Renowned Actress And Philanthropist: Jami Gertz

Prof. Merlin McGlynn III 12 May 2025

Who is Jami Gertz?

Jami Gertz is an American actress who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. She is best known for her roles in films such as "The Lost Boys" (1987), "Less Than Zero" (1987), and "Twister" (1996), as well as television series such as "The Facts of Life" (1982-1985) and "Ally McBeal" (1997-2002).

Gertz was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 28, 1965. She began her acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. Her breakout role came in 1987 when she starred in the horror film "The Lost Boys." She followed this up with roles in several other successful films, including "Less Than Zero" and "Twister." In the late 1990s, Gertz transitioned to television, starring in the legal drama "Ally McBeal." She has since appeared in a number of other television shows and films, including "The Neighbors" (2012-2014) and "Modern Family" (2015-2020).

Gertz is married to Tony Ressler, the co-founder of Ares Management. They have three children together.

Name	Birth Date	Birth Place
Jami Gertz	October 28, 1965	Chicago, Illinois

Gertz is a talented actress who has starred in a number of successful films and television shows. She is also a successful businesswoman and philanthropist.

Jami Gertz

Jami Gertz is an American actress, philanthropist, and sports team owner. She is best known for her roles in films such as "The Lost Boys" (1987), "Less Than Zero" (1987), and "Twister" (1996), as well as television series such as "The Facts of Life" (1982-1985) and "Ally McBeal" (1997-2002).

Actress
Philanthropist
Sports team owner
"The Lost Boys"
"Less Than Zero"
"Twister"
"Ally McBeal"

Gertz has been involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors, including supporting organizations that provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children and working to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease. She is also a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team.

1. Actress

Gertz's acting career has spanned over three decades, and she has starred in a wide variety of roles. She has played everything from a teenage vampire in "The Lost Boys" to a lawyer in "Ally McBeal." Gertz is a talented actress who has the ability to bring complex characters to life. She is also a versatile actress who can play both comedic and dramatic roles.

Gertz's success as an actress is due in part to her natural talent and charisma. She is also a hard worker and is always prepared for her roles. Gertz is a dedicated actress who is passionate about her craft. She is also a role model for young actresses who are aspiring to achieve success in the entertainment industry.

2. Philanthropist

Jami Gertz is a philanthropist who has supported a number of charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. She is a co-founder of the Painted Turtle, a camp for children with serious illnesses, and she has also donated to organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Way. Gertz's philanthropic work has made a difference in the lives of many people, and she is a role model for others who want to give back to their communities.

Education
Gertz is a strong supporter of education, and she has donated to a number of organizations that provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children. She is a co-founder of the Painted Turtle, a camp for children with serious illnesses, and she has also donated to organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Way.
Healthcare
Gertz is also a supporter of healthcare, and she has donated to a number of organizations that provide healthcare services to people in need. She is a co-founder of the Painted Turtle, a camp for children with serious illnesses, and she has also donated to organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Way.
Arts
Gertz is also a supporter of the arts, and she has donated to a number of organizations that support the arts. She is a co-founder of the Painted Turtle, a camp for children with serious illnesses, and she has also donated to organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Way.

Gertz's philanthropic work is a testament to her compassion and her commitment to making a difference in the world. She is a role model for others who want to give back to their communities, and her work has made a positive impact on the lives of many people.

3. Sports team owner

Jami Gertz is a sports team owner. She is a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team. Gertz is one of the few women in the world who owns a major professional sports team.

Gertz's involvement in sports ownership began in 2015, when she and her husband, Tony Ressler, purchased the Atlanta Hawks from the Atlanta Spirit Group. Ressler is the majority owner of the team, but Gertz is actively involved in the team's operations. She is a member of the team's board of directors and is involved in all aspects of the team's business, including player personnel, marketing, and community relations.

Gertz's ownership of the Atlanta Hawks has been a success both on and off the court. The team has made the playoffs in each of the past five seasons, and Gertz has been praised for her leadership and commitment to the team. She is also respected by her fellow NBA owners, and she is a member of the NBA's board of governors.

Gertz's success as a sports team owner is due in part to her business acumen and her passion for sports. She is a shrewd negotiator and a savvy marketer. She is also a dedicated fan of the Atlanta Hawks, and she is committed to winning a championship for the city of Atlanta.

4. "The Lost Boys"

The Lost Boys is a 1987 American horror film directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Jeffrey Boam, Janice Fischer, and James Jeremias. The film stars Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest, Edward Herrmann, and Jami Gertz.

Plot
The film follows two brothers who move to a new town and soon find themselves being targeted by a gang of vampires. The brothers must team up with a group of vampire hunters to defeat the vampires and save their lives.
Characters
Jami Gertz plays Star, a vampire who is part of the gang that is targeting the brothers. Star is a complex character who is both seductive and dangerous. She is also a powerful vampire who is able to use her powers to manipulate people.
Themes
The Lost Boys explores a number of themes, including the dangers of peer pressure, the importance of family, and the power of good over evil. The film also features a number of memorable set pieces, including a scene in which the vampires attack a group of surfers.
Legacy
The Lost Boys was a critical and commercial success. The film has since become a cult classic, and it has been referenced in a number of other works of popular culture.

The Lost Boys is a well-crafted horror film that features strong performances from its cast. The film is also notable for its exploration of a number of important themes. The Lost Boys is a film that is sure to stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

5. "Less Than Zero"

Less Than Zero is a 1987 American drama film directed by Marek Kanievska and written by Bret Easton Ellis, based on his 1985 novel of the same name. The film stars Andrew McCarthy, Robert Downey Jr., Jami Gertz, and James Spader.

The film follows the lives of a group of wealthy teenagers in Los Angeles who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Jami Gertz plays Blair, a young woman who is struggling with addiction and self-destructive behavior.

Less Than Zero was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of drug addiction and its unflinching look at the lives of wealthy teenagers. Jami Gertz's performance was also praised, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Less Than Zero is an important film because it shines a light on the dangers of drug addiction. The film also provides a valuable insight into the lives of wealthy teenagers and the challenges they face.

6. "Twister"

"Twister" is a 1996 American disaster film directed by Jan de Bont and starring Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes, and Jami Gertz. The film follows a group of storm chasers who are trying to deploy a new weather-monitoring device into a tornado. Jami Gertz plays Dr. Melissa Reeves, a meteorologist who is part of the team of storm chasers.

Meteorological Significance
"Twister" was one of the first films to realistically depict the power and destructive force of tornadoes. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for their time, and they helped to create a sense of realism and suspense. "Twister" also helped to raise awareness of the importance of tornado research and safety.
Cultural Impact
"Twister" was a critical and commercial success. The film grossed over $494 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1996. "Twister" also received positive reviews from critics, who praised its special effects, action sequences, and performances. The film has since become a cult classic, and it is still enjoyed by audiences today.
Jami Gertz's Performance
Jami Gertz gives a strong performance in "Twister" as Dr. Melissa Reeves. Gertz is believable as a meteorologist who is passionate about her work and determined to make a difference. She also has good chemistry with her co-stars, and she helps to create a sense of camaraderie among the team of storm chasers.
Legacy
"Twister" is a well-made and entertaining disaster film that helped to raise awareness of the importance of tornado research and safety. The film also features a strong performance from Jami Gertz. "Twister" is a film that is sure to please fans of disaster films and action movies.

"Twister" is a significant film in Jami Gertz's career. It was one of her first major roles, and it helped to establish her as a leading actress. "Twister" also showcased Gertz's versatility as an actress. She is able to play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. "Twister" is a testament to Gertz's talent and her ability to connect with audiences.

7. "Ally McBeal"

"Ally McBeal" is an American legal comedy-drama television series that aired on Fox from 1997 to 2002. The series follows the lives of Ally McBeal, a young lawyer at a Boston law firm, and her colleagues. Jami Gertz played the role of Kimmy Bishop, a fellow lawyer at the firm.

Character Development
Gertz's character, Kimmy Bishop, was a complex and well-developed character. She was a strong and independent woman, but she also had her flaws. She was often insecure and self-destructive, but she always managed to bounce back. Gertz's performance brought Kimmy to life, and she made the character relatable to audiences.
Comic Relief
Kimmy Bishop was also a source of comic relief on "Ally McBeal." She was often the one to make the audience laugh, and she helped to lighten the mood of the show. Gertz's comedic timing was impeccable, and she always knew how to get a laugh.
Fashion
Kimmy Bishop was also known for her unique fashion sense. She often wore bright colors and bold patterns, and she was always ahead of the trends. Gertz's fashion choices helped to make Kimmy a memorable character, and they also helped to set the show apart from other legal dramas.
Cultural Impact
"Ally McBeal" was a groundbreaking show that tackled a number of important social issues, including sexism, homophobia, and mental illness. The show also featured a diverse cast of characters, which was unusual for a television show at the time. "Ally McBeal" was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to change the landscape of television.

Jami Gertz's performance as Kimmy Bishop was a key part of the success of "Ally McBeal." She brought the character to life, and she made her relatable to audiences. Gertz's comedic timing and unique fashion sense also helped to make Kimmy a memorable character. "Ally McBeal" was a groundbreaking show that tackled a number of important social issues, and it helped to change the landscape of television.

This section addresses frequently asked questions about Jami Gertz, aiming to provide concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What is Jami Gertz's most notable film role?

Jami Gertz is widely recognized for her performance as Star in the 1987 horror classic "The Lost Boys."

Question 2: In which popular television series did Jami Gertz play a lead role?

Gertz portrayed Kimmy Bishop, a prominent character in the legal comedy-drama series "Ally McBeal" (1997-2002).

Question 3: Is Jami Gertz involved in sports ownership?

Yes, Gertz is a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team.

Question 4: What philanthropic endeavors has Jami Gertz supported?

Gertz has been actively involved in philanthropy, supporting organizations focused on education, healthcare, and the arts, including the Painted Turtle camp for children with serious illnesses.

Question 5: What awards and nominations has Jami Gertz received?

Gertz has been recognized with several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Less Than Zero" (1987).

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Jami Gertz's notable achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond.

Proceed to the next section for further insights into Jami Gertz's impact and legacy.

Conclusion

Jami Gertz's journey in the entertainment industry and beyond stands as a testament to her versatility, talent, and philanthropic spirit. From her captivating performances on the big screen to her memorable television roles, Gertz has left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Beyond her acting career, Gertz's dedication to giving back to the community is equally noteworthy. Her involvement in various charitable organizations, including her co-founding of the Painted Turtle camp, underscores her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As a sports team owner, Gertz has also demonstrated her leadership and passion for the game of basketball.

Jami Gertz's multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to philanthropic endeavors serve as an inspiration to aspiring actors, philanthropists, and anyone seeking to make a meaningful contribution to society. Her legacy will continue to resonate for years to come.

Still Standing Jami Gertz Online Photo Galleries

Jami Gertz's net worth How much money does the actress, philanthropist

Jami Gertz 2022

Pawparazzi Alert

Renowned Actress And Philanthropist: Jami Gertz

Jami Gertz

1. Actress

2. Philanthropist

3. Sports team owner

4. "The Lost Boys"

5. "Less Than Zero"

6. "Twister"

7. "Ally McBeal"

Conclusion

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