Jennifer Tilly is a name synonymous with both Hollywood and high-stakes poker tables. Known for her sultry voice, quick wit, and striking screen presence, Tilly has managed to carve a successful dual career that spans film, television, and professional poker. As of 2025, the 66-year-old actress and poker champion has an estimated net worth of $40 million, accumulated through decades of acting roles, voiceover work, and strategic financial arrangements—including royalties from The Simpsons.
Early Life and Education
Born Jennifer Ellen Chan on September 16, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, she was raised in Texada Island, British Columbia, after her parents’ divorce. Her mother, Patricia, was a schoolteacher and former actress, while her father, Harry Chan, worked as a used car salesman. Jennifer is the second of four siblings, including Meg Tilly, who also became an award-winning actress.
Jennifer later moved to Victoria with her family and graduated from Belmont High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Stephens College in Missouri, laying the foundation for her acting ambitions.
Jennifer Tilly’s Net Worth and Income Sources
Tilly’s $40 million net worth reflects a diverse income stream built across multiple industries. Her career spans more than 120 film and TV credits, numerous stage performances, and victories on the professional poker circuit. However, a significant and lesser-known contributor to her fortune is a royalty deal tied to The Simpsons.
Tilly was previously married to Sam Simon, the co-creator of The Simpsons, from 1984 to 1991. As part of their divorce settlement, Tilly receives 30% of the net proceeds from Simon’s share of royalties from the show. At the time of his death in 2015, Simon was reportedly earning $20–30 million per year from The Simpsons. Jennifer’s share, therefore, has ranged between $6 million and $10 million annually, a steady and substantial income that continues to this day.
Hollywood Career: From Oscar Nominee to Cult Icon
Tilly broke into Hollywood in the early 1980s, gaining attention with roles on shows like Hill Street Blues and films such as The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989). Her breakthrough came in 1994, when she earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Olive Neal in Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway. The performance showcased her comedic timing and cemented her place as a serious actress.
She went on to star in cult classics like Bound (1996), Liar Liar (1997) opposite Jim Carrey, and Bride of Chucky (1998), which introduced her most famous role as Tiffany Valentine in the Child’s Play horror franchise. The role gained her a new generation of fans and reprised versions of Tiffany appear in Seed of Chucky (2004), Curse of Chucky (2013), and Cult of Chucky (2017).
Tilly has also made her mark in voice acting, famously portraying Bonnie Swanson on Family Guy since 1999, and lending her voice to Celia Mae in Monsters, Inc. (2001), and Monsters at Work. Her voice work, along with film and TV appearances, continues to be a steady source of income and relevance.
A Dominant Force in Poker
Tilly transitioned from screen to poker table in the early 2000s, after being introduced to competitive poker by her partner, professional poker player Phil “Unabomber” Laak. In 2005, she won the World Series of Poker Ladies’ No-Limit Texas Hold’em Championship, claiming a prize of $158,625 and a coveted WSOP bracelet.
That same year, she also won the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament, establishing herself as a serious competitor. Though she briefly announced retirement in 2008 via a column in Bluff Magazine, she returned to competitive poker in 2010. As of 2017, she had earned over $992,000 in live poker tournament winnings, and her reputation in the poker world remains intact.
Tilly’s wit, charisma, and ability to perform under pressure have made her a fan favorite in televised poker events such as Celebrity Poker Showdown and Poker Royale.
Personal Life and Longtime Partner
Jennifer was married to Sam Simon from 1984 to 1991. Despite the divorce, the two remained close friends until his passing in 2015. Following his death from colorectal cancer, Jennifer paid tribute to Simon, calling him her “best friend for 30 years” and praising his humanitarian work, particularly his massive donations to animal welfare causes.
Since 2004, Tilly has been in a relationship with Phil Laak, a professional poker player and commentator. The couple met during the World Poker Tour Invitational—which Laak won—and have been together ever since, often appearing together at tournaments and poker-related events.
Though they have chosen not to marry, their bond is strong, and they frequently refer to each other as life partners. They currently split their time between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Awards and Recognition
Tilly has received numerous accolades for both her acting and poker careers. In addition to her 1995 Academy Award nomination, she won a GLAAD Media Award, a Theatre World Award, and received honors from the Fantafestival, San Diego Film Festival, and the Fantasporto Film Festival.
She has also been nominated for MTV Movie Awards, Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, and several voice acting awards for her animated performances.
Final Thoughts
From an Oscar-nominated actress to a poker champion and savvy royalty earner, Jennifer Tilly has crafted one of the most unconventional and impressive careers in Hollywood. Her ability to remain relevant across decades, while maintaining her signature style and voice, has made her a true original in both entertainment and gaming circles.
At 66, with a net worth of $40 million, a thriving relationship, and continued appearances in film and television, Jennifer Tilly shows no signs of slowing down—on screen or at the poker table.