How Did Jamie Gertz Make Her Money?

Jamie Gertz, a name synonymous with ’80s and ’90s Hollywood, has transcended her acting roots to become one of the wealthiest women in the entertainment industry. With an estimated net worth ranging from $8 billion to $12 billion as of 2025, the question on many minds is: how did Jamie Gertz make her money? While her acting career laid the foundation, her financial success is a tale of strategic business ventures, a powerful partnership, and a commitment to philanthropy. This article dives deep into the multifaceted journey of how did Jamie Gertz make her money, exploring her career, investments, and personal ethos that propelled her to billionaire status.

Early Life and Acting Beginnings

To understand how did Jamie Gertz make her money, we start with her origins. Born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, Jamie Beth Gertz grew up in a modest, middle-class Jewish family in Glenview. Her father, Walter, was a builder and contractor, and her mother, Sharyn, managed the household. From a young age, Gertz displayed a flair for the arts, taking ballet lessons and participating in local theater. Her talent was spotted during a nationwide search by Norman Lear, leading to her enrollment at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to study drama.

Gertz’s acting career kicked off in 1981 with a small role in Endless Love. Her breakout came with the 1982 sitcom Square Pegs, where she starred alongside Sarah Jessica Parker. Throughout the ’80s, she became a familiar face in films like Sixteen Candles (1984), The Lost Boys (1987), and Less Than Zero (1987), cementing her status as a Brat Pack staple. These roles, while not blockbuster leads, provided steady income and visibility, contributing to the early stages of how did Jamie Gertz make her money. Her television work, including guest spots on Seinfeld, ER, and an Emmy-nominated role on Ally McBeal, further bolstered her earnings.

Marriage to Tony Ressler: A Financial Powerhouse

A pivotal moment in how did Jamie Gertz make her money came in 1989 when she married Antony “Tony” Ressler, a financier with a knack for high-stakes investments. Contrary to popular belief, Gertz was the primary earner when they met. As she told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018, “Everyone thinks I married a rich guy. 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.” This dispels the myth that her wealth solely stems from marrying a billionaire.

Ressler’s career took a monumental leap in 1990 when he co-founded Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm now managing over $500 billion in assets. In 1997, he launched Ares Management, which oversees approximately $400 billion. These ventures significantly amplified their combined wealth, forming a cornerstone of how did Jamie Gertz make her money. Gertz’s active involvement in their financial decisions, from investments to strategic planning, underscores her role as a partner, not just a beneficiary.

Sports Team Ownership: A Slam Dunk Investment

One of the most significant answers to how did Jamie Gertz make her money lies in her and Ressler’s ownership of sports franchises. In 2015, they purchased the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks for $720 million, a decision made in a closet-turned-office, as Gertz humorously recounted. The Hawks’ value has since soared to $3.8 billion by 2025, per Forbes, showcasing their investment acumen. Gertz serves as the public face of the Hawks, engaging with fans and media, a role her husband credits for its impact: “She makes a better impression on our fan base than any of us in the organization.”

Additionally, the couple holds a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers, further diversifying their portfolio. These sports investments are a testament to how did Jamie Gertz make her money through calculated risks in high-value assets, leveraging her husband’s financial expertise and her own charisma to enhance their ventures’ success.

Business Ventures Beyond Acting

Gertz’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond sports. In 2010, she founded Lime Orchard Productions, aiming to produce meaningful content. While the company’s 2011 film A Better Life earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Demián Bichir, it wasn’t a financial triumph. Gertz candidly admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that she “lost everything” on some projects, yet this venture highlights her willingness to take risks, a key factor in how did Jamie Gertz make her money.

Reports also suggest Gertz founded JG&A, LLC, a consulting firm offering entrepreneurial advice, and co-founded Henry Rose, a lifestyle brand. While these ventures are less documented, they reflect her broader business involvement, contributing to how did Jamie Gertz make her money through diversified income streams.

Philanthropy: Wealth with Purpose

A significant aspect of how did Jamie Gertz make her money is intertwined with how she gives it back. Through the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, she and Ressler have donated millions to education, healthcare, and Jewish community initiatives. In 2012, they were named the top celebrity donors by The Giving Back Fund after a $10 million contribution. Their Painted Turtle Camp, a nonprofit offering free camping experiences for children with chronic illnesses, exemplifies their commitment to social good.

Philanthropy, while not a direct income source, enhances Gertz’s public persona and influence, indirectly supporting her business endeavors. This strategic use of wealth underscores how did Jamie Gertz make her money while maintaining a legacy of impact.

Real Estate Investments

Real estate is another pillar of how did Jamie Gertz make her money. The couple owns a $60 million Beverly Hills mansion in the exclusive Beverly Park community and a $5.4 million Malibu beachfront property, purchased in 1993 for $3.4 million. These assets, now significantly appreciated, reflect their savvy in high-value real estate, a critical component of how did Jamie Gertz make her money.

The Role of Strategic Partnerships

Gertz’s wealth isn’t just about her husband’s success; it’s about their partnership. Ressler’s Apollo and Ares ventures were post-marriage achievements, and Gertz’s involvement in decision-making—from sports team management to philanthropy—demonstrates a collaborative approach. This synergy is central to how did Jamie Gertz make her money, blending her entertainment industry insight with Ressler’s financial prowess.

Challenges and Resilience

Gertz’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Her acting career slowed in the 2000s as roles became scarcer, prompting her pivot to business. The failure of some Lime Orchard projects tested her resilience, yet she adapted, focusing on sports and philanthropy. This adaptability is a key lesson in how did Jamie Gertz make her money, showing that wealth-building requires navigating setbacks with strategic shifts.

Conclusion

How did Jamie Gertz make her money? Her story is a masterclass in blending talent, opportunity, and strategic partnerships. From her early days as a Hollywood actress to her role as a sports team owner and philanthropist, Gertz has crafted a multifaceted empire. Her marriage to Tony Ressler amplified her wealth, but her active involvement in their ventures—coupled with her own entrepreneurial efforts—sets her apart. With a net worth rivaling the biggest names in entertainment, Gertz proves that success comes from leveraging diverse opportunities while staying true to one’s values. Her journey inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional paths, making her a standout figure in both Hollywood and the business world.

FAQs

1. How did Jamie Gertz make her money through acting?
Jamie Gertz earned significant income from her roles in ’80s and ’90s films like The Lost Boys and Twister, as well as TV shows like Still Standing and Ally McBeal. While not her primary wealth source, these roles established her early financial foundation.

2. What role did Tony Ressler play in how Jamie Gertz made her money?
Tony Ressler, Gertz’s husband, co-founded Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, which manage billions in assets. Their combined investments, particularly in the Atlanta Hawks, significantly boosted their wealth, with Gertz actively participating in business decisions.

3. How did Jamie Gertz make her money through sports ownership?
Gertz and Ressler purchased the Atlanta Hawks for $720 million in 2015, now valued at $3.8 billion. They also own a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers, making sports investments a major contributor to her wealth.

4. What other business ventures contributed to how Jamie Gertz made her money?
Gertz founded Lime Orchard Productions and reportedly started JG&A, LLC, and co-founded Henry Rose. While not all ventures were financially successful, they reflect her entrepreneurial efforts beyond acting.

5. How does philanthropy relate to how Jamie Gertz made her money?
Through the Ressler-Gertz Foundation and initiatives like Painted Turtle Camp, Gertz’s philanthropy enhances her public image and influence, indirectly supporting her business ventures and contributing to her overall success.