Jami Gertz is a well-known actress, famous for her remarkable roles in movies, TV shows and well-regarded philanthropic work. Born in a Jewish family in Chicago, Illinois, Gertz started her career at a young age. Although she did not come from a background with connections within the entertainment industry, through her unwavering determination, persistence and hard work she has made a name for herself in Hollywood.
Known for her versatility as an actress, Gertz has displayed her talents in various genres including drama, comedy and romance. Her impressive body of work includes movies like "Twister," "Less Than Zero," and "Crossroads," and TV shows like "Ally McBeal" and "The Neighbors". Throughout her career, Gertz has demonstrated her commitment to perfecting each role she takes on.
Yet, it's not just her acting success that has made Gertz a respected member of Hollywood. Her dedication to community development and charity work is a testament to who she is as a person. Gertz, along with her husband, has been engaged in numerous philanthropic activities, including donating millions of dollars towards improving school education. Through her leadership and efforts, Gertz has become a recognizable face in the world of philanthropy.
This article delves into the fascinating story of Jami Gertz's rise to fame, her enduring legacy on the entertainment industry, and her notable charity work that has earned her the love and respect of millions around the world.
Childhood and Early Life
Jami Gertz was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 28, 1965, to a Jewish family. Her father owned a few businesses, and her mother worked as a homemaker. Gertz grew up in a middle-class family with two brothers.
As a child, Gertz loved to perform and often participated in school plays. She attended Maine East High School, where she was a cheerleader and active in the drama club. After graduating, Gertz enrolled at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts to pursue her passion for acting and graduated in 1983.
Gertz quickly made her way to Hollywood and started auditioning for roles. At first, she struggled to find work and often lived in a small apartment with other struggling actors. In 1981, she landed her first major film role in "Endless Love". However, it wasn't until 1987 when she starred in "Less Than Zero" that her career began to take off.
Despite her success, Gertz remains extremely private about her personal life. She has been married to her husband, Antony Ressler, since 1989, and the couple has three children together.
Rise to Fame
Jami Gertz began her career as a child actress in the 1980s, appearing in various television shows and movies like "Diff'rent Strokes" and "Sixteen Candles". However, her breakthrough role came in 1987 when she starred in the iconic film "The Lost Boys". Gertz played Star, a young woman caught in a vampire's world, alongside a cast that included Kiefer Sutherland and Corey Feldman. The film was a commercial success and helped launch Gertz's career in Hollywood.
Following her success in "The Lost Boys", Gertz continued to land roles in popular movies like "Less Than Zero" and "Twister". She also starred in the television series "Sibs" and "Still Standing". However, despite her consistent work, Gertz never became a major A-list celebrity. In a 2018 interview with The New York Times, the actress reflected on her career, stating that she was happy with her level of success and never felt the need to be in the spotlight.
Although she may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of her contemporaries, Gertz has made a lasting impact in Hollywood. She has been praised for her versatility as an actress and has earned critical acclaim for her performances in films such as "Less Than Zero" and "Jersey Girl". Additionally, Gertz has become a prominent philanthropist and humanitarian, using her wealth and resources to support various causes and charities.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Jami Gertz married businessman Antony Ressler in 1989 and they have three children together. The family resides in Beverly Hills, California.
Gertz is also known for her philanthropic work. Along with her husband, she co-founded the Ressler Gertz Foundation, which supports various charitable causes in areas like education, health, and the arts. The couple has donated millions of dollars to organizations such as Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and the American Film Institute.
In addition to her charity work, Gertz is also a board member of the Weingart Foundation, which aims to combat poverty in Southern California. She has also served on the boards of other organizations such as the LA County Museum of Art and the Saban Community Clinic.
Gertz's dedication to philanthropy goes beyond simply donating money; she is actively involved in many of the organizations she supports and works tirelessly to make a difference in people's lives. Her commitment to giving back has earned her numerous accolades, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles' Dorothy and Sherrill C. Corwin Humanitarian Award and the Women's Guild Cedars-Sinai's 'Woman of the 21st Century' Award.
Notable Works on Screen and Stage
Jami Gertz has had a successful career in both television and film. One of her most notable works on screen is the 1987 film "Less Than Zero," in which she starred alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Andrew McCarthy. Additionally, she played a prominent role in the 1992 film "Jersey Girl."
Gertz has also made a name for herself on television, having starred in several popular series. She appeared in all eleven seasons of the CBS sitcom "Still Standing" as the lead female character, Judy Miller. Before that, she had a recurring role on the popular series "Seinfeld" as a girlfriend of Jerry's in the early seasons.
Aside from her work on screen, Gertz has also performed on stage. In 2002, she appeared in the play "Turnaround" at the Coast Playhouse in Los Angeles. She also appeared in a production of "The Exonerated" at the Geffen Playhouse in 2004.
- "Less Than Zero" (1987)
- "Jersey Girl" (1992)
Television:
- "Still Standing" (2002-2006)
- "Seinfeld" (1991-1992)
Stage:
- "Turnaround" (2002)
- "The Exonerated" (2004)
Jami Gertz's Legacy and Influence
Jami Gertz has left a significant legacy in the entertainment industry through her acting career, philanthropy work and business ventures. As an accomplished actress, she has influenced a generation of actors with her relatable and authentic portrayals of various characters in films and television series.
Aside from her acting career, Jami Gertz has also made a significant impact in philanthropy, particularly in the field of education. Through the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband Antony Ressler, she has been able to support a variety of organizations dedicated to providing opportunities for underprivileged children and youth.
Moreover, Jami Gertz has also established herself as an influential businesswoman, having been involved in various ventures over the years. She has been part of the ownership group for the NBA team Atlanta Hawks, and has also invested in several companies, including cosmetic brands and real estate development projects.
- Jami Gertz has influenced the entertainment industry with her genuine acting and relatable performances.
- Through her philanthropy work, she has helped provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
- Jami Gertz has made an impact in the business world, investing in various ventures and becoming an influential businesswoman.
Jami Gertz's legacy is one of being a talented actress, a dedicated philanthropist, and a successful entrepreneur. Her influence extends far beyond the entertainment industry, and her contributions have made a difference in the lives of many people.
FAQ
Who is Jami Gertz?
Jami Gertz is an American actress and philanthropist. She has appeared in many popular films and television shows, including The Lost Boys, Twister, and ER.
What is Jami Gertz's net worth?
Jami Gertz's current net worth is estimated to be around $2 billion. However, it should be noted that a large portion of her net worth comes from her husband's business ventures.
What philanthropic work has Jami Gertz participated in?
Jami Gertz and her husband have been actively involved in philanthropic work for many years. They are particularly focused on giving back to the community through education, health, and welfare programs. In 2011, they pledged $10 million to fund a new arts center in Los Angeles.
Was Jami Gertz ever nominated for an Academy Award?
No, Jami Gertz has never been nominated for an Academy Award. However, she did receive a nomination for a Golden Globe Award in 1997 for her work on the television series, "Ally McBeal".
What was Jami Gertz's role in the film "The Lost Boys"?
Jami Gertz played the role of Star in the 1987 film, "The Lost Boys". She was the love interest of one of the main characters, Michael (played by actor Jason Patric), and was also a vampire.
