Jennifer Tilly has spent over four decades captivating audiences with her unique voice, unforgettable screen presence, and unexpected poker prowess. As of 2025, Tilly holds an estimated net worth of $40 million, supported by a diverse career that spans acting, voice work, and professional poker. Her financial portfolio also includes lucrative royalties from The Simpsons—a legacy from her marriage to late co-creator Sam Simon.
While many know her for her roles in hit films like Liar Liar and Bride of Chucky, Tilly’s business acumen and ability to reinvent herself have quietly made her one of Hollywood’s most financially savvy stars.
Breakout Role and Career Highlights
Born Jennifer Ellen Chan on September 16, 1958, in Harbor City, California, Tilly launched her acting career in the early 1980s. She gradually built her resume with guest roles in Cheers, Hill Street Blues, and Remington Steele, before breaking through with her Oscar-nominated performance as Olive Neal in Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway (1994).
The nomination catapulted her into the mainstream, and she followed up with roles in Bound (1996), House Arrest (1996), and Liar Liar (1997), the latter of which grossed over $300 million globally. In 1998, she embraced the horror genre as Tiffany Valentine in the Child’s Play franchise, becoming an iconic figure in horror cinema.
In addition to film, Tilly’s voice has become one of her most bankable assets. Since 1999, she has voiced Bonnie Swanson on the long-running animated series Family Guy. She also lent her voice to Celia Mae in Monsters, Inc. (2001) and appeared in The Simpsons, Stuart Little, and more recently Monsters at Work.
The Simpsons Royalties and Lasting Legacy
A major source of Tilly’s wealth comes from her previous marriage to The Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon. Although their marriage ended in 1991, the couple’s 1993 divorce agreement granted Jennifer 30% of Simon’s share in The Simpsons royalties.
Simon’s stake in the series earned him between $20 million and $30 million annually during the last decade of his life. Following his death in 2015, Tilly’s share was restructured to be paid directly from Fox. As a result, she reportedly earns between $6 million to $10 million per year—making it one of the most significant and steady revenue streams in her portfolio.
Poker Queen of Hollywood
Tilly is one of the few actresses to successfully bridge the gap between Hollywood and high-stakes poker. Her journey into the game began after her father gave her a poker video game, which sparked her curiosity. After being introduced to live poker by a boyfriend in Los Angeles, she took the game seriously—and the results followed.
In 2005, she stunned the poker world by winning the Ladies’ No-Limit Texas Hold’em event at the World Series of Poker, pocketing $158,625 and a championship bracelet. That same year, she claimed victory at the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational.
Though she briefly “retired” from poker in 2008, she returned in 2010 and continued to play competitively. By 2017, her live tournament winnings had exceeded $992,000, with countless private games and endorsements likely adding more to her poker-related income.
Her long-term relationship with poker pro Phil Laak—whom she met at a tournament in 2004—has also kept her closely connected to the sport. Together, they’ve appeared on televised poker shows and hosted charity events, further cementing her dual identity as both actress and card shark.
Theater and Television Accolades
Beyond film and poker, Tilly has also found success on stage. She earned a Theatre World Award for One Shoe Off and was nominated for an Audience Choice Award in 2012 for her performance in Don’t Dress for Dinner.
She made appearances on shows like Modern Family, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and SuperMansion, and remains active in both mainstream and indie productions. Her adaptability as an actress has kept her in demand, even as she pursues interests beyond Hollywood.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Tilly’s personal life has often been entwined with her professional success. Her marriage to Sam Simon not only led to financial gain but also to a continued friendship until his death. Simon was a known philanthropist, and Tilly has carried on that spirit, supporting animal welfare causes and poker-related charity events.
Her current partner, Phil Laak, shares her passion for poker and remains a fixture in her public life. The couple lives a private but adventurous lifestyle, often traveling for tournaments and poker tours around the world.
Awards and Recognition
Jennifer Tilly’s awards include:
- Academy Award Nomination for Bullets Over Broadway
- GLAAD Media Award for Bound
- Fantafestival Best Actress for Bride of Chucky
- Eyegore Award for excellence in horror
- Multiple nominations from the MTV Movie Awards, Saturn Awards, and Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
Final Thoughts
Jennifer Tilly’s $40 million net worth in 2025 is not just the result of a successful acting career—it’s the product of diversification, smart investments, and an ability to evolve. From iconic film roles and animation voice work to high-stakes poker victories and The Simpsons royalties, she’s built a financial empire that reflects her multidimensional talent.
