The little girl in this photo grew up to become the richest actress in the world—but her name rarely comes up in Hollywood wealth lists.
While many assume stars like George Clooney or Angelina Jolie top the rankings, none match the estimated $3+ billion fortune of an actress best known for a handful of 1980s and ’90s roles.
Raised in suburban Illinois, discovered through a nationwide talent search, she became a familiar face in cult-classic films and popular TV shows before quietly stepping away from the spotlight. She later married financier Tony Ressler in 1989, supporting him early on as his career grew into global private equity success.
Together, they built immense wealth and became leading philanthropists, donating millions to education, health, and the arts. She has long emphasized that she was the breadwinner when they met and helped build their life from the ground up.
The world’s richest actress is Jami Gertz, known for Twister, The Lost Boys, and memorable TV appearances—proof that fame and fortune don’t always follow the loudest path.