When people think of the world’s richest actors, names like Dwayne Johnson, Tom Cruise, or George Clooney often come to mind. But surprisingly, the title of the world’s wealthiest actor belongs to someone most people have never heard of: Jami Gertz. Despite her relatively low profile today and limited acting credits in recent decades, Gertz has quietly amassed a staggering fortune — and it has little to do with Hollywood.
In the 1980s, Gertz starred in cult classics like The Lost Boys and Less Than Zero, earning recognition as a rising star. But rather than continuing down the path of a typical Hollywood A-lister, she pivoted — and found immense success elsewhere. Her wealth comes primarily from her marriage to billionaire investor Tony Ressler, co-founder of Ares Management. Together, they’ve built a financial empire, which includes ownership stakes in the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and numerous philanthropic ventures.
Gertz has chosen a quieter life, focusing on family, business, and charity rather than staying in the spotlight. While she does occasionally appear at public events or make cameo appearances, she’s stepped back from acting, not out of necessity, but by choice.
Her story is a fascinating twist on the celebrity wealth narrative: someone who earned early fame, leveraged opportunities wisely, and ultimately became wealthier than many household names—without needing to stay in the limelight. For Gertz, acting may have opened the door, but savvy business moves helped her build the kind of legacy most stars can only dream of.
So while she might not headline blockbuster movies anymore, Jami Gertz remains one of the most quietly powerful figures in entertainment and finance—a reminder that sometimes, the richest stars are the ones who stepped off the stage.
