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Jami Gertz: From 'The Lost Boys' Star to Billionaire Investor
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Jami Gertz, an American actress known for her roles in 1980s films like "The Lost Boys" and "Less Than Zero," has become one of the wealthiest figures in Hollywood with a reported net worth of $8 billion, largely due to her marriage to billionaire investor Tony Ressler and their savvy business investments.

Gertz's Early Life and Family

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Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in the suburb of Glenview, where she was raised alongside her two brothers, Michael and Scott, by her parents Sharyn and Walter Gertz. Her father worked as a builder and contractor
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Gertz attended Maine East High School and later pursued drama studies at New York University
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Raised in a Conservative Jewish household, her upbringing and values were significantly influenced by her Jewish heritage
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Jami Gertz's Discovery and Early Roles

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Jami Gertz was discovered at the age of 16 through a nationwide talent search sponsored by producer Norman Lear, which led to her breakout role as Muffy Tepperman in the CBS sitcom "Square Pegs" (1982-83) alongside Sarah Jessica Parker
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Early in her career, Gertz appeared in popular TV shows such as "Diff'rent Strokes" and "The Facts of Life," and made her film debut in the 1981 romance film "Endless Love"
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These initial roles set the stage for her subsequent success in the entertainment industry.
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Jami Gertz Overview (Photos)

 

Jami Gertz's Awards and Honors

Jami Gertz has received various awards and nominations throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to film and television. Below is a summary of her notable awards and nominations:
AwardCategoryYearWork
Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series2001"Ally McBeal"
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Razzie AwardsWorst Supporting Actress1997"Twister"
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Young Artist AwardsMost Popular Mom & Pop in a Television Series (shared with Mark Addy)2004"Still Standing"
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The Stinkers Bad Movie AwardsWorst Supporting Actress1996"Twister"
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Gertz's career has been marked by both critical acclaim and less favorable recognition, showcasing her diverse roles in the entertainment industry.
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Jami Gertz's Extensive Filmography Highlights

Jami Gertz has had a prolific career in film and television, spanning several decades. Below is a summary of her notable works:
YearTitleRole
2022I Want You BackRita
2021NightbooksStar
2016This Is Us (TV Series)Marin Rosenthal
2015Difficult People (TV Series)David's Wife
2013Dealin' with IdiotsRosie
2012The Neighbors (TV Series)Debbie Weaver
2009Modern Family (TV Series)Laura
2007Lost Holiday: The Jim & Suzanne Shemwell StorySuzanne Shemwell
2006Shark (TV Series)-
2006Keeping Up with the SteinsJoanne Fiedler
2005Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell StoryMarilyn Gambrell
2004Entourage (TV Series)Marlo Klein
2003Undercover ChristmasBrandi O'Neill
2002Still Standing (TV Series)Judy Miller
2002Gilda Radner: It's Always SomethingGilda Radner
2001Lip ServiceKat
1999Seven GirlfriendsLisa
1997Ally McBeal (TV Series)Kimmy Bishop
1996TwisterDr. Melissa Reeves
1995Hudson Street (TV Series)Allison
1994ER (TV Series)Nina Pomerantz
1994This Can't Be LoveSarah
1992Jersey GirlToby
1990Sibling RivalryJeanine
1990The Boyfriend SchoolEmily
1990Dream On (TV Series)-
1989Silence Like GlassEva Martin
1989Seinfeld (TV Series)Jane
1989RenegadesBarbara
1989Listen to MeMonica Tomanski
1987Less Than ZeroBlair
1987The Lost BoysStar
1986SolarbabiesTerra
1986CrossroadsFrances
1986QuicksilverTerri
1985MischiefRosalie
1984Alphabet CitySophia
1984Sixteen CandlesRobin
1982Square Pegs (TV Series)Muffy Tepperman
1982Family Ties (TV Series)Jocelyn Clark
1981Endless LovePatty
1981On the Right TrackBig Girl
1979The Facts of Life (TV Series)Boots St. Clair
1978Diff'rent Strokes (TV Series)-
Gertz's extensive filmography highlights her versatility and enduring presence in the entertainment industry
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Jami Gertz (Interviews)

 

Jami Gertz's Transition from Acting to Business Investments

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Jami Gertz's transition from acting to business investments has been a key factor in her remarkable financial success. While she gained fame through her acting career in the 1980s and 1990s, Gertz's wealth primarily stems from her business ventures and investments with her husband, Tony Ressler. The couple co-owns the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, purchased for $720 million in 2015, and holds a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers
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Gertz is also involved in various business endeavors, including founding JG&A, LLC, a consulting firm for start-ups, and co-founding Henry Rose, a lifestyle collection company
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Her business acumen has been praised by Ressler, who noted her significant contributions to their sports franchise operations
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This diversification into sports team ownership, private equity, and entrepreneurship has propelled Gertz's net worth to an estimated $3 billion, making her one of the wealthiest actors in the world
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Philanthropic Endeavors and The Ressler-Gertz Foundation

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The Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, established by Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler, has made significant philanthropic contributions, particularly in Atlanta. In 2020, the foundation committed $5 million to the Herman J. Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE) to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs
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This donation was part of a larger $40 million investment aimed at bolstering economic empowerment in Atlanta's Black community
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The foundation has also partnered with the Atlanta Hawks, which Ressler and Gertz own, to expand diversity and inclusion initiatives, including a $10 million pledge to the NBA Foundation
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Additionally, the foundation has supported various causes, including prostate cancer research, donating $150,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in collaboration with the Atlanta Hawks Foundation
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Lime Orchard Productions: Jami Gertz's Venture into TV and Film Production

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In 2007, Jami Gertz founded Lime Orchard Productions, a television and film production company, alongside former agent Stacey Lubliner. Their first feature film, "A Better Life" (2011), directed by Chris Weitz, tells the story of an illegal immigrant gardener striving to keep his son away from gang life. The film received critical acclaim, earning Demian Bichir an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor
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Gertz and Lubliner were actively involved in the production, ensuring authenticity by collaborating with community organizations and legal experts
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Lime Orchard Productions aims to create character-driven content, reflecting Gertz's commitment to meaningful storytelling
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Gertz's Marriage, Wealth, and Philanthropy

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Jami Gertz has been married to billionaire businessman Tony Ressler since 1989, and they have three sons: Oliver, Nicholas, and Theo, and a daughter, Abigail
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Gertz and Ressler co-own the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and were previously part of the ownership group for the Milwaukee Brewers
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Gertz is known for her significant philanthropic efforts, including serving on the board of the Melanoma Research Alliance and being named the top celebrity donor to charity in 2010 by The Giving Back Fund
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The couple's philanthropic endeavors are also channeled through the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, which supports various causes, including economic empowerment and cancer research
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Closing Thoughts on Gertz

Jami Gertz's journey from a talented actress in classic films and television programs of the 1980s to a successful businesswoman and philanthropist exemplifies her versatility and dedication. Known for her iconic roles in "The Lost Boys" and "Less Than Zero," Gertz transitioned seamlessly into business investments alongside her husband, Tony Ressler. Together, they have made significant contributions to the sports world as co-owners of the Atlanta Hawks and minority stakeholders in the Milwaukee Brewers. Beyond her professional achievements, Gertz is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly through the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, which supports various causes, including economic empowerment and cancer research. Her multifaceted career and charitable endeavors highlight her as a prominent figure both in Hollywood and the business community, embodying the spirit of a true philanthropist and successful entrepreneur
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Related
What inspired Jami Gertz to pursue a career in acting
How did Jami Gertz's early roles shape her career trajectory
What are some lesser-known facts about Jami Gertz's career
How did Jami Gertz's upbringing influence her acting style
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