Jami Gertz

Here’s a detailed, SEO-style profile of Jami Gertz, the American actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

Jami Gertz – Life, Career, and Impact

Jami Gertz (born October 28, 1965) is an American actress and philanthropist known for The Lost Boys, Less Than Zero, Still Standing, and her role as a sports owner. Explore her life, career highlights, business ventures, and legacy.

Introduction

Jami Gertz (full name Jami Beth Gertz, born October 28, 1965) is a veteran American actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. The Lost Boys and socially resonant dramas like Less Than Zero. Over time, she diversified beyond acting — into business, sports ownership, and charitable endeavors.

While she no longer maintains a high profile in acting, her legacy spans Hollywood, philanthropy, and corporate investments.

Early Life and Family

• Born: October 28, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois

• She grew up in the Chicago suburb of Glenview.

• Her parents are Walter Gertz (a builder/contractor) and Sharyn Gertz.

• She has two brothers, Michael and Scott.

• Raised in Conservative Judaism.

• She attended public schools in Illinois and later began training in drama (at NYU).

From a young age, Gertz showed interest in acting and was discovered through a national talent search.

Career and Achievements

Early Breakthrough and Film Roles

• She made her screen debut in 1981 in Endless Love (a small part).

• In 1982–83, she appeared in the TV series Square Pegs as Muffy Tepperman.

• Her film work in the mid-1980s included Quicksilver, Crossroads, Solarbabies.

• In 1987, she had two of her most notable roles:

  • Less Than Zero — she played Blair, the friend of a troubled addict.

  • The Lost Boys — played “Star,” the half-vampire love interest of a vampire character.

These roles helped cement her reputation in the era of 1980s youth and horror films.

• In 1996, she appeared in the blockbuster Twister.

• On TV, she played Judy Miller on the sitcom Still Standing (2002–2006), a role that ran for many seasons.

• She also had recurring roles on Ally McBeal (Kimmy Bishop) and guest appearances in ER as Dr. Nina Pomerantz.

• In 2002 she portrayed Gilda Radner in the TV biopic Gilda Radner: It’s Always Something.

• Later roles include The Neighbors.

Though she gradually reduced her acting output in recent years, her contributions in earlier decades remain well regarded.

Business, Sports & Philanthropy

• In 2015, Gertz and her husband Tony Ressler became part of a group that purchased the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.

• She often acts as an ambassador for the team in public and represents the Hawks at events (e.g. the NBA draft lottery).

• The couple also invested in baseball: they are part of the group that purchased the Milwaukee Brewers.

• Gertz is engaged in philanthropy: she sits on the board of the Melanoma Research Alliance, one of the major non-profits funding melanoma research.

• Along with her husband, she has been recognized as one of the most charitable celebrity couples, making substantial donations through their foundation.

Her business and philanthropic choices show her interest in combining public presence with social impact.

Personality, Influence & Public Persona

Jami Gertz tends to maintain a relatively low public profile, compared to many of her contemporaries. However:

• She is viewed as thoughtful and grounded, with a reputation for blending her celebrity with responsibility.

• Her role in sports ownership—especially representing the Hawks—shows she is comfortable bridging entertainment, business, and public engagement.

• Through philanthropy, she demonstrates a commitment to health causes (melanoma research) and giving back.

Though not known primarily for sharp “famous quotes,” her public statements often emphasize humility, partnership, and social responsibility.

Lessons from Jami Gertz’s Life

1. Diversify your path. Gertz shows how a career in entertainment can evolve into business, ownership, and philanthropy.

2. Stay quietly impactful. She doesn’t always seek the spotlight, yet retains influence through strategic roles and giving.

3. Collaborative influence. Her partnership with her husband in investments and philanthropy indicates how shared vision can expand impact.

4. Integrity beyond fame. Even as wealth and status have grown, Gertz appears to retain grounded values — especially in charitable focus.