Jami Gertz – The Actress Who Became a Billionaire
Jami Gertz is a name that surfaces in two very different contexts: as a beloved 1980s film star and as one of the wealthiest women in Hollywood. Her journey from a teenage actress in Chicago to a billionaire co-owner of an NBA team is a story that blends early fame with a later-life business partnership. This article examines her career, her family, and the source of her considerable fortune.
For many, Gertz remains the face of the vampire classic The Lost Boys. For others, she is known as the wife of billionaire financier Tony Ressler and a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. Understanding her life requires looking at both the screen roles that made her a household name and the private equity empire that built her wealth.
Who Is Jami Gertz? A Biography Overview
Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. She discovered her passion for acting in the fifth grade after playing Dorothy in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. At age 16, she won a nationwide talent search that led to her first professional role.
Jami Beth Gertz
October 28, 1965 (age 59), Chicago, Illinois
Estimated $3 billion (combined with husband)
The Lost Boys, Twister, Seinfeld, Atlanta Hawks co-owner
Key Insights
- Jami Gertz’s net worth is often cited as $3 billion, making her one of the wealthiest actresses, but this wealth comes primarily from her husband’s investments and their joint ownership of the Atlanta Hawks.
- Despite her wealth, Gertz continues to act occasionally, most recently in the 2022 Amazon film I Want You Back.
- Her marriage to billionaire investor Antony Ressler has been a key factor in her financial status, but Gertz herself had a successful acting career in the 1980s and 1990s.
- She is a minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team, a role that keeps her involved in sports and business.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Jami Beth Gertz |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Spouse | Antony Ressler (m. 1989) |
| Children | 3 sons |
| Notable Films | The Lost Boys (1987), Less Than Zero (1987), Twister (1996) |
| TV Appearance | Seinfeld (1992) – episode “The Handicap Spot” |
| Current Role | Co-owner of Atlanta Hawks (NBA) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $3 billion (combined with husband) |
What Is Jami Gertz’s Net Worth and How Did She Become Wealthy?
The question of Jami Gertz’s net worth is one of the most searched topics about her, and the answer requires some context. Estimates vary widely, ranging from $3 billion to as high as $12 billion, depending on the source and the year. The most commonly cited figure for 2025 is around $3 billion, a sum that reflects her shared assets with her husband, billionaire financier Tony Ressler.
It is important to clarify that this wealth does not come from her acting career. Gertz earned a respectable income from her film and television work, but the vast majority of her net worth is tied to Ressler’s private equity empire, Ares Management, and their joint ownership of the Atlanta Hawks. She is often described as the richest woman in Hollywood, but this title refers to her combined household wealth, not her individual earnings from acting.
Jami Gertz is not the richest actress by acting income. Her wealth stems from her husband’s business ventures, making her the richest woman in Hollywood due to partnership.
How Did Jami Gertz Become Wealthy?
The primary source of the Gertz-Ressler fortune is Ares Management, a global alternative investment firm co-founded by Tony Ressler. The couple also owns a significant stake in the Atlanta Hawks, which they purchased in June 2015 for approximately $850 million. Gertz is also a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
Is Jami Gertz the Richest Actress?
This claim requires careful framing. While she is frequently called the richest woman in Hollywood, her wealth is not derived from acting salaries. It is a combined family fortune. By individual acting income, she is not the richest actress, but as part of a billionaire partnership, she holds a unique position in the entertainment industry.
Who Is Jami Gertz Married To? Personal Life
Jami Gertz has been married to Antony “Tony” Ressler since 1989. Ressler is a billionaire financier and the co-founder of Ares Management, a global private equity firm. The couple met in 1986 and married three years later.
They have three sons: Oliver (often called Nick), Nicholas, and Theo. The family originally lived in Los Angeles but relocated to Atlanta after purchasing the Hawks in 2015. Gertz is known for being private about her personal life, preferring a more secluded lifestyle despite her high-profile team ownership.
While some sources mention a daughter, all major profiles confirm that Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler have three sons only.
What Are Jami Gertz’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?
Jami Gertz’s acting career spans from 1981 to 2022, with a string of memorable roles in both film and television. Her most iconic role remains the 1987 vampire film The Lost Boys, where she played the female lead. That same year, she appeared in Less Than Zero, further cementing her status as a rising star of the decade.
Notable Film Roles
- Crossroads (1986) – Penny
- Quicksilver (1986) – Tracy
- Less Than Zero (1987) – Blair
- The Lost Boys (1987) – Star (her most iconic role)
- Twister (1996) – Kelly
- Gilda Radner: It’s Always Something (2002) – Gilda Radner (lead role)
- I Want You Back (2022) – Supporting role
Television Highlights
On television, Gertz is perhaps best remembered for her guest role on Seinfeld in 1992, where she played a character named Jami in the episode “The Handicap Spot.” She also starred in the sitcom Still Standing from 2002 to 2006 and played Abby Webers in the sci-fi comedy The Neighbors from 2012 to 2014. In 2001, she earned an Emmy nomination for her guest appearance on Ally McBeal.
What Is Jami Gertz Doing Now? Current Activities in 2025
As of 2025, Jami Gertz has not announced any new acting roles. Her most recent film appearance was in the 2022 Amazon romantic comedy I Want You Back. She appears to have stepped back from regular acting work to focus on her family and her role as co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks.
Her involvement with the NBA team is significant. She and her husband are active in the franchise’s operations and community initiatives. Gertz also founded Lime Orchard Productions in 2007, a production company funded largely with her own money, though no new projects have been announced recently.
No new acting roles have been announced since 2022. Gertz currently focuses on Atlanta Hawks operations and family life.
Did Jami Gertz Appear on Seinfeld? A Deeper Look
Yes, Jami Gertz appeared on Seinfeld in the 1992 episode “The Handicap Spot” (season 4). She played a character named Jami, one of Jerry’s girlfriends. The episode is particularly famous for a scene in which she refuses to “spare a square” of toilet paper for Elaine, a moment that has become a classic piece of Seinfeld trivia.
This single appearance has remained a talking point for fans of the show, often cited alongside her more prominent film roles. It is a testament to the cultural impact of Seinfeld that a brief guest role continues to generate interest decades later.
Timeline of Key Events in Jami Gertz’s Life
- 1965 – Born in Chicago, Illinois.
- 1981 – Won a nationwide talent search, cast at age 16 in Norman Lear’s Square Pegs.
- 1987 – Starred in The Lost Boys and Less Than Zero, gaining fame.
- 1989 – Married investment banker Antony Ressler.
- 1992 – Appeared in Seinfeld episode “The Handicap Spot”.
- 1996 – Co-starred in Twister.
- 2000s – Took a step back from acting to focus on family and philanthropy.
- 2015 – Became part of the ownership group of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA).
- 2022 – Returned to acting in Amazon romantic comedy I Want You Back.
- 2025 – Continues as Hawks co-owner and occasional actress; net worth remains a topic of interest.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Jami Gertz?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Jami Gertz was born on October 28, 1965 in Chicago. | Exact net worth figure is not publicly confirmed; estimates range from $2 billion to $3 billion, mostly from Ressler’s investments. |
| She is married to Antony Ressler since 1989. | Whether she is the “richest actress” depends on definition (active vs. retired, combined vs. individual wealth). |
| They have three sons. | Her current acting projects are not publicly announced beyond 2022. |
| She appeared in the Seinfeld episode “The Handicap Spot”. | |
| She and her husband are co-owners of the Atlanta Hawks. |
What Is the Context Behind Jami Gertz’s Unique Position?
Jami Gertz occupies a rare space in Hollywood. She is a successful actress who transitioned into a major business and sports ownership role through marriage. Her net worth is frequently highlighted in media, but the source is largely her husband’s success as a private equity investor. This creates a narrative that must be carefully presented to avoid confusion.
The search volume for “Jami Gertz net worth” indicates that users are primarily interested in her financial status. However, many do not realize that her wealth is shared with her husband. The “richest actress” claim, often seen on social media, is misleading because it does not separate individual earnings. A comprehensive understanding requires acknowledging both her acting legacy and the business partnership that defines her current status.
What Do the Sources Say About Jami Gertz?
“Jami Gertz has crafted a distinguished reputation in film, television and theater.”
— NBA.com (Atlanta Hawks bio)
“She is apparently the RICHEST ACTRESS ever.”
— Social media post by Eddie Griffin (unverified, included for context)
“Gertz has performed in the films Crossroads, Quicksilver…”
— Wikipedia
Summary: Who Is Jami Gertz?
Jami Gertz is a Chicago-born actress who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in The Lost Boys, Crossroads, and Less Than Zero. She later transitioned into business, becoming a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks alongside her husband, Tony Ressler. Her story is one of two distinct chapters: a successful acting career followed by a billionaire partnership built on private equity and sports ownership. For readers interested in her co-star from The Lost Boys, see Corey Feldman – Biography, Net Worth and Activism. For a comparison with another prominent sports team owner, read about Amanda Staveley – Who Is the British Businesswoman.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jami Gertz
How old is Jami Gertz?
As of 2025, Jami Gertz is 59 years old (born October 28, 1965).
How tall is Jami Gertz?
Jami Gertz is 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall.
What is Jami Gertz’s real name?
Her full name is Jami Beth Gertz.
How many children does Jami Gertz have?
She has three sons with her husband Antony Ressler.
What is Jami Gertz’s most famous movie?
She is best known for The Lost Boys (1987) and Twister (1996).
Did Jami Gertz appear on Seinfeld?
Yes, she played a character named “Jami” in the episode “The Handicap Spot” (season 4, 1992).
Is Jami Gertz still acting?
She occasionally takes roles; her most recent was in 2022’s I Want You Back.
How did Jami Gertz become rich?
Her wealth comes primarily from her husband Antony Ressler’s successful investment career, notably as co-founder of Ares Management, and their joint ownership of the Atlanta Hawks.
Is Jami Gertz the richest actress?
While often cited as such, her net worth is combined with her husband’s. Individually, she is not the richest actress, but as a couple they are among the wealthiest in the entertainment industry.
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