Jami Gertz, born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in the suburban neighborhood of Glenview. Raised in a close-knit Jewish family, Gertz had a relatively typical upbringing with her parents, Walter and Sharyn, and her two brothers. Her father worked as a contractor, while her mother dedicated her time to their household. Even from a young age, Gertz displayed a natural flair for performance and creativity.

Her love for acting blossomed during her time at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, where she actively participated in school plays and theater productions. Recognizing her talent, a local talent scout encouraged her to pursue acting professionally. This led her to study drama at New York University, where she honed her craft and prepared for the challenges of Hollywood.

Gertz’s acting career took off in the early 1980s when she landed a recurring role on the short-lived but cult-favorite TV series Square Pegs (1982-1983). Playing Muffy Tepperman, a snobby yet endearing high school student, Gertz quickly captured the attention of audiences and industry insiders alike. Though Square Pegs only aired for one season, it provided Gertz with a platform to showcase her comedic timing and charisma.

Her success on television opened the door to roles in feature films, and she made her mark with a small but memorable part in John Hughes’s classic Sixteen Candles (1984). This role was a stepping stone for Gertz, cementing her as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

The mid-to-late 1980s were pivotal years for Jami Gertz as she transitioned from TV to film. In 1987, she starred in two iconic movies that solidified her status as an 80s film star. First was her role as Star in The Lost Boys, a cult-classic vampire thriller directed by Joel Schumacher. Playing the mysterious and captivating love interest, Gertz brought depth and charm to her performance, earning praise from critics and fans alike.

That same year, she appeared in Less Than Zero, an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel exploring the dark underbelly of Los Angeles youth culture. Gertz portrayed Blair, a young woman entangled in a complicated love triangle while grappling with themes of addiction and privilege. Her nuanced performance showcased her ability to tackle complex, dramatic roles, setting her apart from many of her contemporaries.

As Gertz moved into the 1990s, she continued to demonstrate her versatility as an actress. In 1996, she appeared in the blockbuster disaster film Twister alongside Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Playing Dr. Melissa Reeves, the fiancée of Paxton’s character, Gertz delivered a compelling performance that added emotional weight to the action-packed narrative.

Simultaneously, Gertz continued to shine on television. In the 1990s and early 2000s, she appeared in guest roles on popular shows such as Seinfeld and Friends. Her comedic turn on Seinfeld, where she played Jane, the infamous girlfriend who refuses to share toilet paper, remains one of her most memorable TV moments.

In 2002, Gertz took on a leading role in the CBS sitcom Still Standing, where she played Judy Miller, a working mother juggling the chaos of family life. The show ran for four successful seasons and was praised for its humor and relatability. Gertz’s warm and witty portrayal resonated with audiences, solidifying her place as a talented television actress.

While Jami Gertz’s acting career has been remarkable, her impact extends far beyond Hollywood. In 1989, she married Antony Ressler, a successful private equity investor and co-founder of Ares Management. Together, the couple has built a life centered around family, philanthropy, and business.

One of their most notable ventures is their ownership stake in the Atlanta Hawks, an NBA team they acquired in 2015. Gertz’s involvement with the Hawks reflects her passion for sports and community engagement. She has been a visible and active presence at games, further endearing herself to fans and the Atlanta community.

Through the Gertz-Ressler Foundation, the couple has donated millions to causes ranging from education and healthcare to the arts and underprivileged communities. Their commitment to philanthropy earned them recognition as one of the top 50 philanthropists by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Gertz’s hands-on approach to charitable work, including mentoring programs for young people, showcases her dedication to making a difference.

Jami Gertz’s personal life is a testament to her ability to balance the demands of Hollywood, philanthropy, and family. She and Ressler have three sons—Oliver, Nicholas, and Theo—whom they have raised with a focus on strong values and giving back to the community. Despite her busy schedule, Gertz has consistently prioritized her role as a mother, often describing it as her most important and rewarding job.

Unlike many Hollywood stars, Gertz has managed to maintain a low-profile lifestyle, focusing on meaningful projects rather than chasing the spotlight. This grounded approach has allowed her to enjoy a fulfilling career while keeping her family at the center of her life.

As of today, Jami Gertz remains active in both the entertainment industry and her philanthropic endeavors. While she has taken on fewer acting roles in recent years, her impact in Hollywood endures. She continues to participate in select projects that align with her artistic vision and personal values.

Beyond acting, Gertz remains deeply involved in advocacy for arts education, youth empowerment, and mental health awareness. Her ongoing work with the Gertz-Ressler Foundation highlights her commitment to improving the lives of others and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

Jami Gertz’s life story is one of resilience, versatility, and compassion. From her early days as an 80s film icon to her current roles as a philanthropist and businesswoman, Gertz has consistently demonstrated a dedication to excellence in every endeavor. Her ability to transition seamlessly between Hollywood and philanthropy sets her apart as a truly multifaceted individual.

As she continues to inspire others through her work and generosity, Jami Gertz remains a shining example of how talent, hard work, and a commitment to giving back can create a legacy that transcends the entertainment industry.