When thinking of the richest actors in the world, many may be inclined to think of the Hollywood greats including Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman or Angelina Jolie.

But it turns out the richest of them all is someone most probably haven't heard of, with the top spot of being the richest actor in the world going to a female.

Despite not having a major hit film on her acting credentials, this American actress-turned-entrepreneur has been found to be the richest actor globally, including for both males and females, with a wealth that far exceeds any celebrity in the world.

This actress has a staggering net worth of £6.3 billion ($8 billion), making her wealth far exceed that of the richest male actor, surpassing even major Hollywood female personalities combined.

According to the Hurun Rich List, Jami Gertz is the world's richest actor, with much of her wealth coming from the entertainment industry, acting, business and philanthropy work.

Despite her astounding wealth, most have not heard of Gertz as she was more popular during the 1980s but has been steadily increasing her net worth over the years, amassing a fortune that's more than four of the top actors in the world's net worth combined.

To put that in context, the richest actor in the world is Tyler Perry with a net worth of £1.1 billion ($1.4 billion), followed by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson with £946 million ($1.19 billion), Jerry Seinfeld with £875 million ($1.1 billion) and then Tom Cruise with £708 million ($891 million).

Gertz began her showbiz career at an early age and after appearing in a few small TV roles she made her debut in the popular film, Endless Love, in 1981.

This debut thrusted Gertz into the world of Hollywood with astute roles in The Lost Boys, Square Pegs, Zero and later Twister, also appearing in the ABC sitcom The Neighbors, Solarbabies, Quints, Sixteen Candles.

Since her 80s heyday, Gertz has been largely inactive in the entertainment industry of late. She is married to an American billionaire hedge fund founder, Tony Ressler, who also works as a manager and is a sports team owner.

Together the power couple are part-owners of a number of sports teams including an NBA team, Atlanta Hawks and also own a stake in the Milwaukee Brewers.

Gertz also works as a businesswoman with investments in a number of companies.

She is the owner and founder of a consulting firm which offers advice and guidance for start-up companies, known as JG&A, LLC.

Gertz also advises many high-profile tech companies, she previously co-founded a lifestyle collection and is the strategic advisor on Women's Health Initiatives and sits on the advisory board for Women@Work Ventures.

Real estate in both Malibu and Beverly Hills has also helped increase Gertz's wealth with the couple's Beverley Hills home found in the Hill's most exclusive gated community and estimated to be worth around £47.7 billion ($60 million).

The actress is also well-known for her philanthropy work including The Starlight Children's Foundation and The Ressler Gertz Family Foundation with the couple being no strangers to charity and have both ranked high among the most generous celebrities in the world.