Jennifer Tilly, born Jennifer Ellen Chan on September 16, 1958, is an American–Canadian actress and professional poker player. She gained fame for her distinctive voice and comedic flair, earning a Saturn Award, a Fantasporto Award, and a GLAAD Award, among other nominations including an Academy Award.
Tilly’s notable film roles include Olive Neal in “Bullets Over Broadway,” Violet in “Bound,” and Tiffany Valentine in the “Child’s Play” series. Since 1999, she has voiced Bonnie Swanson on “Family Guy.” An accomplished poker player, Tilly won a World Series of Poker bracelet and her live tournament winnings have surpassed $1 million.
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Jennifer Tilly Net Worth
Jennifer Tilly, an American actress and poker player, boasts a net worth of $40 million. She achieved her breakthrough role in the 1994 Woody Allen film “Bullets Over Broadway,” earning an Academy Award nomination. Tilly has since built a successful career in both film and television, amassing over 120 acting credits.
Early life
Jennifer Tilly was in Harbor City, Los Angeles, the first daughter of Harry Chan, a used car salesman, and Patricia (née Tilly), a Canadian schoolteacher and former stage actress. Her father was of Chinese descent, while her mother had Irish and Finnish ancestry.
Tilly has an older brother, Steve, and two younger sisters, Meg and Rebecca. After her parents divorced when she was five, Tilly was raised by her mother and stepfather, John Ward, on Texada Island in British Columbia. Despite claims by her sisters of Ward’s abusive behavior, Jennifer has not publicly commented on these allegations.
The family moved to Langford, a suburb of Victoria, when she was 16. During her high school years at Belmont Secondary School, Tilly developed a passion for theater, participating in plays with her mother’s support. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from Stephens College in Missouri.
Career
Jennifer Tilly made her TV debut in 1983 with roles on “Oh Madeline” and “Boone,” and by the 1980s, she appeared in films like “The Fabulous Baker Boys” and shows such as “Cheers.” She gained significant recognition for her Oscar-nominated role in “Bullets over Broadway” in 1994.
Tilly starred in “Bound” in 1996, and co-starred in “Liar Liar” in 1997. She joined the “Child’s Play” franchise as Tiffany Valentine in 1998. An accomplished poker player, Tilly won a World Series of Poker bracelet in 2005 and had amassed over $992,000 in live tournament winnings by 2017. She has continued to act in film and TV, including voice work in “Monsters, Inc.” and appearances on Broadway.
Personal life
Jennifer Tilly, an accomplished actress and professional poker player, was married to Sam Simon, the developer and producer of “The Simpsons,” from 1984 until their divorce in 1991. Despite Simon’s departure from the show after its fourth season, his continued royalties as a co-creator significantly benefited his estate.
Following Simon’s death in 2015, Tilly inherited 30% of his “Simpsons” royalties from his estate, which contribute approximately $10 million annually to her income. Beyond her acting career, Tilly has made a name for herself in the poker world.
She began playing in competitive poker tournaments in 2004, encouraged by her boyfriend, poker pro Phil “Unabomber” Laak. In 2005, she won the World Series’ Ladies World Poker Championship and the World Poker Ladies Night III, showcasing her significant skill in the game.
How much money has Jennifer Tilly made playing poker?
In her poker career, Jennifer Tilly has accumulated over $1 million in earnings. This impressive sum is a testament to her skill and dedication to the game, making her one of the most successful female poker players.
What movies did Jennifer Tilly come out in?
Jennifer Tilly’s filmography is diverse, with her debut in “No Small Affair” (1984) and subsequent roles in various genres. Films like “Moving Violations,” “Johnny Be Good,” and “Let It Ride” highlight her versatility as an actress. Her role in the “Child’s Play” series remains one of her most iconic.
Conclusion
Jennifer Tilly’s journey from Hollywood to the poker table is a remarkable story of talent, tenacity, and transformation. With a net worth of $25 million, she stands as a testament to the power of diversifying one’s skills and interests. Her success in both acting and poker continues to inspire many.
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FAQs about Jennifer Tilly’s Net Worth
- What role is Jennifer Tilly most famous for? Jennifer Tilly is most famous for her role as Tiffany Valentine in the “Child’s Play” series.
- How much is Jennifer Tilly worth? As of 2023, Jennifer Tilly’s net worth is estimated at $25 million.
- What award did Jennifer Tilly receive for her acting? Jennifer Tilly received an Oscar nomination for her role in “Bullets over Broadway.”
- What is Jennifer Tilly’s background in poker? Tilly has won over $1 million in poker and a WSOP bracelet.
- Did Jennifer Tilly have formal training in acting? Yes, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater, which laid the foundation for her acting career.
