World’s richest actor worth $8 billion quit Hollywood—and the reason will surprise you; who is he/she?

When thinking about the wealthiest actors in the world, most people might picture Hollywood heavyweights like Tom Cruise, George Clooney, or even rising moguls like Reese Witherspoon and Selena Gomez. But the crown for the richest actor in the world belongs to someone far less expected: Jami Gertz.

Best known for her roles in cult classics like The Lost Boys (1987), Twister (1996), and the sitcom Still Standing (2002), Gertz may not be a household name today—but she holds a jaw-dropping estimated net worth of $8 billion, Dailymail reported. 

That figure far surpasses the fortunes of typical A-listers, and the secret lies largely in her marriage to billionaire businessman Tony Ressler. Ressler, a co-founder of Ares Management, boasts a net worth of over $10 billion. However, Gertz has previously clarified that she wasn’t exactly the one marrying into wealth.

“Everyone thinks I married a rich guy,” Gertz told The Hollywood Reporter. “But I made more money — way more money — than Tony when I met him. I paid for our first house. I paid for our first vacation. I married him because I fell in love with him.”

Beyond acting, the couple has invested in sports and philanthropy. They are part-owners of the NBA team Atlanta Hawks and are known for their generous charitable contributions, often topping celebrity donation lists.

Jami Gertz, once a familiar face on screens in the 1980s and 1990s, has kept a low profile in recent years, with her last acting credit being a minor role as Rita in the 2022 romantic comedy I Want You Back. Since the conclusion of her sitcom The Neighbors in 2014, Gertz’s acting work has largely been limited to cameo appearances.

"You reach an age, and you slow down, and the jobs are a little hard to come by," Gertz said, reflecting on the natural decline in acting opportunities as she entered her late 50s.

Beyond Hollywood, Gertz and her husband, billionaire investor Tony Ressler, ventured into the business world with mixed results. A failed production company project didn’t deter the couple, who later made headlines by acquiring ownership of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. The franchise has since played a significant role in enhancing their already considerable net worth.

Both Gertz and Ressler are known for their philanthropic efforts, a common trait among the ultra-wealthy, though one that still sets them apart in an era of growing scrutiny towards billionaire wealth.