Jami Gertz Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Relationship, Career, Net Worth

Who is Jami Gertz?

Jami Gertz is an American actress, producer, and philanthropist who has enjoyed a decades-long career in Hollywood. Known for her natural charm, expressive performances, and ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles, she rose to fame in the 1980s with cult classics like The Lost Boys and Less Than Zero. Beyond acting, Jami has made a significant mark as one of the most philanthropic public figures in the U.S., largely through her charitable work with her husband, billionaire investor Antony Ressler.

Jami Gertz Early Life

Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, into a working-class Jewish family. She grew up in the Glenview suburb, where her father, Walter Gertz, worked in construction, and her mother, Sharyn Gertz, was a homemaker. From a young age, Jami had an interest in performing arts, participating in school plays and community theatre.

Jami Gertz Education

Jami attended Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois. She later studied drama at New York University (NYU), where she trained in acting, honing the skills that would serve her well in both television and film.

Career of Jami Gertz

Early Career (1980–1984)

• Jami Gertz began acting in her teens after being discovered by producer Norman Lear during a nationwide talent search.
• Her first TV appearance came in Diff’rent Strokes (1981), followed by The Facts of Life.
• She landed her first recurring role in the CBS sitcom Square Pegs (1982–1983), where she played Muffy Tepperman. This quirky comedy helped her gain early recognition.
• During this time, she also appeared in Family Ties and Dreams.

Film Breakthrough & 80s Stardom (1984–1989)

• Her film debut was in a small role in Endless Love (1981), but her big-screen recognition came with Sixteen Candles (1984), a John Hughes teen classic.
• She gained further popularity in the mid-80s with films like Quicksilver (1986) and Crossroads (1986), opposite Ralph Macchio.
• The Lost Boys (1987) was a career-defining role, where she played Star, the mysterious love interest in this cult vampire classic.
• In Less Than Zero (1987), she portrayed Blair, a character navigating the troubled world of wealth, drugs, and relationships. Her performance alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Andrew McCarthy earned critical acclaim.
• She continued to work steadily, appearing in projects like Listen to Me (1989).
  

1990s Career & Television Comeback

• In the early 90s, Gertz shifted towards television, appearing in guest roles on shows like Seinfeld and Ally McBeal.
• She acted in Twister (1996), playing Dr. Melissa Reeves, opposite Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt. The film was a box-office hit and remains one of her most well-known movies.
• She also appeared in made-for-TV movies and took selective roles to focus on family life during this period.
  

Sitcom Success – Still Standing (2002–2006)

• Jami made a big return to television with the CBS sitcom Still Standing, where she starred as Judy Miller, a witty and relatable mom.
• The show ran for four successful seasons, making her a familiar face for a new generation of viewers.
• Her comedic timing and natural charm earned her praise and strengthened her TV career.
  

The Neighbors & Later Work (2010s–Present)

• In 2012, Jami starred in The Neighbors, an ABC sitcom about a family living among extraterrestrials. She played Debbie Weaver, the sarcastic and protective mother. The show aired for two seasons.
• She made occasional guest appearances on shows like Modern Family and This Is Us.
• While she continues to act selectively, Jami has focused more on philanthropy, business ventures, and her role as part-owner of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
  

Jami Gertz Family

Jami married Antony Ressler in 1989. Ressler is the co-founder of Apollo Global Management and Ares Management. The couple has three sons: Oliver, Nicholas, and Theo. The family is known for their strong philanthropic involvement in causes related to education, healthcare, and the arts.

Philanthropy

Alongside her husband, Jami Gertz is consistently ranked among the top American philanthropists. Their charitable foundation supports organizations like the Painted Turtle Camp, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and medical research initiatives.

Jami Gertz Net Worth

Jami Gertz Social Media

(Note: Jami Gertz maintains a very private life and does not actively use public social media accounts.)

Jami Gertz Physical Appearance

Interesting Facts about Jami Gertz

1. She almost became a perfume designer before pursuing acting.
2. She made her film debut in Endless Love (1981) in a minor role.
3. Jami and her husband own a minority stake in the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
4. She has worked with both John Hughes and Joel Schumacher, two iconic 80s directors.
5. Jami was discovered in a nationwide talent search by Norman Lear.
6. She is known for turning down certain roles to prioritize family life.
7. She is a devoted supporter of Jewish community organizations.
8. In 2012, she and her husband were named the top charitable donors in the U.S.
9. She played guest roles in hit shows like Seinfeld and Ally McBeal.
10. Despite her fame, she leads a relatively low-profile life outside of public events.
    

FAQs

Q1: Who is Jami Gertz?
A: Jami Gertz is an American actress, producer, and philanthropist known for films like The Lost Boys and Less Than Zero.

Q2: How old is Jami Gertz?
A: She was born on October 28, 1965, making her 59 years old in 2025.

Q3: Is Jami Gertz married?
A: Yes, she is married to businessman and investor Antony Ressler.

Q4: What is Jami Gertz’s net worth?
A: Her combined net worth with her husband is estimated at over $3 billion.

Q5: Does Jami Gertz own a sports team?
A: Yes, she and her husband own a minority stake in the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.

Q6: What was Jami Gertz’s breakthrough film?
A: The Lost Boys (1987) is often considered her breakout role.

Q7: Is Jami Gertz active in philanthropy?
A: Yes, she is one of the most charitable public figures in the United States.

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