The actress | Source: Getty Images
This '80s Star Became One of Hollywood's Richest Women, but It's Not Because of Her Acting Career – Here's How She Looks in 2025
People made assumptions about how the celebrity accumulated her wealth, but she once clarified in an interview that she understood it was not an ordinary "Hollywood actress tale."
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A film icon of the 1980s who later became a successful businesswoman was recently photographed during a rare public appearance, and reports claimed she looked almost unrecognizable.
She rose to fame in blockbusters like the 1996 action-adventure "Twister" and the 1987 horror comedy "The Lost Boys." Today, she is considered one of the wealthiest actresses in Hollywood.
Born and raised in Chicago, she openly discussed her path from acting to becoming the wife of a billionaire and co-owner of a professional basketball team. "I get it. It's not your everyday Hollywood actress tale," she said.
Jami Gertz's journey took a pivotal turn in 1986 when she was introduced to financier Tony Ressler at 21 by her publicist, Susan Geller. At the time, Ressler was working in banking.
Their first meeting took place at a dinner party in his Los Angeles apartment, after which he invited her to brunch. Soon after, the actress sent a dozen flowers to a small theater in Santa Monica where she was performing, a gesture that left a lasting impression.
In a joint interview, Ressler recalled, "All I knew was that she was a working actress. I didn't know [her movie and TV credits]." Nonetheless, he was captivated, and the attraction was mutual.
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Gertz described him as "a nice guy with a job." For her, that was what any Jewish girl from Glenview would want. She admitted that a doctor or lawyer might have been preferable, but a banker suited her just fine.
Two years later, in June 1989, they tied the knot. "Everyone thinks I married a rich guy. But I made more money — way more money — than Tony when I met him," Gertz revealed. The 59-year-old shared that she had paid for their first home and their first vacation. "I married him because I fell in love with him," she added.
Not long after, Ressler began earning enough to take over those expenses. In 1990, he co-founded the private-equity giant Apollo Global, and later launched Ares Management, which became highly successful.
When describing the firm in a 2018 interview, Ressler said, "We're a $125-ish billion asset manager. I guess the right quote would be, 'We're the most amazing investment firm in the history of the universe.'"
In 2015, the Washington-born businessman purchased the Atlanta Hawks for $750 million. Gertz, his high-profile wife, now serves as the team's public face.
From her days on the big screen to her role as a businesswoman, Gertz's evolution over the decades has been remarkable in both career and appearance.
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1982
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On a bustling TV set, Jami Gertz beamed in a deep red sweater, standing against a backdrop of playful audition posters.
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Seated before a bold green backdrop, Jami Gertz flashed a warm smile in a relaxed blue ensemble, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulder.
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1986
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During a Los Angeles portrait session, Jami Gertz leaned forward in a black top and red headband, her sparkling eyes framed by tousled hair.
1987
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Radiating excitement, Jami Gertz arrived at a Beverly Hills dinner party in a chic navy turtleneck, her sleek hair and glowing smile stealing the spotlight.
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1988
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At the American Cinematheque Award ceremony, Jami Gertz stunned in an elegant black outfit as she posed alongside Tony Ressler, both exuding classic Hollywood glamour.
1989
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At the "Listen to Me" premiere in Beverly Hills, Jami Gertz lit up the night in a tailored black coat, her sleek bob and radiant smile exuding effortless charm.
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1990
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Glowing with a summer tan, Jami Gertz arrived at the "Presumed Innocent" premiere in Westwood wearing a daring black mini dress and a radiant smile.
1991
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Beaming in a floral dress with gold drop earrings, Jami Gertz brought a burst of summer charm to the ABC Summer TCA Press Tour in Universal City.
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1994
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Wrapped in a textured burgundy turtleneck and plaid skirt, Jami Gertz flashed a bright smile while arriving with Tony Ressler for an opening night performance in Westwood.
2000
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With her arms crossed and a confident smile, Jami Gertz posed in a tailored navy blazer while filming the television comedy pilot "Fourplay."
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2005
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Radiating casual chic, Jami Gertz paired a denim jacket with a graphic tee and hoop earrings while attending a summer dinner event in East Hampton.
2010
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Jami Gertz embraced a relaxed boho style in a cream eyelet blouse and layered necklaces while attending the Painted Turtle’s Annual Bingo Night in West Hollywood.
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2015
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In a shimmering gold dress with bold lightning-bolt accents, Jami Gertz posed elegantly beside Tony Ressler at LACMA’s Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles.
2018
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Bundled in a chunky gray sweater and carrying a crossbody bag, Jami Gertz stepped out casually for a daytime outing in Los Angeles.
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2021
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Standing between striking portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama, Jami Gertz shone in a sequined black dress alongside Tony Ressler at LACMA’s Art+Film Gala.
2024
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Pictured alongside Tony Ressler, Jami Gertz exuded glamour in a sheer black lace dress at the "Magic City: An American Fantasy" premiere afterparty in Austin.
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Speaking on stage at SXSW, Jami Gertz wore bold glasses and a black lace top, gesturing passionately as she addressed the audience.
2025
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Dressed in a crisp white shirt and glasses, Jami Gertz appeared relaxed yet attentive during a casual daytime conversation outdoors. | Source: Facebook/DailyMailEntertainment
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Glowing in a hot pink suit and matching frames, Jami Gertz lit up the "Magic City: An American Fantasy" screening red carpet in Atlanta with her vibrant style.
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Smiling for photographers, Jami Gertz showcased a bold monochromatic pink look at the "Magic City: An American Fantasy" screening.
Gertz's rise to wealth was shaped by her acting career, her business acumen, and her marriage to Tony Ressler. She entered the relationship financially independent, contradicting the public's assumptions.
Ressler's ventures in finance and sports ownership propelled them into the billionaire ranks. Today, Gertz continues to maintain a presence in both entertainment and the business world.
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