If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen the viral headlines. You know the ones. They usually say something like, "The Richest Actress in the World Isn't Who You Think It Is." Then they drop a name that usually leaves Gen Z scratching their heads: Jami Gertz.
Yeah, the star of The Lost Boys and Twister.
People see that $8 billion to $12 billion net worth next to her name and assume she’s been collecting some massive residuals from Still Standing or Square Pegs. Honestly? Not even close. While Jami had a solid career, the real story behind that astronomical wealth is Jami Gertz husband, Tony Ressler.
But here’s where most people get it wrong. They think she just married a rich guy and checked out. The reality is a lot more interesting—and a lot more about high-stakes private equity than Hollywood red carpets.
Who Exactly is Tony Ressler?
Tony (officially Antony) Ressler isn't just "a rich guy." He’s a titan of the financial world. He’s the guy who co-founded Apollo Global Management and later Ares Management. If you don't know those names, just know they handle hundreds of billions of dollars.
He was born in 1960 in Washington, D.C. He did the whole Ivy League-adjacent track—Georgetown for undergrad, Columbia for his MBA. Then he landed at Drexel Burnham Lambert. If you’ve seen The Wolf of Wall Street or read anything about the 80s junk bond era, you know Drexel was the center of the universe until it famously collapsed.
When Drexel went under in 1990, Tony didn't just look for a new job. He teamed up with his brother-in-law, Leon Black, and a few others to start Apollo.
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That was the turning point.
The "I Paid for the House" Era
There’s a common misconception that Jami Gertz was a "gold digger." That couldn't be further from the truth. When they met in 1986, Jami was a rising star in Hollywood. Tony? He was just a guy working in finance.
"I made more money—way more money—than Tony when I met him," Jami told The Hollywood Reporter. "I paid for our first house. I paid for our first vacation."
They got married in 1989. At that point, Tony hadn't even started Apollo yet. He was just another banker. Jami was the breadwinner. It’s kinda refreshing, right? She didn’t marry a billionaire; she married a guy she loved, and then they built a literal empire together.
Why Jami Gertz Husband is a Big Deal in Sports
If you’re a sports fan, you probably recognize Tony Ressler for a different reason. He’s the majority owner of the Atlanta Hawks.
In 2015, Tony led a group (which included NBA legend Grant Hill and Spanx founder Sara Blakely) to buy the Hawks for about $850 million. Today? The team is worth well over $3 billion. That’s the kind of ROI that makes billionaire lists look easy.
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But he didn't stop at basketball. He’s also got a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers.
What’s cool is how involved Jami is. She’s not just a trophy wife sitting courtside. She’s the team’s "unofficial" ambassador. She even represented the Hawks at the NBA Draft Lottery. People in Atlanta love her because she actually cares about the city and the team's culture.
Ares Management: The Engine of the Wealth
To understand the wealth of Jami Gertz husband, you have to look at Ares Management. Tony co-founded it in 1997.
Ares is what they call an "alternative asset manager." Basically, they invest in things that aren't just stocks and bonds. They do private equity, real estate, and credit. They own or have owned chunks of companies you definitely know:
- Neiman Marcus
- 99 Cents Only Stores
- Floor & Decor
- Serta Simmons Bedding
As of early 2026, Ares manages over $450 billion in assets. When you’re at the top of a firm like that, your net worth isn't just a salary—it's tied to the growth of the entire company.
The Philanthropy Nobody Talks About
While the internet loves to gawk at their bank account, the Resslers are actually massive givers. They started the ResslerGertz Foundation, which has poured tens of millions into:
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- Education: They’ve funded charter schools in Los Angeles, like the Gertz-Ressler High Academy.
- The Arts: Tony is the Co-Chair of the Board at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art).
- Jewish Causes: They are very active in the Wilshire Boulevard Temple and various Jewish federations.
Honestly, they’re one of the "quiet" power couples. They don't have a reality show. They don't have public meltdowns. They’ve been married for over 35 years, raised three sons, and basically won at life.
So, What Can We Learn?
The story of Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler is basically a masterclass in long-term partnership.
First, Jami didn't wait for a "finished product." She supported Tony when he was still figuring it out. Second, Tony didn't just settle for a cozy corporate job; he took massive risks starting firms like Apollo and Ares.
If you’re looking to replicate even a fraction of their success, it’s about diversification. Tony didn't just stick to Wall Street. He moved into sports, real estate, and philanthropy.
Actionable Takeaways for You:
- Look past the labels: Jami Gertz is more than an "actress," and Tony is more than a "husband." They are a business unit.
- Don't ignore private equity: Most of the world's massive wealth isn't in the S&P 500; it's in private firms and alternative assets.
- Marriage as a partnership: Their success suggests that having a stable, supportive partner is a massive competitive advantage in business.
The next time you see a "Richest Actress" list, you’ll know the truth. It’s not just about a movie role from 1987. It’s about a decades-long collaboration between a Hollywood star and a Wall Street visionary who decided to build something together.
If you want to track Tony's latest moves, keep an eye on SEC Form 4 filings for Ares Management (ARES). It’s public info that shows exactly how the big players are moving their money.