If you scroll through Jami Gertz images from the mid-80s, you’ll see the quintessential "it girl." She had the big hair, the denim jackets, and that specific brand of effortless cool that defined a generation. Most people remember her as Star from The Lost Boys or the girl who "couldn’t spare a square" on Seinfeld.
But honestly? Those photos don’t tell even half the story.
Today, Jami Gertz isn't just a nostalgic face from a DVD cover. She is the richest actress in the world, with a net worth estimated at a staggering $8 billion to $12 billion as of 2026. That’s more than Tom Cruise. It’s more than Oprah. It’s even more than Taylor Swift.
How does a "working actress" from Sixteen Candles end up owning an NBA team and sitting on a pile of cash larger than most small countries? It wasn't just acting. Not even close.
The Visual Evolution: From "Square Pegs" to the Owner's Box
When looking at early Jami Gertz images, you see a teenager discovered by Norman Lear in a nationwide talent search. She was 16. She played Muffy Tepperman in Square Pegs alongside a young Sarah Jessica Parker. Back then, she was just another kid from Chicago trying to make it in LA.
By the time 1987 rolled around, the photos changed. She was "Star" in The Lost Boys. She was Blair in Less Than Zero. These are the images people usually search for—moody, cinematic, and perfectly 80s. But while her peers were chasing the next blockbuster, Gertz was doing something different.
A Power Shift Most People Missed
There’s a persistent myth that Jami Gertz just "married rich."
📖 Related: Who is Brittany Renner: Why Everything You Think You Know Is Kinda Wrong
It’s actually the opposite. When she met Tony Ressler at a dinner party in 1987, she was the star. He was a young guy working in finance at a bank that would eventually go belly-up. Gertz has famously said she was the breadwinner in the early years. She paid for their first house. She paid for their vacations.
- 1989: They get married.
- 1990: Ressler co-founds Apollo Global Management.
- 1997: He co-founds Ares Management.
While she was filming Twister and guest-starring on ER, the couple was quietly building a financial empire. This wasn't "Hollywood money." This was "private equity money."
Why Jami Gertz Images Look Different Now
If you see a photo of Jami Gertz today, she’s usually not on a red carpet for a movie premiere. You’re more likely to see her courtside at State Farm Arena.
In 2015, Gertz and her husband bought the Atlanta Hawks for $850 million. Today, that team is worth roughly $4 billion. She isn't a silent partner, either. She has been the public face of the team at the NBA draft lottery multiple times.
You’ve probably seen the memes. People see this "random woman" representing a basketball team and Google her name, only to realize she’s the girl from that vampire movie they liked as a kid.
The Real Source of the Billions
The wealth comes from their ownership stakes in Ares Management and Apollo Global Management. These firms manage hundreds of billions of dollars. Unlike most actors who rely on a per-movie salary, Gertz has equity in some of the most powerful investment vehicles on the planet.
👉 See also: How Many Times Has Lil Wayne Been Shot: What Really Happened
But she hasn't totally left Hollywood behind. She did 88 episodes of Still Standing. She starred in The Neighbors. She even popped up in I Want You Back in 2022. She acts because she wants to, not because she needs the paycheck.
Philanthropy and the "Giving Back" Fund
The most impressive Jami Gertz images might actually be the ones where she isn't the center of attention.
In 2010, the Giving Back Fund named Gertz and Ressler the #1 most charitable celebrities in the world. They didn't just write a check and walk away. They founded The Painted Turtle, a camp for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.
She also serves on the board of the Melanoma Research Alliance. It’s a level of involvement that goes beyond the typical celebrity "ambassador" role. She’s in the room where the decisions are made.
Living Large (But Quietly)
The couple owns some of the most insane real estate in the country. We’re talking:
- A $50 million+ mansion in Beverly Park.
- A massive estate in Malibu.
- A luxury apartment in Manhattan.
Despite the billions, they’ve managed to keep their three sons—Oliver, Nicholas, and Theo—relatively out of the tabloid spotlight. It’s a "quiet luxury" lifestyle that existed long before the term became a TikTok trend.
The Actionable Truth for Fans and Investors
If you’re looking at Jami Gertz images and wondering what the takeaway is, it’s about the power of the "pivot." Gertz didn't let her identity be defined solely by her 80s stardom. She leveraged her success, supported her partner’s vision, and became an owner rather than just an employee.
She proves that you can be "the girl from that one show" and the most powerful woman in the room at the same time.
✨ Don't miss: Dee Jay Daniels Net Worth: Why the Former Child Star's Fortune is Complicated
Next Steps for You:
If you're inspired by Gertz's transition from the screen to the boardroom, start by looking into the basics of private equity and sports ownership. Many celebrities are now following her blueprint—think Ryan Reynolds with Wrexham or Natalie Portman with Angel City FC. Understanding how equity works is the first step to building a legacy that lasts longer than a movie's theatrical run.
Check out the official Atlanta Hawks website to see Jami's current initiatives with the team, or visit the Painted Turtle site to see how her philanthropic work is actually changing lives in 2026.