Jami Gertz, a well-known figure in both the entertainment and sports industries, made a rare public appearance on 16 April alongside her husband, billionaire Tony Ressler. The couple, who owns the Atlanta Hawks basketball team, attended the opening gala for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries.
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Gertz, celebrated for her performances in films such as *Sixteen Candles*, *The Lost Boys*, and *Twister*, showcased her refined fashion sense at the event. She wore a stylish coat dress adorned with floral details, complemented by socks and heels. Her ensemble was completed with a white architectural bag, dangling earrings, and her trademark glasses, while Ressler opted for a traditional tuxedo, reflecting the formality of the occasion.
Notably, the couple has made a significant contribution to the arts by donating $50 million to the museum, a gesture that will see the south wing named the Ressler Family Wing in their honour, as reported by *ArtDaily*. This philanthropy highlights their long-standing commitment to supporting the arts; Ressler has been a member of LACMA’s board for over two decades and continues to play an active role in its developments.
Gertz’s career began in childhood, featuring early television roles on shows like *Diff’rent Strokes* and *The Facts of Life*. She gained wider recognition in the 1980s with the sitcom *Square Pegs*, which included co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Amy Linker. Her breakout moment came in 1984 with *Sixteen Candles*, solidifying her status as a talented actress in Hollywood.
In 1987, she starred in *Less Than Zero* and *The Lost Boys*. Following her marriage to Ressler in 1989, Gertz gradually shifted her focus from her career to her family life. In a 1996 interview with *PEOPLE*, she expressed her desire to create a nurturing environment at home, remarking, “I’d been working since I was 16. It was nice to have a home. I was aching for it.” Despite this shift, she returned to the screen in 1996 for *Twister* after a four-year hiatus from auditions, demonstrating her enduring passion for acting.
Over the years, Gertz accepted various roles, including a recurring character on *Ally McBeal*, for which she received an Emmy nomination. She featured in the CBS comedy *Still Standing* from 2002 to 2006 and made guest appearances on popular shows such as *Entourage*, *Modern Family*, and *This Is Us*. Her most recent project was in the 2022 film *I Want You Back*.
In a 2018 interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Gertz addressed her transition from acting to NBA ownership, dispelling the notion that her success was solely due to her marriage. “Everyone thinks I married a rich guy,” she remarked, clarifying that her earning potential exceeded that of Ressler when they first met. She recalled the moment they decided to purchase the Hawks, revealing her initial hesitation and subsequent excitement, saying, “It would be so much fun!’ And then we were jumping and screaming, ‘Oh my God — we just bought a basketball team!’”
The couple relocated to Atlanta in 2017, a move that marked a pivotal moment in both their personal and professional lives. Gertz reflected on this period, noting it felt like a natural time to step back from her acting roles. “It’s hard to even say it out loud because I love what I do,” she shared, acknowledging the impact of her acting career on her life and identity.
Gertz’s dual legacy as both an actress and a sports team owner underscores her varied interests and achievements. Her commitment to philanthropy, particularly in the arts, coupled with her leadership role in the NBA, highlights the breadth of her contributions beyond the entertainment industry. As she continues to balance these diverse roles, her public appearances—such as the recent gala—reflect her ongoing involvement in both the arts and sports, making her a notable figure in contemporary American culture.