Full Breakdown
Jami Gertz: From Actress to NBA Owner and Philanthropist
4/22/2026, 4:14:12 AM
Recent Public Appearance at LACMA Gala
Jami Gertz, the actress known for her roles in *Sixteen Candles*, *The Lost Boys*, and *Twister*, made a rare public appearance alongside her husband, Tony Ressler, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on April 16, 2023. The couple attended the gala celebrating the opening of the new David Geffen Galleries, where they announced a significant $50 million donation. In recognition of their contribution, the south wing of the galleries will be named the Ressler Family Wing.
Philanthropic Contributions and NBA Ownership
Gertz and Ressler, who married in 1989, have been long-time patrons of LACMA, with Ressler serving as co-chair of the museum's board since 2015. Their financial commitment to the arts is complemented by their investment in sports; they purchased the NBA team Atlanta Hawks in 2015 for approximately $720 million. Gertz expressed excitement about the acquisition, recalling the moment they decided to buy the team as one filled with joy and enthusiasm.
Transition from Acting to Business
While Gertz has enjoyed a successful acting career, she has gradually shifted her focus toward family and business. After relocating to Atlanta following the Hawks purchase, she stated, “It just seemed like a natural moment for me to take a break from acting.” Gertz acknowledged the challenges of finding acting roles as she aged, noting, “You reach an age, and you slow down, and the jobs are a little hard to come by.” Despite this, she emphasized her love for acting and the valuable experiences it has provided her.
Personal Insights and Financial Background
In a 2018 interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Gertz clarified misconceptions about her financial status, stating, “Everyone thinks I married a rich guy. But I made more money — way more money — than Tony when I met him.” She highlighted her independence and financial contributions to their early life together, including paying for their first house and vacation.
Criticism and Opposition
While Gertz's philanthropic efforts and business ventures have been well-received, some critics question the motivations behind celebrity philanthropy, suggesting that such donations can serve as a means of public relations rather than genuine altruism. However, Gertz's long-standing commitment to the arts and her active role in the community may counter these criticisms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “And he looked at me, and I looked at him, and he's like, ‘Jami, are we going to do this?' I'm like, ‘I don't know. I'm so scared,'” — Jami Gertz, Actress and NBA Owner
- “But I made more money — way more money — than Tony when I met him.” — Jami Gertz, Actress and NBA Owner
- “It just seemed like a natural moment for me to take a break from acting,” — Jami Gertz, Actress and NBA Owner
Jami Gertz continues to balance her roles as a philanthropist, businesswoman, and mother, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to her life beyond the silver screen.
