The little girl in this photo grew up to become the richest actress in the world — but few people can guess who she is. Most assume Hollywood’s wealthiest star is someone like George Clooney or Angelina Jolie, yet the title actually belongs to a woman remembered mostly from a handful of ’80s and ’90s films. She rarely appears in tabloids, avoids red carpets, and stays far from Hollywood’s chaos — yet her fortune reportedly exceeds three billion dollars.
Born in suburban Glenview, she lived an ordinary childhood. Her father was a builder, and nothing hinted at a future tied to massive wealth. Everything changed when she was discovered in a nationwide talent search and quickly landed roles in cult-favorite films. “I was found at a search, thrown right in,” she once said. By sixteen, she was earning more than her father.
Her acting career continued steadily into the early ’90s, with memorable appearances in popular sitcoms. But unlike many rising stars, she didn’t chase fame. Instead, she chose privacy and a grounded life — a decision that shaped her future.
In 1989, she married Tony Ressler, a young financier who had no idea she was already a well-known actress. She even paid for their first home and vacation. Soon after, he co-founded Apollo Global Management and later Ares Management, building one of the most powerful private-equity empires in the world.
Together, they raised four children, became major philanthropists, and built their shared fortune. She has served on nonprofit boards and was once part of the year’s top charitable-giving couple. And the richest actress in the world is… Jami Gertz.