Jennifer Tilly, born Jennifer Ellen Chan on September 16, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, is a multifaceted American actress, voice artist, and professional poker player. With over three decades in the entertainment industry, Tilly has built an impressive legacy in both Hollywood and the world of competitive poker. Her career trajectory has seen her excel in everything from iconic film roles to television voice acting, while also securing major victories at poker tournaments, further cementing her status as a cultural icon. As of 2025, Jennifer Tilly’s net worth is estimated at a remarkable $40 million, thanks to her varied career and substantial poker earnings.
Early Life and Family Background
Tilly was born into a family with a rich mix of entertainment and business. Her mother, Patricia, was a schoolteacher and former actress, and her father, Harry, worked as a used car salesman. Jennifer’s childhood was marked by a series of moves. She spent much of her early life in Texada Island, British Columbia, before relocating with her family to Victoria, British Columbia, at the age of 16. Her personal life also includes a complicated family history, with a tumultuous marriage of her mother to a man described by her sisters as abusive. Despite these challenges, Tilly pursued acting and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Stephens College in Missouri.
Tilly’s family has also had a significant impact on her career. Her sister, Meg Tilly, won a Golden Globe Award for her role in Agnes of God (1985), and her brother Steve has been active in the entertainment industry. This exposure to the world of acting and performance likely influenced Jennifer’s decision to pursue a career in Hollywood.
Early Career: Striking a Balance Between TV and Film
Tilly’s breakthrough came in 1994 when she received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway. Her portrayal of Olive Neal, a Broadway wannabe with a tough persona, earned her critical acclaim and thrust her into the spotlight. However, Jennifer had already been building a steady career in the 1980s and early 1990s with roles in TV shows like Hill Street Blues and Moonlighting. She also appeared in numerous films, including Johnny Be Good (1988) and The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), before landing her big Oscar-nominated role.
In the years that followed, Tilly took on a variety of roles across both film and television, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She starred in Bound (1996), a landmark film in the lesbian crime thriller genre, which earned her a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film. Tilly’s comedic talents also shone through in the 1997 hit Liar Liar, alongside Jim Carrey, a box office success that grossed over $300 million worldwide. These films helped solidify her position as a leading lady in Hollywood.
Iconic Roles and Voice Acting
Though Tilly was already known for her diverse acting range, it was her portrayal of Tiffany Valentine in the Child’s Play franchise that would become one of her most iconic roles. Starting with Bride of Chucky (1998), Tilly brought a unique combination of humor, horror, and camp to the role of the murderous doll’s girlfriend. She reprised this role in subsequent films in the series, including Seed of Chucky (2004), Curse of Chucky (2013), and Cult of Chucky (2017). Tilly’s portrayal of Tiffany became a fan favorite, securing her a lasting legacy in horror cinema.
In addition to her film roles, Tilly has been a prominent voice artist. She voiced Celia Mae in Disney’s Monsters, Inc. (2001) and reprised her role in the Disney+ series Monsters at Work. Additionally, Tilly has voiced characters in other animated films and shows, including Stuart Little (1999), Home on the Range (2004), and Family Guy, where she has voiced Bonnie Swanson since 1999. Her distinctive voice has contributed to her ongoing success in the animated world, gaining her a loyal following of fans.
Poker Success: From Hollywood to the Poker Table
In 2004, Jennifer Tilly’s career took an unexpected turn when she entered the world of professional poker. Encouraged by her boyfriend, professional poker player Phil Laak, Tilly made her tournament debut and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2005, she won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Ladies’ No-Limit Texas Hold’em event, earning a $158,625 prize and a coveted WSOP bracelet. That same year, she also won the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament, further proving her poker prowess.
Tilly’s poker success has continued over the years, with her cumulative earnings from live poker tournaments surpassing $992,000 by 2017. Though she initially retired from poker in 2007, she returned to the game in 2010 and has since competed in various high-stakes tournaments. Tilly’s unique position as both a Hollywood star and a serious poker player has made her one of the most famous faces in the poker community.
Personal Life and Divorce Settlement
Tilly’s personal life has also been marked by her marriage to Sam Simon, one of the co-creators of The Simpsons. The couple married in 1984 and divorced in 1991, but remained close friends until Simon’s death in 2015. As part of their divorce settlement, Tilly was awarded 30% of Simon’s share of The Simpsons royalties. This arrangement has proven to be financially lucrative, as Simon’s portion of royalties earned him millions annually. Jennifer reportedly earns $6-10 million annually from these royalties, contributing significantly to her net worth.
Tilly’s relationship with poker player Phil Laak has also been an important part of her personal life. The couple has been together since 2004, and their bond has been integral to Tilly’s success in the poker world.
Awards and Accolades
Tilly’s work as an actress has earned her several awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Bullets Over Broadway and a GLAAD Media Award for Bound. She has also received nominations for her work in horror films such as Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky, and she has won numerous accolades for her voice work, including nominations from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films and the Fantasporto Film Festival.
In recognition of her achievements in both acting and poker, Tilly has earned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and accomplished stars.
