Who is the richest actress in Hollywood in 2026?

Written By Anurag Tiwari

Jami Gertz Actress and entrepreneur Beth Gertz is from the United States. In addition to her performances as Judy Miller in the CBS comedy Still Standing and Debbie Weaver in the ABC sitcom The Neighbors, Gertz acted in the movies Crossroads, Quicksilver, Less than Zero, The Lost Boys, and the television shows Square Pegs and Twister from the 1980s and 1996.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jami Gertz resided in the Glenview area. She went to public schools and completed her education at Maine East High School.She has two brothers, Michael and Scott, and her parents are Sharyn and Walter Gertz, a contractor and builder. Gertz is Jewish and grew up practicing Conservative Judaism.

She attended NYU to study acting after Norman Lear found her in a countrywide talent hunt. Gertz appeared alongside Andrew Dice Clay in one episode of Diff’rent Strokes as a kid actor. Additionally, she played Boots St. Clair, Blair’s friend and classmate, on The Facts of Life. After making her screen debut in the romantic drama Endless Love in 1981, Gertz co-starred in the comedic series Square Pegs on television in 1982–1983.

Her appearance as the buddy of Robert Downey Jr.’s hopeless drug user in the 1987 film Less than Zero brought her further notoriety. She also played alongside Jason Patric and Kiefer Sutherland in the 1987 movie The Lost Boys as Star, the “half vampire” girlfriend.

Gertz came back to the US after working as a perfume designer for Lanvin in Paris. She starred in movies such as Jersey Girl, Don’t Tell Her It’s Me, Listen to Me with Kirk Cameron (1989), and Solarbabies and Crossroads (1986). She played one of Jerry’s girlfriends in the Seinfeld episode “The Stall” from 1994. She works as a phone sex operator and is unable to “spare a square” of toilet paper for Elaine in the washroom. She portrayed Sarah in the 1994 television film This Can’t Be Love, which also starred Jason Bateman, Anthony Quinn, and Katharine Hepburn.

In the 1996 hit film Twister, she was cast in a supporting part. Later, in the 1997 season of ER, Gertz portrayed Dr. Nina Pomerantz, a recurrent character. During Friends’ pre-production, she allegedly received an offer to play Rachel Green but turned it down.

In 1989, Gertz wed Tony Ressler, a private equity businessman. They are parents of three sons. Gertz and her spouse are part of the investor group headed by Mark Attanasio that bought the Major League Baseball Milwaukee Brewers. Alliance College-Ready Public Schools’ Gertz-Ressler High Academy bears the names of Gertz and her spouse. In 2015, they also acquired ownership of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Atlanta Hawks. In the 2018, 2019, and 2020 NBA draft lotteries, Gertz played for the Hawks.

In 2010, Gertz became a board director of the Melanoma Research Alliance, the biggest nonprofit sponsor of melanoma research, and the Giving Back Fund named her and her husband the top donors to charity of any celebrity.

The Movies of Jami Gertz

Jami Gertz TV

Who is the richest actress in Hollywood in 2026?

While exact figures for 2026 can be difficult to pin down, multiple reliable sources point to Jami Gertz as the richest actress in Hollywood (and possibly globally) as of 2025–2026.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Claim

• Gertz’s net worth is often estimated at around US $8 billion.

• Some media reports suggest even higher figures (e.g., US $12 billion) in 2025.

• Her wealth surpasses that of many of her Hollywood peers who are still active in major film and business ventures.

How She Built Her Fortune

1. Acting career – Gertz began acting in the 1980s, with roles in films such as The Lost Boys and Twister.

2. Business & investments – Much of her wealth derives from investment and business ventures, rather than hugely expensive acting contracts.

3. Ownership stakes – She and her husband, billionaire investor Tony Ressler, own major assets including sports teams (such as the Atlanta Hawks) and private-equity backed firms.

Why This Matters

• This shows how in Hollywood, the title of “richest actress” doesn’t necessarily go to the one with the biggest pay-cheque for a blockbuster, but to someone who diversifies across acting, ownership, investment and production.

• Gertz’s case is interesting because while she appears less in headlines for major acting roles nowadays, her business acumen and asset base place her at the top of wealth rankings.

• For analysts and media watchers: this demonstrates that wealth accumulation in entertainment is increasingly about far more than just the screen.

A Few Important Caveats

• Although numerous sources name Gertz as the richest actress, many of these figures are estimates and can vary.

• Some lists use different criteria (net worth vs. annual earnings vs. active earnings) and may list others (e.g., Reese Witherspoon, Selena Gomez) for “highest paid” rather than “richest”. For example, one list estimates Gomez at ≈ $700 million in 2025. Brand Vision

• “Hollywood” can be loosely defined — these rankings often focus on U.S.-based actresses; other global cinema industries (Bollywood, etc.) have entirely separate rich-lists.

Conclusion

As of 2025–26, the strongest case is that Jami Gertz stands as the richest actress in Hollywood (and arguably in the world) due to her multi-platform investments, ownership assets and long-term accumulation of wealth, rather than purely her acting income.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Jami Gertz

1. Who is Jami Gertz?

Jami Gertz is an American actress and entrepreneur known for her iconic roles in movies like The Lost Boys, Less than Zero, Twister, and Crossroads. She also starred in popular TV shows such as Still Standing, The Neighbors, and Square Pegs. Beyond acting, she is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist.

2. When and where was Jami Gertz born?

Jami Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She grew up in the Glenview area and attended Maine East High School.

3. What is Jami Gertz’s educational background?

Gertz studied acting at New York University (NYU) after being discovered by legendary television producer Norman Lear during a national talent search.

4. What are Jami Gertz’s most famous movies?

Some of her best-known films include:

• Endless Love (1981)

• The Lost Boys (1987)

• Less than Zero (1987)

• Twister (1996)

• Crossroads (1986)

• Quicksilver (1986)

• Keeping Up with the Steins (2006)

5. Which TV shows has Jami Gertz appeared in?

She has appeared in numerous television shows, including:

• Square Pegs (1982–1983)

• The Facts of Life (1983–1984)

• Seinfeld (1994)

• ER (1997)

• Ally McBeal (2000–2002)

• Still Standing (2002–2006)

• The Neighbors (2012–2014)

6. What awards or nominations has Jami Gertz received?

Gertz earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Ally McBeal. She also received recognition from the Young Artist Awards for her performance in Still Standing.

7. Who is Jami Gertz’s husband?

Jami Gertz is married to Tony Ressler, a billionaire investor and co-founder of Ares Management. The couple married in 1989 and have three sons.

8. What businesses or investments does Jami Gertz own?

Jami Gertz and her husband are part-owners of major sports teams, including:

• Atlanta Hawks (NBA)

• Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
  They also established the Gertz-Ressler High Academy, reflecting their strong commitment to education and philanthropy.

9. What is Jami Gertz’s net worth in 2026?

As of 2026, Jami Gertz’s estimated net worth is around $8 billion to $12 billion, making her one of the richest actresses in Hollywood and the world.

10. How did Jami Gertz become so rich?

While she achieved fame through acting, the majority of her wealth comes from her business investments, particularly through her husband Tony Ressler’s ventures in private equity and ownership of sports franchises.

11. Is Jami Gertz involved in philanthropy?

Yes, Jami Gertz is deeply involved in charitable work. She serves as a board director of the Melanoma Research Alliance and, along with her husband, has been recognized as one of Hollywood’s top celebrity philanthropists by The Giving Back Fund.

12. Did Jami Gertz almost play Rachel Green in Friends?

Yes, during the early casting phase of Friends, Gertz was reportedly offered the role of Rachel Green but turned it down. The role eventually went to Jennifer Aniston.

13. What was Jami Gertz’s role in Twister (1996)?

In Twister, Gertz played Dr. Melissa Reeves, the fiancée of Bill Harding (played by Bill Paxton). Though a supporting role, the film remains one of her most recognized performances.

14. What religion does Jami Gertz follow?

Jami Gertz was raised in a Conservative Jewish household and continues to identify with her Jewish heritage.

15. Why is Jami Gertz considered the richest actress in Hollywood?

Her combination of acting success, strategic investments, and ownership in high-value sports teams has elevated her net worth far beyond that of other actresses. She exemplifies how wealth in Hollywood today often comes from entrepreneurship and smart investing, not just screen roles.

16. Who is Jami Gertz’s husband?

Jami Gertz is married to Antony “Tony” Ressler, a billionaire businessman and investor. He is the co-founder of Ares Management and Apollo Global Management, two of the world’s leading private equity firms. The couple tied the knot in 1989 and have remained one of Hollywood’s most enduring and philanthropic pairs.

17. What does Tony Ressler do for a living?

Tony Ressler is a private equity investor and financial executive. He manages billions of dollars in global investments through his firm, Ares Management, which focuses on alternative asset management. In addition, he is a co-owner of two major sports franchises — the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB).

18. How did Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler meet?

While the exact details of their first meeting remain private, the two reportedly met in the 1980s through mutual friends in Los Angeles, when Gertz was gaining fame as an actress and Ressler was establishing his career in finance. Their shared values and interest in philanthropy helped build a strong partnership.

19. When did Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler get married?

Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler were married in 1989. They have been together for more than three decades and are considered one of the most stable couples in the entertainment and business worlds.

20. Do Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler have children?

Yes, the couple has three sons — Oliver, Nicholas, and Theo Ressler. They have raised their children with a focus on education, humility, and social responsibility.

21. What do Jami Gertz’s sons do?

While the Ressler family maintains a low profile, here’s what is known:

• Oliver Ressler: The eldest son, involved in business and philanthropic initiatives.

• Nicholas Ressler: Known to be active in charity work and occasionally seen at NBA events with his parents.

• Theo Ressler: The youngest, pursuing his studies and interests in business and sports.

The family is frequently seen together at Atlanta Hawks games, where they are part of the team’s ownership group.

22. Are Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler sports team owners?

Yes. Together, Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler are part of the ownership group for the Atlanta Hawks, a team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). They also have stakes in the Milwaukee Brewers, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team.

23. Are Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler involved in charity work?

Absolutely. The couple are leading philanthropists in the U.S. They were named the top celebrity donors by The Giving Back Fund in 2010.
They actively support educational and health-related causes, including:

• The Gertz-Ressler High Academy, part of Alliance College-Ready Public Schools.

• The Melanoma Research Alliance, where Jami serves as a board director.

24. Where does Jami Gertz live with her family?

Jami Gertz and her family primarily reside in Los Angeles, California, though they also spend time in Atlanta, Georgia, due to their ownership of the Hawks. They are known for keeping their personal life private despite their massive public success.

25. What makes Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler a power couple?

Their relationship blends Hollywood stardom and Wall Street success. Gertz brings the charm and legacy of a respected actress, while Ressler provides financial expertise and global influence. Together, they’ve built an empire that balances wealth, family values, and philanthropy, earning them recognition as one of America’s most admired celebrity couples.

26. What new business venture has Jami Gertz launched recently?
In 2025, Jami Gertz partnered with Bayan Joonam to launch a new nonfiction media banner called Laugh Cry Wow. This move marks her expanding role beyond acting and sports-ownership into content production.

27. What is said about Jami Gertz’s wealth and business transformation?
Several outlets have highlighted her transition from ’80s actress to multi-billionaire sports team owner. For example, an article by Fox Business profiles how she helped lead the ownership of the Atlanta Hawks and built investment wealth. Another article by E! News positions her as possibly the richest woman in Hollywood.

28. Has there been media coverage about her personal appearance or public profile?
Yes—recent reports note that Jami Gertz was “unrecognisable” to some longtime fans, reflecting her changed public presence since her active acting years. These stories focus less on her work and more on her lifestyle, transformation and wealth.

29. Is Jami Gertz still active as an actress?
A: While she remains credited and visible, recent news emphasises her role as entrepreneur and owner rather than full-time actress. For example, the E! News article says she “is focusing on a new role: owner of the Atlanta Hawks”. So her acting career has taken a back-seat.

30. What should readers take away from these updates?
A: These updates illustrate how Jami Gertz has re-defined her career: from actress to businesswoman and investor.
Whether you’re writing about her film work, Hollywood net worth, or business ventures, these points provide current context:

• Launching new media banner (Laugh Cry Wow)

• Recognised as major wealth figure in entertainment

• Shifted into sports team ownership / investment full-time

• Less on-screen presence, more behind-the-scenes influence

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