Jennifer Tilly has recently made headlines after revealing the remarkable financial outcome of her divorce from Sam Simon, co-creator of The Simpsons. The 66-year-old actress, known for her roles in the Child’s Play film series and as a professional poker player, shared her experience during the latest episode of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
While joining the cast on a getaway to Mission Pacific Beach Resort in Oceanside, California, Tilly opened up about her marriage to Simon, whom she was with for a decade. She disclosed that her divorce settlement included a share of The Simpsons—a deal that has proven to be incredibly lucrative, considering the show’s enduring popularity. “Nobody knew that The Simpsons was gonna go on for trillions of years,” she reflected, expressing her gratitude towards Simon.
Married from 1984 to 1991, Tilly’s former husband, Simon, was instrumental in developing the beloved animated series, which has captivated audiences since its premiere in 1989. Following his exit from the show in 1993, Simon negotiated contracts that continued to generate substantial licensing revenue, reportedly earning him between $20 million to $30 million annually. Upon his passing in 2015, he was noted to have donated his entire $100 million fortune to charitable causes.
Despite their divorce, Tilly maintained a close relationship with Simon until his death. She has continued to benefit from the success of The Simpsons, reportedly receiving 30 percent of royalties from Fox over the past 34 years.
Beyond her divorce settlement, Tilly has built a successful career with significant achievements in both acting and poker. Gaining prominence after roles in films like The Fabulous Baker Boys and receiving an Oscar nomination for Bullets Over Broadway, Tilly is also well-known for her portrayal of Tiffany Valentine in the Child’s Play horror franchise. This series alone has garnered over $250 million since its inception.
In addition to her acting accolades, Tilly has made a name for herself in professional poker, winning her first World Series of Poker bracelet in 2005 and exceeding $1 million in tournament earnings by 2019. She has been in a relationship with fellow poker player Phil Laak since 2004, and her sister, Meg Tilly, is also an acclaimed actress.
Tilly’s journey underscores her resilience and diverse talents, affirming that success can come from various paths in life. New episodes of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills air every Tuesday on Bravo, further lighting the spotlight on the lively lives of its cast members.
This story serves as an inspiring reminder that challenges can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes, both personally and professionally.