Introduction
For decades, Jami Gertz has moved through the worlds of Hollywood, business, and philanthropy with a blend of skill, ambition, and discretion. While many remember her from cult classic films of the 1980s and 1990s—The Lost Boys, Less Than Zero, Twister—her story goes far beyond celebrity roles. In recent years, she has become deeply involved in major investments, team ownership, and charitable initiatives. This article traces her journey from child actress to high-stakes entrepreneur, explores her personal life and values, and considers how she has built a legacy that stretches well beyond the silver screen.
Early Life & Entry into Acting
Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, and she grew up in the nearby suburb of Glenview. Wikipedia+1 Her family life was grounded—her father was a builder and contractor, her mother involved in household management—creating a modest but stable upbringing. Wikipedia+2Pantheon+2 She attended Maine East High School and participated in performance arts, which eventually led her to enter a nationwide talent search. girl.com.au+3Watch TCM+3AAE Speakers Bureau+3
At around age 16, she won a casting contest backed by producer Norman Lear, which opened the door to her breakout TV role in Square Pegs, alongside Sarah Jessica Parker. Watch TCM+2Wikipedia+2 Despite being very young, she accepted the opportunity to move to Los Angeles, with support from her family, to pursue her acting career. Watch TCM+1
Her early film work included Endless Love (1981) and supporting roles in Sixteen Candles (1984) and Alphabet City (1984) Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Watch TCM+3 before she landed more prominent roles in films like Quicksilver (1986) and Solarbabies (1986). girl.com.au+3Watch TCM+3Wikipedia+3
Breakthrough Roles & Acting Career
The year 1987 marked a turning point: Gertz starred in Less Than Zero, playing the friend of a troubled character portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., and she also appeared in the cult vampire film The Lost Boys as “Star,” a half-vampire caught between worlds. Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4Watch TCM+4 These roles solidified her presence in pop culture and continue to be among her most remembered performances.
Over the years, she expanded into television, taking on recurring or starring roles in series such as Still Standing (2002–2006), where she played Judy Miller, and The Neighbors (2012–2014) as Debbie Weaver. girl.com.au+3Wikipedia+3Amazon+3 Her guest work included appearances on Ally McBeal, Seinfeld, and ER among others. girl.com.au+3Wikipedia+3Watch TCM+3 In 2001 she was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Ally McBeal. Wikipedia+1
What distinguishes her career is adaptability—she moved from dramatic to comedic roles, guest spots to leading parts, and never confined herself to one genre or style.
Personal Life, Business, and Sports Ownership
In 1989, Jami Gertz married Tony Ressler, a private equity investor. girl.com.au+4Wikipedia+4IMDb+4 Together they have three sons. TVGuide.com+3Wikipedia+3IMDb+3
Beyond entertainment, Gertz and Ressler have accumulated significant business influence. In 2015, their investment group acquired the Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise, making them majority owners—a bold leap from Hollywood to high-level sports management. Pantheon+3Wikipedia+3TVGuide.com+3 Jami often serves as a public face for the team, attending draft lotteries and representing the franchise in official capacity. Wikipedia+2TVGuide.com+2 They are also involved in philanthropic work and charitable foundations. Wikipedia+2TVGuide.com+2
In recent media coverage, she has been noted as possibly the wealthiest actress in Hollywood, thanks largely to her combined business holdings. E! Online+1 While acting remains part of her identity, her financial success is now more tied to investments and leadership roles than box office numbers.
Legacy, Influence & Public Perception
Jami Gertz’s story illustrates a shifting paradigm in celebrity culture: one where acting is not the endpoint but part of a broader portfolio of influence. Over time, she has become less visible on screen and more visible behind the scenes—in sports, business, and philanthropy. Her ability to maintain dignity, privacy, and integrity amid public scrutiny is often highlighted by journalists as a rare strength in celebrity circles.
Her early work in youth-centered media like Square Pegs gave her a seat in the hearts of ’80s audiences, but her ongoing relevance comes from reinvention—balancing nostalgia with modern relevance. In the era of celebrity entrepreneurs, she stands as a model of how to pivot without losing one’s identity.
Conclusion
Jami Gertz’s narrative goes beyond the arc of a typical Hollywood star. From her discovery in her teens to iconic roles in The Lost Boys and Less Than Zero, and onward to major sports ownership and philanthropic leadership, her life is a testament to evolution, resilience, and strategic growth. She exemplifies how a person can transcend industry boundaries—acting, investment, public service—while preserving credibility and impact. Whatever the measure of success, Jami Gertz has built a legacy that reflects both creativity and business acumen.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Who is Jami Gertz?
Jami Gertz is an American actress, producer, and businesswoman. She gained fame with roles in The Lost Boys, Less Than Zero, and Twister, and she now co-owns the Atlanta Hawks NBA team with her husband Tony Ressler. Wikipedia+2TVGuide.com+2
Q2: When and where was she born?
She was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, and spent much of her youth in the suburb of Glenview. Wikipedia+2TVGuide.com+2
Q3: What are her most famous acting roles?
Some of her best-known roles include The Lost Boys, Less Than Zero, Twister, and her long-running TV role in Still Standing. Wikipedia+2TVGuide.com+2
Q4: What is her current involvement in business and sports?
She and her husband are majority owners of the Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise, and she often serves as a public representative. She also participates in philanthropic and investment ventures. Watch TCM+3Wikipedia+3TVGuide.com+3
Q5: Is she one of the wealthiest actresses?
Recent media reports have positioned her among the richest women in entertainment, largely due to diversified business and ownership assets beyond acting alone. E! Online+1
