Jennifer Tilly, an accomplished actress and professional poker player, boasts a net worth of approximately $40 million as of 2025. At 66 years old, Tilly has built a multifaceted career spanning film, television, and high-stakes poker tournaments. Her journey from an aspiring actress to a Hollywood and poker world icon is nothing short of remarkable. This article delves into her career, wealth accumulation, personal life, and achievements.
How Did Jennifer Tilly Build Her Net Worth?
Jennifer Tilly’s impressive net worth is the result of her long-standing career in Hollywood, poker winnings, and lucrative royalty earnings from “The Simpsons.” Her early breakthrough came in the 1994 Woody Allen film Bullets Over Broadway, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Since then, she has starred in over 120 films and television projects.
Beyond acting, Tilly’s strategic approach to poker has significantly boosted her fortune. She won the Ladies’ No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em event at the 2005 World Series of Poker, earning $158,625. Additionally, her divorce settlement with The Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon granted her a 30% share of his royalties, amounting to approximately $6-10 million annually.
What Are Jennifer Tilly’s Most Notable Acting Roles?
Early Career and Breakthrough
Tilly made her television debut in the early 1980s with guest roles on Oh Madeline and Boone. Her big break came in 1994 with Bullets Over Broadway, where her performance as Olive Neal earned widespread acclaim.
Success in Film and Television
Jennifer gained further recognition through films such as Bound (1996), Liar Liar (1997), and The Haunted Mansion (2003). However, she is most famously known for her portrayal of Tiffany Valentine in the Child’s Play horror franchise, a role she has reprised multiple times.
On television, Tilly has been the voice behind Bonnie Swanson on Family Guy since 1999. She also voiced Celia Mae in Monsters, Inc. (2001) and its sequel series Monsters at Work (2021). Other notable TV appearances include Modern Family, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and The Simpsons.
How Did Jennifer Tilly Become a Poker Champion?
Tilly’s poker journey began in 2004 when her boyfriend, professional poker player Phil Laak, introduced her to competitive play. Just a year later, she won the Ladies’ No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em event at the World Series of Poker. Her skills and strategic play have earned her nearly $1 million in live poker tournament winnings.
Despite briefly retiring from poker in 2008, she returned to the game in 2010. In 2014, she was nominated for the Spirit of Poker Living Legend Award. Today, she remains a respected figure in the poker community.
What is the Story Behind Jennifer Tilly’s Simpsons Royalties?
Jennifer Tilly was married to The Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon from 1984 to 1991. Their divorce settlement in 1993 granted her a 30% share of Simon’s royalties from The Simpsons. Since Simon was earning $20-30 million per year from the show, Tilly’s cut amounted to an estimated $6-10 million annually.
Following Simon’s passing in 2015, a legal agreement ensured that she continued to receive these royalties directly from Fox, securing her financial stability.
What Awards and Recognitions Has Jennifer Tilly Earned?
Tilly’s talent has earned her multiple awards and nominations:
- Academy Award nomination for Bullets Over Broadway (1995)
- Theatre World Award for One Shoe Off (1993)
- GLAAD Media Award for Bound (1996)
- Eyegore Award for Bride of Chucky (1998)
- Fantafestival Best Actress for Bride of Chucky (2000)
- Several nominations from MTV Movie Awards, Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, and Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films
What is Jennifer Tilly’s Personal Life Like?
Tilly was previously married to Sam Simon, and despite their divorce, they remained close friends until his passing. Since 2004, she has been in a long-term relationship with professional poker player Phil Laak. The couple shares a passion for poker and often competes in major tournaments together.
What Are Jennifer Tilly’s Recent and Upcoming Projects?
In recent years, Tilly has remained active in Hollywood and the poker world. She appeared in 7 Days to Vegas (2019), Poker Queens (2020), and voiced a character in JJ Villard’s Fairy Tales (2020). She is also set to appear in Sallywood, High Holiday, and Boom.
