The World’s Richest Actor Is Worth $3 Billion — Yet Most People Hardly Recognize Her

As an actress, Jami Gertz flawlessly captured the essence of the classic American girl next door in Square Pegs, while just as easily playing the fierce rebel in beloved 1980s teen classics like The Lost Boys. Today, at 59 years old, her legacy extends far beyond Hollywood; she is one half of a billionaire power couple, a mother to three children, and the owner of an NBA franchise.

When recalling the effortlessly chic Jami Gertz, most people picture the upbeat, preppy teenager from Square Pegs and The Facts of Life, or the captivating ’80s screen siren from Less Than Zero and Quicksilver.

During that decade, Gertz reigned as the ultimate “it girl,” tackling diverse roles such as runaways, part-vampires, troubled adolescents, and fiercely independent rebels.

Yet, her life story is much more than a Hollywood narrative. Over the years, Gertz has evolved into something incredibly profound: a billionaire philanthropist, a devoted wife and mother, and, in a fascinating pivot, the owner of a professional basketball team.

Rising to Stardom

Born to Sharyn and Walter Gertz in 1965, Jami was raised in Glenview, Illinois, alongside her two brothers, Scott and Michael. Growing up in a deeply religious Jewish household, her faith was a cornerstone of her early life. In fact, she would occasionally skip school to observe high holidays—a deeply held practice she carried over into her professional acting career.

The unwavering support from her relatives was a crucial factor in her success.

When she secured her role in Square Pegs—a 1980s sitcom featuring Sarah Jessica Parker—her father reportedly traveled with her to Los Angeles to help her navigate the realities of Hollywood life.

That familial love and backing would remain a powerful driving force throughout her journey, especially as she eventually shifted her focus from the dazzling lights of the entertainment industry to a completely different arena.

Building a Billion-Dollar Empire

At the peak of her acting fame in the mid-1980s, Gertz crossed paths with Tony Ressler, an up-and-coming financier who would profoundly alter her trajectory. Introduced by her publicist, Susan Geller, the pair hit it off instantly, bonding deeply over their shared Jewish heritage.

At that time, Ressler was just starting his career, whereas Gertz was the one with substantial financial backing.

Behind the scenes of Less Than Zero (1987) with @RobertDowneyJr, Jami Gertz and Andrew McCarthy pic.twitter.com/yiOxA8WEyK

— IMDb (@IMDb) May 31, 2020

“People assume I married someone wealthy,” the Sixteen Candles star revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. “However, I was actually earning more – significantly more – than Tony when we first met. I financed our initial home. I covered the costs of our first holiday. I chose to marry him because I truly loved him.”

That financial dynamic, however, did not stay that way forever. After dating for two years, the couple married in 1989. As their family grew, so did their wealth. Ressler went on to co-found Ares Management, a private equity firm that is currently valued in the billions, establishing them as one of the wealthiest couples in Hollywood.

Together, they raised three sons. While the Still Standing actress scaled back her on-screen career to focus on her family, she never stopped making a massive impact.

Eventually, Gertz and her husband turned their attention to a completely new type of venture: basketball.

Stepping into NBA Ownership

In 2014, when the former owner of the Atlanta Hawks was forced to sell the franchise due to the leak of racist emails, Ressler jumped at the opportunity. Partnering with NBA legend Grant Hill, he acquired the team—which was then viewed as one of the league’s lower-tier franchises. Consequently, Gertz stepped up as a part-owner and became the highly visible public face of a major professional basketball organization.

“I think it’s safe to say that she leaves a more positive impression on our fan base than any of us in the organization,” Ressler told The Hollywood Reporter regarding his wife, who relishes the thrill of the game. “I’m heavily involved in business and player personnel decisions. But Jami steps in for many aspects of the business that I didn’t fully understand or have experience with.”

Now a regular presence sitting courtside, she is often seen passionately rooting for the team, capturing the franchise’s spirit, and engaging deeply with the local community.

Serving as Ressler’s personal “good luck charm,” Gertz even acted as the Hawks’ official representative during the NBA draft lotteries in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Making an Impact

Ever since acquiring the Hawks, Ressler and Gertz have committed themselves to revamping the franchise’s culture and overall performance. The organization has undergone major transformations, including hiring new coaching staff, acquiring fresh talent, and placing a heavier focus on community outreach.

While the Hawks are still building their status as an NBA powerhouse, they have shown steady improvement, notably reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. The couple’s leadership has brought a fresh vision, prioritizing not just winning games, but also fostering the sustainable growth of the entire organization.

Beyond her scaled-back acting pursuits, family life, and sports team ownership, Gertz is highly regarded for her philanthropy. Through the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, she and Tony have donated millions to a variety of causes, specifically in the realms of healthcare and education.

The couple famously made headlines by gifting a staggering $10,569,002 to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. This incredible contribution earned them a prominent place on Forbes’ “30 Most Generous Celebrities” list.

Furthermore, Gertz serves as an active board member for the Melanoma Research Alliance.

With the Atlanta Hawks building momentum and her keen business acumen continuously on display, Jami Gertz proves that she can excel both on the basketball court and in the boardroom.

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