Jami Gertz is an American actress and producer, born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
She gained recognition for her early roles in films like The Lost Boys, Quicksilver and Less Than Zero, as well as her performance in the 1980s TV series Square Pegs with Sarah Jessica Parker.
Gertz is also known for her role in the CBS sitcom Still Standing with Mark Addy.
She has been married to Antony Ressler since 1989, and they have three children together.
Gertz is one of the wealthiest women in America, with her husband being a major partner in an investment firm worth almost 1.5 billion dollars.
They co-own the Milwaukee Brewers and the NBA team the Atlanta Hawks.
Gertz has been nominated for several awards, including a Primetime Emmy, and has appeared in various television shows, films and stage productions throughout her career.
Net worth | $8 billion |
Profession | Actress, producer, businesswoman |
Date of birth | October 28, 1965 |
Nationality | American |
Background
Gertz was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Glenview alongside her two brothers.
Her parents are Sharyn and Walter Gertz, with her father working as a builder and contractor.
Gertz was brought up in Conservative Judaism and attended Maine East High School before studying drama at New York University.
She began her professional acting career in 1981 and has since starred in various movies and TV projects.
Net worth
Gertz’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 billion.
Her wealth primarily stems from her successful acting career, business ventures, investments in sports teams like the Atlanta Hawks and philanthropic activities.Â
Gertz’s net worth has significantly increased over the years, starting from $500 million in 2018 to $8 billion currently.
Additionally, her marriage to billionaire businessman and philanthropist Tony Ressler has also contributed to her substantial net worth, with Ressler being a co-founder of private equity firms like Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, further boosting their combined wealth.
Gertz’s diverse portfolio, including ownership in sports teams, business ventures and philanthropic endeavors, has played a significant role in her impressive net worth.
Real estate
Gertz and her husband own luxurious real estate properties in Malibu and Beverly Hills.
Their Beverly Hills home, situated in an exclusive gated community, offers stunning 360-degree views of Los Angeles and is among prestigious neighbors like Denzel Washington and Sylvester Stallone.
Tax records indicate a minimum value of $30 million, potentially reaching up to $50 million on the market.
In Malibu, their residence overlooks Broad Beach, a highly sought-after location.
Gertz and Tony’s real estate portfolio reflects their affluent lifestyle and includes lavish homes that epitomize luxury living.
JG&A, LLC
Gertz’s business venture, JG&A, LLC, is a consulting firm that provides entrepreneurship advice for new companies.
Gertz, an accomplished actress and entrepreneur, co-founded the firm alongside her successful businessman husband.
Gertz and Tony are also part-owners of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team and the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, contributing to their substantial wealth.Â
Her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen, as well as her husband’s financial success, have solidified their status as a power couple in both the entertainment and business worlds.
Atlanta Hawks NBA team
Gertz is a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, an NBA team, alongside her husband.
Gertz is actively involved in the team’s ownership group, demonstrating her commitment to sports and community engagement.
She is often seen at team events and has been referred to as the public face of the Hawks, although this role was initially met with skepticism from NBA officials who typically prefer team legends like Dominique Wilkins for such positions.
Gertz and Tony’s involvement in the Hawks’ ownership group has contributed to their substantial net worth and their influence in the sports and entertainment industry.
The Atlanta Hawks are an NBA team based in Atlanta, Georgia.
They were founded in 1946 as the Buffalo Bisons and have since undergone several name and location changes, including stints as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks and St. Louis Hawks before settling in Atlanta in 1968.
The team has had several successful periods, including a run to the NBA Finals in 1957 and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2015.
The Hawks’ current roster includes players such as Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and John Collins.
The team is coached by Quin Snyder, who was hired in 2023.
The Hawks have a strong following in Atlanta and are known for their passionate fan base and exciting style of play.
Jami Gertz early carrer
Gertz is an American actress born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Glenview.
She attended public schools and graduated from Maine East High School.
Gertz was discovered in a nationwide talent search by Norman Lear and studied drama at NYU.
She began her professional acting career in 1981, appearing in commercials and films like Endless Love and Sixteen Candles.
Gertz gained recognition for her roles in the 1980s TV series Square Pegs and her performances in Less Than Zero and The Lost Boys.
After working in Paris as a scent designer for Lanvin, she returned to the United States and continued her acting career, landing key roles in various movies and TV shows.
Breakthrough
Gertz’s breakthrough in the entertainment industry came in the 1980s with notable roles in beloved sitcoms like Square Pegs and The Facts of Life, setting the stage for a transition into film.
She gained significant attention with starring roles in movies such as Less Than Zero, The Lost Boys and the 1996 blockbuster, Twister, where she portrayed the intrepid protagonist battling against nature’s fury.
Gertz’s versatility and exceptional acting skills in portraying a range of characters across different genres solidified her status as a Hollywood icon.
Additionally, her involvement in successful TV shows like Still Standing and her commitment to philanthropy and business ventures, including co-owning the NBA team Atlanta Hawks, have further contributed to her multifaceted success and recognition in the entertainment industry.
Gertz’s journey from sitcom stardom to becoming a prominent figure in Hollywood and sports ownership exemplifies her talent, resilience and unwavering determination, showcasing her as a trailblazer and inspiring figure in the world of entertainment and beyond.
Notable films
Gertz is a renowned American actress and businesswoman, best known for her breakthrough role in the 1987 film, Less Than Zero, and her performances in other notable movies such as The Lost Boys and Twister.
She began her acting career in the early 1980s, with appearances in commercials and films like Endless Love and Sixteen Candles.
Gertz gained recognition for her roles in the TV series, Square Pegs and The Facts of Life, which paved the way for her transition into film.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her versatility by portraying a wide range of characters in various genres, from drama and comedy to horror and action.
Gertz exceptional acting skills and on-screen presence have solidified her status as a sought-after actress in Hollywood.
Philanthropic efforts
Gertz is widely recognized for her significant philanthropic contributions and active involvement in charitable causes.
Together with her husband, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to making a positive impact by supporting various initiatives in education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.
Their partnership has allowed them to combine efforts and resources, amplifying their philanthropic endeavors.
Through generous donations and charitable contributions, Gertz and Tony have sought to improve access to education, support health-related causes, and help alleviate poverty, showcasing their dedication to making a difference in the lives of many.
Gertz’s philanthropic efforts not only reflect her compassion and generosity but also serve as an inspiration for others to engage in charitable endeavors and contribute to the betterment of society.
Personal life
Gertz has been married to billionaire business executive, Tony, since 1989.
Together, they have three sons, namely Oliver Jordan Ressler (born 1992), Nicholas Simon Ressler (born 1995) and Theo Ressler (born 1998).
Gertz and Tony are actively involved in various charitable causes, with a focus on education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.
They have made significant contributions to initiatives in these areas, improving access to education, supporting health-related causes and helping to alleviate poverty.
Gertz’s dedication to both her acting career and philanthropy work showcases her multifaceted nature and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of many.
Tony Ressler net worth
Tony has an estimated net worth of $8 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
He is the founder and chairman of Ares Management, an alternative-asset manager with about $395 billion of assets under management.
Tony controls more than 30% of publicly traded Ares Management, based on the Los Angeles-based company’s 2023 proxy statement and a June 2023 filing.
He is also the majority owner of the Atlanta Hawks, an NBA team, with a 51% stake, and a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, a Major League Baseball team.
Tony rose to head the new-issue desk at Los Angeles-based Drexel Burnham Lambert, which helped pioneer the leveraged buyout before declaring bankruptcy in 1990.
That year he co-founded private equity firm Apollo Management with billionaire Leon Black, according to Ares’ prospectus.
Seven years later he left to co-found Ares Management, the alternative-asset manager which focuses on credit and private equity transactions.
The company filed for an IPO in March 2014 and its shares listed on the NYSE two months later.