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Who is Jami Gertz?
Jami Gertz is an American actress, most famous for notable works including the films “The Lost Boys”, “Less Than Zero”, and “Twister”, as well as the TV series “Square Pegs” and “The Neighbors”. Gertz has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1980s.
Jami Gertz Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education
Jami Berth Gertz was born on 28 October 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, the daughter of Sharyn and Walter Gertz, a builder and contractor. Jami is the only girl in the family of three and was raised in Conservative Judaism. She matriculated from Maine East High School, and later enrolled at New York University to study drama.
Career Beginnings
Jami Gertz’s journey in the entertainment industry began with a remarkable discovery in a nationwide talent search conducted by renowned television producer Norman Lear; her talent and potential were evident from the start; Gertz’s early acting experiences included a memorable appearance as a child actor in one episode of the popular TV show “Diff’rent Strokes”. She also secured a recurring role in the beloved series “The Facts of Life”, portraying Boots St. Clair.
Making her foray into film, Gertz made her debut in the 1981 movie “Endless Love”, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, which revolved around the passionate romance between two teenagers, played by Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt, and explored themes of obsession and forbidden love.
Rise to Stardom
Gertz’s rise to stardom gained momentum when she co-starred in the TV sitcom series “Square Pegs” from 1982 to 1983. The show, created by Anne Beatts, centered around the lives of a group of high school misfits and their struggles to fit in. Gertz’s portrayal of Muffy Tepperman, one of the main characters, earned her critical acclaim.
Gertz achieved significant attention in 1987, for her starring role in the film “Less than Zero”. Directed by Marek Kanievska, the movie delved into the dark and destructive world of drug addiction. Gertz portrayed Blair, a friend of the main character played by Robert Downey Jr., and delivered a compelling performance that showcased her versatility as an actress.
Continuing her success, Gertz secured another notable role in the same year with the film “The Lost Boys”. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the movie blended horror, comedy and romance, as it followed two brothers who discover a group of teenage vampires in their new town. Gertz portrayed Star, the girlfriend of Kiefer Sutherland’s character, and captivated audiences with her portrayal of a conflicted “half vampire”.
Continued Success
In a surprising turn, Gertz temporarily shifted her focus away from acting and pursued a career in Paris as a scent designer for the prestigious fashion house Lanvin. However, her passion for acting eventually led her back to the US, where she continued to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
One of Gertz’s notable projects was her key supporting role in the 1996 blockbuster film “Twister”. Directed by Jan de Bont, the movie revolved around a group of storm chasers who sought to study and understand tornadoes. Gertz played Dr. Melissa Reeves, a member of the team, and displayed her talent in a thrilling and high-energy film that became a huge success at the box office.
Gertz’s talent also extended to television, as evidenced by her appearance in the 1994 episode of the iconic series “Seinfeld” entitled “The Stall”, portraying one of Jerry’s girlfriends, a phone sex operator who finds herself in an awkward situation in a public restroom.
She further showcased her acting prowess in the TV movie “This Can’t Be Love” (1994), in which she played Sarah alongside renowned actors Anthony Quinn, Katharine Hepburn and Jason Bateman.
Gertz took on the recurring role of Dr. Nina Pomerantz during the 1997 season of the highly acclaimed medical drama series “ER”, and her career continued to flourish in the early 2000s, as she took on the recurring role of Kimmy Bishop in the hit series “Ally McBeal” from 2000 to 2002. Her character became the love interest of John Cage, played by Peter MacNicol, and earned Gertz an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
Later in 2002, Gertz portrayed the beloved comedian Gilda Radner in the television movie “Gilda Radner: It’s Always Something”. Her performance paid tribute to Radner’s life and legacy, highlighting her comedic talent and admiration for the late comedian.
Little gay boys rooted for Jami Gertz pic.twitter.com/d6f5NJ8927
— Sober Sister Casey “Cici” Cooper (@soneall89) June 25, 2020
Gertz’s longest-running and most successful television role to date was in the sitcom “Still Standing”, in which she starred from 2002 to 2006. Co-starring alongside Mark Addy, Gertz portrayed Judy Miller, a wife and mother navigating the challenges of family life in a working-class neighborhood.
Her television filmography also includes notable projects such as “Undercover Christmas” (2003), in which she played Brandy, a girlfriend of a wanted criminal, and “Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story” (2005), in which she portrayed the lead role of Marilyn Gambrell, a former parole officer who helps inner-city youths.
Gertz continued to make notable appearances in various TV shows, including a recurring role as Marlo Klein in “Entourage” from 2009 to 2010, and a guest appearance in “Modern Family” in 2011. Furthermore, she earned a producer’s credit in the Academy Award-nominated film “A Better Life” (2011), showcasing her involvement in the production side of the industry.
From 2012 to 2014, Gertz starred in the ABC sitcom “The Neighbors”; the series follows a human family that moves into a neighborhood inhabited by extraterrestrial beings. Gertz played the role of Debbie Weaver, the mother of the human family, and brought her comedic skills to the forefront in this lighthearted and quirky series.
Since 2014, Jami has rarely appeared in any project, and is focused on other interests, including philanthropy. However, in 2016 she appeared in one episode of the TV series “This Is Us”, followed by a one-time appearance in the TV series “Difficult People”. Moreover, she appeared in the romantic comedy film “I Want You Back” (2022), with Carlie Day and Jenny Slate in the lead roles.
How Jami Gertz Earned $3 Billion
Since 1989, Jami has been married to Tony Ressler, a billionaire businessman – the two are a part of the investment group which owns Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball, led by Mark Attaasio. Tony and Jami are also the owners of the Atlanta Hawks, a franchise of the National Basketball Association (NBA). These investments have made Gertz extremely rich and earned her a $3 billion net worth.
Personal Life, Children
Jami and her husband have three children together, Oliver Jordan, Nicholas Simon, and Theo Ressler. Jami’s husband Tony is an American businessman and investor, best known for co-founding Apollo Global Management in 1990, and Ares Management in 1997. Tony Ressler’s net worth is estimated at $5.2 billion.
Appearance and Body Measurements
Jami Gertz has black hair and brown eyes. She stands at a height of 5ft 5ins (1.65m), weighs approximately 140lbs (63kgs), with vital statistics of 37-28-38, bra size 34C.
