Jami Gertz is not only recognized as one of the most beloved actresses from the 1980s and 1990s, but she has also made a lasting mark as a savvy businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist. From her iconic role in the cult classic The Lost Boys to her successful ventures in the world of professional sports, Jami’s career has proven to be as diverse as it is successful.
This article delves into Jami Gertz’s acting career, her transition into business, her involvement in sports ownership, and her ongoing philanthropic efforts. Join us as we explore her life, her impact, and what makes Jami Gertz one of the most accomplished figures in Hollywood today.
Early Life: A Promising Start in Hollywood
Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, to Sharyn and Walter Gertz, a couple of Jewish descent. Raised in Glenview, Illinois, she was drawn to acting from a young age, taking part in various school plays and community theater productions. After high school, Jami moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of acting. She soon began appearing in commercials and landing roles in TV shows, marking the beginning of a long career in entertainment.
Her big break came in 1981, when she made her film debut in Endless Love, followed by a string of television appearances in the early 1980s. But it wasn’t until the mid‑80s that she became a household name.
Jami Gertz Rising to Fame in the 1980s
Jami Gertz’s career truly took off during the 1980s, a time when she starred in some of the most iconic films and TV shows of the decade.
Notable Roles in Film
- Sixteen Candles (1984) – Jami played a supporting role in this teen classic directed by John Hughes, which solidified her place in Hollywood.
- The Lost Boys (1987) – Perhaps her most famous role, Jami played Star, the love interest of Corey Haim and Kiefer Sutherland in this cult vampire film. The movie became a huge success and cemented her status as a star of 1980s cinema.
- Less than Zero (1987) – Jami starred in this drama about a group of teenagers facing the harsh realities of addiction and wealth.
- Twister (1996) – She starred opposite Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt in this action-packed film about storm chasers battling tornadoes, one of her later big-screen hits.
Television Success
- Square Pegs (1982–1983) – This early 80s sitcom marked Jami’s television debut, where she played the quirky and awkward Muffy Tepperman.
- Still Standing (2002–2006) – Jami later starred in this successful family sitcom as Judy Miller, a loving but tough mother in a working-class family. The show was a hit with audiences and ran for five seasons.
Jami’s roles during this time helped her build a loyal fanbase, and she became synonymous with the 80s teen film scene, which still resonates with pop culture fans today.
Jami Gertz Business Ventures: From Actress to Business Tycoon
While many of her peers faded from the limelight, Jami Gertz transitioned from acting into business and investments, where she would build her lasting fortune.
Sports Ownership
One of the key factors in Jami Gertz’s wealth and influence is her involvement in sports franchise ownership. In 2015, she and her husband, Tony Ressler, purchased the Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise. This deal placed them in an elite group of sports owners, with Jami taking a hands-on role in the management of the team.
Her husband, Tony Ressler, is a renowned billionaire investor and co‑founder of Ares Management, a global alternative asset manager. The couple’s combined wealth and influence in the sports world have made them a power couple in both Hollywood and business. This purchase was a significant move for Jami, showing that her acumen extended well beyond the world of acting.
Investments and Real Estate
In addition to sports ownership, Jami has invested in multiple business ventures, including real estate, technology companies, and private equity firms. Through these investments, she and Tony have amassed a fortune that extends well beyond Jami’s earnings as an actress.
Her ability to diversify her investments and make smart business decisions has positioned her as one of Hollywood’s wealthiest and most successful women. She is often cited as an example of an actress who successfully pivoted to a business career.
Jami Gertz Net Worth and Wealth
Jami Gertz is often listed among the wealthiest actresses in the world, thanks to her significant business ventures and investments. While her acting career alone wouldn’t have provided her with such staggering wealth, her partnership with Tony Ressler has been the key to her financial success.
Estimated Net Worth
Jami Gertz’s estimated net worth is believed to be in the $3 billion range, making her one of the wealthiest people in Hollywood. A large portion of this wealth comes from the ownership of the Atlanta Hawks as well as Ares Management, the company Tony co‑founded. This puts Jami and Tony in the ranks of billionaire celebrity couples, and their net worth is often compared to other high‑profile entertainment moguls like Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift.
Her wealth not only comes from her acting career and sports investments but also from real estate holdings, which include multimillion‑dollar homes in Beverly Hills and Malibu.
Jami Gertz Personal Life: Family, Marriage, and Philanthropy
Marriage to Tony Ressler
Jami Gertz married Tony Ressler, a prominent businessman and billionaire investor, in 1989. Together, they have three sons and have built a powerful empire both in business and sports. While Jami is still occasionally involved in acting, it is her partnership with Tony that has allowed her to expand her wealth and influence far beyond the entertainment industry.
Their family life is kept private, but Jami is known for her active involvement in philanthropy, with a particular focus on children’s education and healthcare.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Jami and Tony Ressler are strong supporters of charitable causes, including major donations to education programs, medical research, and community outreach efforts. They have supported organizations like the Painted Turtle Camp, which provides fun and therapeutic experiences for children with life‑threatening illnesses.
Jami Gertz Legacy and Continued Success
Jami Gertz’s legacy is one of versatility, perseverance, and business acumen. She transitioned from being a popular Hollywood actress in the 80s and 90s to becoming a successful business mogul and sports franchise owner, building a fortune that rivals many of her entertainment peers. Her transition from the big screen to the boardroom serves as an inspiration for many women looking to break into both Hollywood and business.
Her role in the Atlanta Hawks and her investments in various industries show that Jami’s influence extends far beyond her acting days. Whether in acting, sports, or philanthropy, Jami Gertz continues to make an indelible mark on the world.
Conclusion
Jami Gertz’s career is a testament to the idea that success isn’t limited to a single industry or role. Starting as a beloved actress, she pivoted to business ownership, where she has thrived in sports management, investment, and philanthropy. Today, as a billionaire, she is recognized as one of Hollywood’s wealthiest and most successful personalities, and her story continues to inspire new generations of actors, entrepreneurs, and investors alike.
Her legacy as an actress may have sparked her career, but her intelligence, business savvy, and partnership with Tony Ressler have propelled her to new heights of success, securing her place in both entertainment history and the world of business.