How ’80s Star Jami Gertz Quietly Built a Billion-Dollar Fortune

Jami Gertz’s story feels like something straight out of a Hollywood script.

Raised in a modest household in Glenview, Illinois, she eventually made her way to NYU and stepped into the spotlight during the early 1980s. Acting since childhood, she went on to land memorable roles in films like Endless Love, Sixteen Candles, Less Than Zero, The Lost Boys, and Twister, plus standout appearances on hit TV series including Seinfeld, ER, and Ally McBeal.

But her life changed even more when she met businessman Tony Ressler in 1987. They married in 1989 — and despite what many assume, she insists wealth wasn’t the reason she chose him.
“People always think I married a rich man,” she once shared. “But when we met, I was earning far more than Tony. I bought our first home. I paid for our first vacation. I married him because I loved him.”

In time, however, their partnership turned into a financial powerhouse, and Gertz eventually became widely reported to be a billionaire as the two joined forces in business.

Tony Ressler’s Rise in Finance

Ressler cofounded Apollo Global Management in 1990, then launched Ares Management in 1997, which grew into a massive investment firm. In 2015, he and Gertz purchased the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks for a reported $720 million and later secured a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers. Even Gertz admits it’s far from a typical Hollywood story.

Jami Gertz’s Shifting Career Path

In 2010, Gertz stepped behind the camera, founding Lime Orchard Productions. After some success — including the 2011 film A Better Life — she eventually shifted away from producing and leaned into philanthropy, community involvement, and hosting influential gatherings.

Once her husband acquired the Hawks, he realized quickly that Jami was more than a symbolic partner. While he handled operations and player decisions, she became the approachable, public-facing heart of the organization, deeply connecting with fans and the community.

Giving Back in a Big Way

Success led the couple to focus heavily on philanthropy. Together, they helped establish The Painted Turtle Camp, which provides life-changing camp experiences for children facing serious medical conditions. Gertz has always emphasized that giving back is something she wanted her entire family to share — not just financially, but as a core life value.

From a hardworking Midwestern upbringing to Hollywood fame… to business icon and philanthropist — Jami Gertz didn’t just become wealthy. She built a legacy.