As a teenager, she was plucked from obscurity in a nationwide talent search, suddenly sharing the screen in films that would become cult favorites. Her face was familiar, her performances heartfelt, yet she never let fame consume her. While others chased leading roles and constant attention, she chose a quieter path, valuing privacy, real relationships, and stability over relentless stardom.
That decision led her to financier Tony Ressler, whom she married in 1989, back when she was actually the primary breadwinner. As his ventures grew into Apollo Global Management, Ares Management, and major sports ownership, she remained a partner in every sense: raising four children, shaping their philanthropy, and helping direct vast charitable gifts. Today, Jami Gertz’s fortune reflects not an accident of marriage, but a life deliberately built — one where early success, smart choices, and shared vision turned a working actress into the world’s richest.
