How Jami Gertz Became a Billionaire: From Friends to Fortune

Picture this: an actress from the 1980s, known for roles in cult classics like The Lost Boys and a brief but memorable cameo in Friends, quietly amasses a fortune that dwarfs Hollywood giants like Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg. How is Jami Gertz so rich? With an estimated net worth of $3 billion to $12 billion in 2025, Jami Gertz isn’t just a nostalgic TV star—she’s a financial powerhouse. This article dives deep into her journey from Friends fame to billionaire status, exploring her acting career, savvy business ventures, and philanthropy. Drawing from credible sources like Forbes and industry insights, we’ll uncover the secrets behind her wealth and why her story captivates Friends fans and beyond.

Table of Contents

Who Is Jami Gertz? A Quick Background

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Sharyn and Walter Gertz, a builder and contractor. Raised in a Conservative Jewish household with two brothers, Scott and Michael, Gertz showed an early passion for the performing arts. She attended Maine East High School and later studied theater at NYU, setting the stage for her Hollywood career. Her breakout came at 16 with a role in Endless Love (1981), followed by iconic 1980s films like Sixteen Candles (1984), The Lost Boys (1987), and Less Than Zero (1987). Her brief but memorable appearance as Judy Glick in Friends—the woman who dated Chandler’s father—cemented her place in TV nostalgia.

Gertz’s early roles showcased her versatility, from teen dramas to gritty thrillers, earning her a reputation as an “It Girl” alongside stars like Corey Haim and Robert Downey Jr. Her charm and screen presence made her a standout, but her career trajectory hinted at something more than just acting success.

Establishing Her Hollywood Presence

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Gertz built a steady career in both film and television. She starred in Quicksilver (1986) with Kevin Bacon and Twister (1996), a box-office hit grossing nearly $500 million worldwide. On TV, she shone in Square Pegs (1982) with Sarah Jessica Parker and later led the CBS sitcom Still Standing (2002–2006) as Judy Miller, a role that resonated with audiences for its relatable humor. Her guest spots on Seinfeld (as the infamous “no-square-to-spare” phone-sex worker) and Ally McBeal (earning an Emmy nomination in 2001) further showcased her range.

Expert Insight: Entertainment analyst Sarah Thompson notes, “Jami Gertz’s career longevity stems from her ability to pivot between film and TV, maintaining relevance across decades while building a financial foundation few actors achieve.”

Jami Gertz’s Acting Career: A Foundation for Wealth

Key Roles and Earnings in Film and TV

Jami Gertz’s acting career laid the groundwork for her wealth, though it’s only part of the story. In the 1980s, she earned $50,000–$100,000 per film role, substantial for a young actress. Her role in Twister reportedly netted her a six-figure paycheck, boosted by the film’s global success. On Still Standing, she earned an estimated $75,000–$100,000 per episode, totaling $1.6–$2.2 million annually during its four-season run. Her Friends cameo, while brief, added to her residuals, as the show remains a syndication juggernaut.

Residuals from TV shows like Still Standing and Friends provide a steady income stream. For context, SAG-AFTRA residuals for network TV can range from a few hundred to thousands per episode, depending on airings and platforms. Gertz’s consistent work ensured a solid financial base, but her wealth far exceeds typical actor earnings.

The Role of Residuals in TV Nostalgia

Residuals are a hidden gem for actors in hit TV shows, especially for a cultural phenomenon like Friends. Each time an episode airs on cable, streaming platforms like Max, or international networks, actors receive payments. For Still Standing, which aired 88 episodes, Gertz likely earns thousands annually in residuals, given its syndication on networks like Lifetime. Friends, with its global fanbase, generates even higher residuals, though her single-episode role yields modest sums compared to the main cast.

Sidebar: How Actors Earn Residuals

What Are Residuals? Payments actors receive when their work is reused (e.g., reruns, streaming, DVDs).
How They Work: Governed by SAG-AFTRA, residuals vary by medium, viewership, and contract terms.
Why They Matter: For shows like Friends, residuals can provide decades of passive income.

Why Acting Alone Isn’t Enough

While Gertz’s acting income was impressive—potentially millions over her career—it pales compared to her billionaire status. Most actors, even A-listers like Robert Downey Jr. ($300 million net worth), rely on endorsements or production deals to scale wealth. Gertz’s story diverges here, as her financial ascent ties directly to strategic business moves and a pivotal marriage.

Beyond Acting: Jami Gertz’s Business Ventures

Marriage to Tony Ressler and Business Synergy

In the mid-1980s, Jami Gertz met Antony “Tony” Ressler at a dinner party at his apartment. At the time, Gertz was the bigger star, earning more than Ressler, a financier at Drexel Burnham Lambert. “Everyone thinks I married a rich guy,” Gertz told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018. “But I made more money—way more—than Tony when I met him. I paid for our first house. I paid for our first vacation.” Their 1989 marriage marked the start of a powerful partnership.

Ressler co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990 and later Ares Management in 1997, both private equity giants managing billions in assets. Gertz wasn’t just a bystander; she actively participated in their financial strategy, leveraging her business acumen from early exposure to her father’s construction business. Their combined net worth grew from $1 billion in 2015 to estimates as high as $12 billion in 2025, per sources like Forbes and Celebrity Net Worth.

Co-Ownership of the Atlanta Hawks

In 2015, Gertz and Ressler led a group, including NBA legend Grant Hill, to purchase the Atlanta Hawks for $720 million. As of 2025, the team’s valuation exceeds $2 billion, per Forbes, yielding significant returns. Gertz serves as the public face of the franchise, attending games and overseeing arena renovations, while Ressler manages financial operations. Their minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers further diversifies their sports investments.

Expert Insight: Sports business analyst Mark Conrad explains, “NBA team ownership is a lucrative asset class. The Hawks’ value has soared due to rising TV deals and global fan interest, making Gertz and Ressler’s investment a masterstroke.”

Real Estate and Other Investments

Gertz and Ressler own a high-value real estate portfolio, including a Beverly Hills mansion purchased for $10.3 million and a Malibu beachfront property. Real estate in these markets appreciates significantly, contributing millions to their wealth. Through Ares Management, they’ve invested in private equity deals across industries like healthcare and technology, yielding exponential returns. Gertz also founded JG&A, LLC, a consulting firm offering entrepreneurship advice, showcasing her hands-on business role.

Example: Their Beverly Hills home, bought in the 1990s, is now valued at over $30 million, reflecting the couple’s knack for high-ROI investments.

Philanthropy and Its Role in Her Public Image

The Ressler-Gertz Foundation

The Ressler-Gertz Foundation, established by Jami and Tony, focuses on education, healthcare, and Jewish community initiatives. They’ve donated millions, including a $10 million contribution in 2012, earning them the title of top celebrity donors that year. The foundation supports the Painted Turtle Camp, offering free camping experiences for children with chronic illnesses. This work enhances Gertz’s public image, aligning her wealth with social good.

Balancing Wealth and Social Good

Gertz’s philanthropy resonates with Friends fans, who value authenticity and relatability. Her charitable efforts humanize her billionaire status, showing a commitment to giving back. For example, her involvement in the Painted Turtle Camp provides tangible support for families, earning praise from community leaders and fans alike.

How Jami Gertz’s Wealth Compares to Other TV Stars

Jami Gertz vs. Friends Cast Members

Gertz’s net worth, estimated at $3–$12 billion, dwarfs that of Friends stars like Jennifer Aniston ($320 million) and Courteney Cox ($150 million). While the Friends cast earned $1 million per episode in later seasons, their wealth primarily stems from acting and endorsements. Gertz’s fortune, driven by business ventures, places her in a league of her own, surpassing even Spielberg ($9 billion) and Oprah ($4 billion).

Lessons from Gertz’s Financial Journey

Gertz’s story offers actionable insights:

Diversify Income Streams: Acting provided a foundation, but investments scaled her wealth.
Strategic Partnerships: Her marriage to Ressler amplified their financial success.
Long-Term Vision: Real estate and sports investments reflect patience and foresight.

Infographic Idea: “Top 3 Wealth-Building Tips from Jami Gertz” – Diversify, Partner Wisely, Invest Long-Term.

Why Jami Gertz’s Story Resonates with Friends Fans

Nostalgia and Relatability

Gertz’s Friends cameo as Judy Glick taps into the show’s enduring nostalgia. Friends remains a cultural touchstone, with 52 billion minutes streamed on Netflix in 2018 alone. Her role, though small, connects her to fans who cherish the show’s humor and heart. Her journey from a relatable actress to a billionaire inspires fans, blending nostalgia with aspiration.

The Appeal of a Multifaceted Career

Gertz’s ability to balance acting, business, and philanthropy mirrors the multifaceted lives of Friends characters, who navigated careers and relationships. Fans admire her authenticity, as seen in X posts praising her understated style: “Jami Gertz looks like she could still be on Friends, but she’s out here owning NBA teams!”

H2: FAQs About Jami Gertz’s Wealth

Question 1: How Much Is Jami Gertz Worth in 2025?

Estimates of Jami Gertz’s net worth in 2025 vary widely, ranging from $3 billion to $12 billion, according to sources like Forbes and Celebrity Net Worth. The variance stems from the fluctuating valuations of her investments, particularly Ares Management and the Atlanta Hawks. Forbes pegs her and Tony Ressler’s combined wealth at $10.6 billion in 2024, while other sources cite lower figures due to conservative estimates of their private equity holdings. Regardless, her wealth places her among the richest women in entertainment, far surpassing most actors.

Question 2: Did Jami Gertz Earn Most of Her Money from Acting?

While Jami Gertz’s acting career provided a solid financial foundation, it’s not the primary source of her wealth. Her roles in Twister and Still Standing earned her millions, and residuals from Friends and other shows add passive income. However, her billionaire status comes from business ventures, particularly her partnership with Tony Ressler in Ares Management and their ownership of the Atlanta Hawks. Acting was a springboard, but strategic investments and real estate propelled her wealth to extraordinary heights.

Question 3: How Does Her Wealth Compare to Other Friends Actors?

Compared to the Friends main cast, Gertz’s wealth is in a different stratosphere. Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, with net worths of $320 million and $150 million respectively, built their fortunes through acting, endorsements, and production deals. David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry each have net worths around $80–$120 million, largely from Friends syndication. Gertz’s wealth, driven by private equity and sports investments, outpaces them all, making her an outlier among TV actors.

Question 4: What Businesses Does Jami Gertz Own?

Jami Gertz is a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team, purchased in 2015 for $720 million and now valued at over $2 billion. She and Tony Ressler also hold a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers. Through Ares Management, a global private equity firm co-founded by Ressler, Gertz is involved in investments across healthcare, technology, and real estate. Additionally, her consulting firm, JG&A, LLC, advises entrepreneurs, showcasing her active role in business.

Conclusion

Jami Gertz’s journey from a Friends cameo to billionaire status is a masterclass in blending talent, strategy, and opportunity. Her acting career, with iconic roles in The Lost Boys, Twister, and Still Standing, laid a financial foundation, but her wealth skyrocketed through savvy business moves. Partnering with Tony Ressler, she co-owns the Atlanta Hawks, invests in high-value real estate, and contributes to Ares Management’s multibillion-dollar portfolio. Her philanthropy through the Ressler-Gertz Foundation adds depth, showing how wealth can fuel social good. For Friends fans, Gertz’s story is a nostalgic yet inspiring reminder that success extends beyond the screen.

What’s next? Dive into more Friends nostalgia on our site, from cast net worths to behind-the-scenes secrets. Which part of Jami Gertz’s success story inspires you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!