Jami Gertz Net Worth 2024: Jami Gertz is an American actress and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $8 billion in 2024, primarily due to her marriage to billionaire investor Tony Ressler and their joint ownership of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team.
Key Takeaways
- Jami Gertz has an estimated net worth of $8 billion.
- The majority of her wealth comes from her marriage to billionaire Tony Ressler.
- Gertz had a successful acting career in the 1980s and 1990s.
- She is a part-owner of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
- Gertz and Ressler are major philanthropists.
Jami Gertz: The Billionaire Actress
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in the suburb of Glenview and attended public schools, graduating from Maine East High School. Gertz was raised in a Jewish family and practiced Conservative Judaism.
Her acting career began in the early 1980s when she was discovered in a nationwide talent search by legendary producer Norman Lear. This led to her first on-screen role in the 1981 film “On the Right Track.” Gertz went on to study drama at New York University, laying the foundation for her future success in Hollywood.
Rise to Fame
Gertz’s breakthrough came with her role in the short-lived but critically acclaimed series “Square Pegs” (1982-1983). This was followed by appearances in popular 1980s TV shows like “The Facts of Life,” “Family Ties,” and “Dreams.”
Her film career took off in the mid-1980s with roles in iconic movies such as:
• “Sixteen Candles” (1984)
• “Crossroads” (1986)
• “The Lost Boys” (1987)
• “Less Than Zero” (1987)
Gertz’s performance in “Less Than Zero” alongside Robert Downey Jr. garnered significant attention and helped establish her as a rising star in Hollywood.
Continued Success in Television and Film
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Gertz maintained a steady presence in both television and film. Some of her notable roles include:
• A guest appearance on “Seinfeld” (1994)
• Dr. Nina Pomerantz on “ER” (1997)
• Kimmy Bishop on “Ally McBeal” (2000-2002)
• Judy Miller on “Still Standing” (2002-2006)
• Debbie Weaver on “The Neighbors” (2012-2014)
She also appeared in the blockbuster film “Twister” (1996), though her performance received mixed reviews.
Marriage and Billionaire Status
In 1989, Jami Gertz married Antony Ressler, a financier who would go on to co-found the private equity firms Apollo Global Management and Ares Management. At the time of their marriage, Gertz was actually the higher earner, supporting the couple’s early lifestyle.
Ressler’s business ventures proved incredibly successful, with Apollo and Ares now managing hundreds of billions of dollars in assets. This success has propelled the couple’s net worth to an estimated $8 billion, making Jami Gertz one of the wealthiest actresses in the world.
Sports Team Ownership
Gertz and Ressler have leveraged their wealth to become involved in professional sports ownership. They are part-owners of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, having purchased the team in 2015 for $730 million. Gertz has become the public face of the ownership group, representing the Hawks at NBA events like the draft lottery.
The couple also holds a minority stake in Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler are known for their significant philanthropic efforts. They have consistently ranked among the most generous celebrity donors, at times topping the list of charitable givers in Hollywood. Some of their notable philanthropic endeavors include:
• Founding members of Painted Turtle Camp, which provides camping experiences for children with chronic and fatal illnesses
• Supporters of the Melanoma Research Alliance, with Gertz serving on the board of directors
• Donors to various educational and cultural institutions
Real Estate Holdings
The couple’s real estate portfolio includes luxurious properties in some of California’s most desirable locations:
• A home in Beverly Hills, located in an exclusive gated community with an estimated value of $30-50 million
• A Malibu residence above Broad Beach
Legacy and Impact
While Jami Gertz’s acting career may not have reached the heights of some of her contemporaries, her business acumen and philanthropic efforts have cemented her place as a significant figure in Hollywood and beyond. Her journey from a child actor in Chicago to a billionaire sports team owner and generous philanthropist is a unique story in the entertainment industry.
Gertz’s success serves as a reminder that there are many paths to wealth and influence in Hollywood, beyond just on-screen stardom. Her continued involvement in acting projects, most recently appearing in the 2022 film “I Want You Back,” demonstrates her enduring passion for the craft despite her enormous financial success.
As Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler continue to manage their vast wealth and business interests, their impact on the worlds of entertainment, sports, and philanthropy is likely to grow even further in the coming years.
Latest News
Recent buzz around Jami Gertz has centered on the upcoming release of “Twisters,” a legacy sequel to the 1996 film “Twister” in which Gertz starred. While Gertz is not set to appear in the new film, her connection to the original has sparked renewed interest in her career.
The new “Twisters” movie, slated for release in 2024, introduces a fresh cast of characters to carry on the storm-chasing legacy. Interestingly, there’s speculation that Glen Powell’s character, Tyler, may have a connection to the original film’s characters. This has led to discussions about Gertz’s role in the 1996 movie and its lasting impact on popular culture.
Additionally, Gertz’s portrayal of Melissa in the original “Twister” has been the subject of recent retrospectives. Critics and fans have reassessed her character, with some defending Melissa as misunderstood and relatable. These discussions highlight how Gertz’s performance continues to resonate with audiences nearly three decades after the film’s release.
This renewed attention serves as a reminder of Gertz’s contributions to 1980s and 1990s cinema, even as her current public profile is more closely associated with her business ventures and philanthropic efforts.
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