marriage to Antony Ressler significantly expanded her financial footprint. Gertz has been actively involved in decision-making related to investments, charitable giving, and sports franchise management—making her more than just a passive recipient of wealth.
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What Team Does Jami Gertz Own?
Jami Gertz and Antony Ressler are the majority owners of the Atlanta Hawks, an NBA team they purchased in 2015. Gertz is often seen at courtside, attending games and representing the franchise at NBA draft lotteries and charity events. The couple also holds a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers, a Major League Baseball team.
How Many Houses Does Jami Gertz Own?
Gertz currently owns two well-documented properties:
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Malibu Home: Acquired in 1993 for $3.5 million, it remains one of her most treasured real estate holdings, offering spectacular views and seclusion.
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Beverly Hills Mansion: Situated in Beverly Park, this $60 million estate reflects the pinnacle of luxury and privacy, with extensive grounds, security, and architectural grandeur.
What Does Jami Gertz Do Now?
Today, Jami Gertz is focused on three pillars: philanthropy, business, and family. She actively participates in the management of the Atlanta Hawks and directs philanthropic initiatives through the Gertz-Ressler Foundation. Though she has stepped away from acting, her presence in high-level business and charitable circles has only grown stronger.
Conclusion - A Success Story
Jami Gertz’s evolution from a beloved actress to a billionaire businesswoman is both inspiring and remarkable. Her early success in Hollywood laid the foundation for a life filled with strategic investments, philanthropic endeavors, and personal growth. She was successful in her own right long before she married Antony Ressler—and that success has only grown with their partnership. The fact that her husband is a multibillionaire is simply the cherry on the cake of an extraordinary life defined by passion, purpose, and quiet power.
