Jennifer Tilly is a woman of many talents—an actress, a poker champion, and an unexpected beneficiary of one of television’s most enduring shows. While most know her for her roles in films like The Bride of Chucky or for her poker prowess, Tilly’s financial success goes beyond her Hollywood career. On a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the 66-year-old actress revealed an astonishing fact: she owns a stake in The Simpsons.
Tilly’s connection to the iconic animated series came from her marriage to Sam Simon, one of the show’s creators. Married from 1984 to 1991, Tilly was part of the powerhouse creative duo behind The Simpsons before they parted ways. Following their divorce, Tilly walked away with a portion of the royalties from the show—an arrangement that has paid off enormously over the years.
Simon, who left the show in 1993, negotiated a deal that ensured he would continue to receive a share of the show’s profits, which have been reported to be as high as $10 million annually. His passing in 2015 left Tilly with 30% of his royalties, a windfall that continues to grow as The Simpsons remains a cultural staple.
While Tilly may have initially been unaware of how long the show would last, she can now thank her ex-husband for one of the most lucrative divorce settlements in Hollywood history. She shared during her appearance on RHOBH, “Every day, honestly every day, I’m like, thank you, Sam.”
Her financial portfolio isn’t just thanks to The Simpsons, though. Tilly has also built her wealth through her acting career, including memorable roles in The Bride of Chucky and Liar Liar. Add to that her poker winnings—Tilly is an accomplished professional player with earnings nearing $1 million—and her involvement in reality TV, and it’s no wonder her net worth is estimated at $40 million according to Celebrity Net worth.
Jennifer Tilly’s financial success is a testament to how diversifying her career has allowed her to reap the rewards in multiple arenas.