Jennifer Tilly is a renowned actress and professional poker player who has made a name for herself in both Hollywood and the world of competitive gambling. As of 2025, Jennifer Tilly’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million. She has accumulated this wealth through a successful acting career, lucrative poker winnings, and a highly profitable divorce settlement that granted her a share of royalties from The Simpsons. Let’s take a closer look at how she built her fortune and continues to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Born Jennifer Ellen Chan on September 16, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, Tilly was raised in a creative and artistic household. Her mother, Patricia, was a schoolteacher and former actress, while her father, Harry Chan, worked as a used car salesman. Tilly has three siblings, including her younger sister Meg Tilly, who also became a successful actress and won a Golden Globe for Agnes of God (1985).
Following her parents’ divorce when she was five years old, Jennifer moved to Texada Island, British Columbia, where she spent much of her childhood. At 16, she and her family relocated to Victoria after her mother’s second divorce. Tilly pursued her passion for acting and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Stephens College in Missouri.
Acting Career: From Oscar Nominee to Horror Icon
Jennifer Tilly’s acting career took off in the 1980s with guest roles on popular TV series such as Hill Street Blues, Remington Steele, and Cheers. However, it was her role in Woody Allen’s 1994 film Bullets Over Broadway that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and established her as a serious actress.
Major Film and TV Roles
Tilly has an extensive filmography, with over 120 acting credits to her name. Some of her most famous roles include:
- Bound (1996) – A cult classic that won a GLAAD Media Award for its LGBTQ+ representation.
- Liar Liar (1997) – A box-office hit alongside Jim Carrey.
- The Haunted Mansion (2003) – A Disney blockbuster where she played Madame Leota.
- Child’s Play Franchise – She became a horror icon as Tiffany Valentine, starring in Bride of Chucky (1998), Seed of Chucky (2004), Curse of Chucky (2013), and Cult of Chucky (2017).
In television, she has been the voice of Bonnie Swanson on Family Guy since 1999, further contributing to her financial success. She has also lent her voice to Monsters, Inc., Hey Arnold!, and The Simpsons.
Poker Career: A Champion at the Table
Jennifer Tilly is not just a talented actress but also a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner. She developed an interest in poker after dating professional poker player Phil Laak in 2004. A year later, she won the Ladies No-Limit Texas Hold ’Em event at the World Series of Poker, taking home $158,625 and a prestigious bracelet.
Over the years, Tilly has competed in multiple high-stakes poker tournaments and was named a Spirit of Poker Living Legend in 2014. By 2017, she had won over $992,000 in live poker tournaments, further boosting her financial portfolio.
The Simpsons Royalties: A Key Source of Income
One of the most interesting aspects of Jennifer Tilly’s wealth is her ongoing royalties from The Simpsons. Tilly was married to Sam Simon, the co-creator of The Simpsons, from 1984 to 1991. When the couple divorced in 1993, she was awarded 30% of Simon’s share of The Simpsons’ royalties.
Simon, who passed away in 2015, was earning between $20-$30 million per year from The Simpsons. As part of the divorce settlement, Tilly receives an estimated $6-$10 million annually from this deal, significantly contributing to her $40 million net worth.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jennifer Tilly has been in a long-term relationship with Phil Laak, a professional poker player, since 2004. Their shared passion for poker has led to numerous public appearances together at tournaments. Tilly describes her life with Laak as “exciting and unpredictable,” as they travel the world playing high-stakes poker.
Business Ventures and Investments
Aside from acting and poker, Tilly has invested in real estate and voice acting projects. With properties in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, she has made strategic investments in locations that align with her career and poker interests.
She has also continued to work on Broadway, earning nominations for her performances in The Women (2001) and Don’t Dress for Dinner (2012). Her ability to remain relevant in multiple industries has ensured a steady income stream.
Awards and Recognition
Jennifer Tilly’s career has been marked by several accolades, including:
- Academy Award nomination for Bullets Over Broadway (1994)
- GLAAD Media Award for Bound (1996)
- World Series of Poker Bracelet Winner (2005)
- Fangoria Chainsaw Award nominations for her horror roles
- Spirit of Poker Living Legend Award nomination (2014)
Her ability to balance multiple careers while maintaining a strong financial position is a testament to her business acumen and versatility