This young girl, pictured here, eventually became the wealthiest actress in Hollywood — can you guess who she is?
When people think of Hollywood’s richest stars, names like George Clooney, Meryl Streep, or Angelina Jolie often come to mind. They are iconic, of course, but none match the fortune of a woman whose acting career began decades ago and quietly grew into a billion-dollar legacy.
From Ordinary Beginnings to Hollywood Discovery
Before amassing her extraordinary wealth, she was just a regular girl growing up in suburban Glenview. She went to public schools, and her father worked as a builder and contractor. Nothing in her early life suggested she would one day become one of the richest figures in the entertainment industry.
Her path changed when she was discovered in a nationwide talent search. As a teenager, she landed roles in films that would go on to become cult classics.
“I was found at a search, thrown right into it — that was it,” she once recalled.
Audiences loved her natural, relatable performances. Throughout the 1980s, she appeared in some of the decade’s most memorable films, helping to define an era and leaving a lasting impression on moviegoers.
By 16, she was earning more than her father, a fact she later described as life-changing.
A Career Without Chasing the Spotlight
Unlike many young stars, she never pursued fame for its own sake. While she acted in popular movies and made memorable television appearances, she maintained a low profile, prioritizing privacy and a balanced life over red carpet events.
This approach shaped both her personal and professional life. It also led her to meet her future husband — a young financier who initially had no idea of her Hollywood credits.
They married in 1989, long before the incredible financial success that awaited them. She has openly discussed how she supported their early life together, paying for their first home and vacation.
“All I knew was she was a working actress. I didn’t know all of her movie and TV work,” her husband later explained in an interview.
Building a Billion-Dollar Partnership
Her husband’s career took off when he co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990, eventually creating one of the world’s leading private equity firms. He later co-founded Ares Management and expanded into sports ownership, acquiring stakes in major teams, including the Atlanta Hawks.
Throughout it all, she stayed deeply involved — raising their four children and managing their charitable initiatives. In 2012, the couple was recognized as top charitable donors after contributing over $10 million to their foundation, supporting education, arts, health, and Jewish organizations. She also serves on the board of the Melanoma Research Alliance, the largest nonprofit funding melanoma research.
Despite misconceptions, her wealth is not solely from her husband. Reports highlight that she earned more than him when they met, making her the breadwinner early in their relationship.
“Everyone thinks I married a rich guy,” she once said. “But I made way more money than Tony when we met. I married him because I loved him.”
Today, their fortune is the product of strategic choices and shared vision — and she deserves full credit for her role in building it.
The Richest Actress in the World
So, who is this actress?
It’s Jami Gertz, 60.
Known for iconic roles in Twister and The Lost Boys, as well as guest appearances on hit TV shows like Seinfeld and Modern Family, she may not chase celebrity status — but she is instantly recognizable.
Her immense wealth comes not just from her early acting career, but also from her savvy business partnership with her husband Tony Ressler, making her the richest actress in the world today.