Jami biography

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She played Debbie Weaver, the sarcastic and protective mother. 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.

AttributeDetails
Full NameJami Beth Gertz
Birth DateOctober 28, 1965
BirthplaceChicago, Illinois, USA
Age (2025)59 years
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionActress, Investor, Philanthropist
Known ForRoles in Square Pegs, The Lost Boys, Still Standing
Marital StatusMarried
HusbandAntony Ressler (Billionaire investor, co-founder of Ares Management)
Children3 sons – Oliver, Nicholas, and Theo Ressler
EducationMaine East High School; NYU Tisch School of the Arts
ReligionJudaism
ResidenceLos Angeles, California, USA
LanguagesEnglish
HobbiesPhilanthropy, sports ownership, arts
Net Worth (Combined)$8 Billion (approx., with 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.

Despite her fortune, Jami maintains a modest public image.

Influence and Legacy

Jami Gertz is more than just a Hollywood actress — she’s a role model for balancing fame, family, and philanthropy. She’s a role model for anyone who wants success on their own terms—but also with kindness, generosity, and grounded perspective.

Summary Table

HighlightInsight
Early SuccessStarted young with TV and movie roles
Acting LegacyFrom teen sitcoms to sitcom matriarch
Sports OwnershipVisible leader of the Atlanta Hawks
Wealth JourneyBuilt wealth through business and marriage
Giving BackActive philanthropist in health and youth
Personal GroundingRecognized for keeping life simple and real

FAQs

1.

You’ll discover how she went from being a young actress in the 1980s to one of the wealthiest women in the entertainment industry today.

Early Life and Background

Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. 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.

      She’s often seen handling real-world details of the arena, showing how hands-on and passionate she is about the team.

      A Surprising Rise to Wealth

      Even though her last regular TV role was in The Neighbors (2014), Jami’s wealth has grown tremendously thanks to business ventures alongside her husband.

      Ressler and Gertz were also known to be the most generous couple when they donated millions to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  

      Also Read: Margaret Josephs - Macbeth, Housewives, Family, Kids & RHONJ

      How much does Jami Gertz make a Year?

      According to celebrity net worth, Gertz has a net worth of $3 million.

      at Leader Biography.

    Jami Gertz | Biography

    Who is Jami Gertz?

    Jami Gertz was born on 28 October 1965 in Chicago, Illinois. Then her publicist introduced her to financer Anthony Ressler. Raised in a middle-class Jewish family, she grew up in the suburb of Glenview.

    jami biography

    She became a household name with “Still Standing” and guest roles in popular series. I paid for our first house. Ressler is the co-founder of Apollo Global Management and Ares Management. Whether you’ve seen her in a cult classic film or cheered for her at an NBA game, her story reminds us that true legacy lies in making a difference.

    Quick Overview ➝

    Age: 52 Years

    Nationality: American

    Husband: Antony Ressler

    Who is Jami Gertz?

    Jami Gertz is an American actress, producer, and philanthropist who has enjoyed a decades-long career in Hollywood.

    Today, she’s recognized as one of the richest actors in the industry, all while staying grounded and generous. She’s best known for roles in “The Lost Boys” and “Twister,” but her reach goes far beyond Hollywood. 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.

      How rich is Jami Gertz?
      She’s estimated to have around $12 billion in wealth, making her one of the richest actors ever.

      3. Known for her down-to-earth style, she’s recently been spotted in Los Angeles, looking relaxed and enjoying quiet moments—earning attention not just for her appearance but for her humility and authenticity.

      Why Her Story Matters

      Jami Gertz shows us how talent, ambition, and heart can combine to shape a meaningful life.

      He had accumulated significant worth from his financial adventures when he met Gertz. Among them, her career-defining ones were the 1987 film The Lost Boys, followed by the 1996 Twister and the 2002 sitcom Still Standing.

      Ressler also owns a majority shares of the NBA team Atlanta Hawks while holds a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball.

      Has Jami Gertz won any major awards?
      While she hasn’t won major film awards, she earned an Emmy nomination for Ally McBeal.

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      Atul Kumar

      I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience.