Jami Gertz left Hollywood and became a billionaire baller

As an actor, Jami Gertz was the all-American girl next door from Square Pegs who could just as easily turn up the heat as the rebellious heartbreaker in ’80s teen classics like The Lost Boys. Today, the 59-year-old star is better known as one half of a billionaire power couple, the mother of three children, and the owner of an NBA team.

When you think of the effortlessly cool Jami Gertz, you probably picture her as the perky preppy teen from Square Pegs and Facts of Life, or the sultry 80’s heartbreaker in Quicksilver and Less than Zero.

Gertz was the “it girl” of the decade – playing runaways, half-vampires, troubled teens, and characters with a wild streak.

But her story didn’t end with Hollywood fame. Over the years, Gertz has evolved into something far bigger: a billionaire philanthropist, a devoted wife and mother, and, in a move no one saw coming, an NBA team owner.

Becoming a star
Born in 1965 to parents Sharyn and Walter Gertz, Jami grew up in Glenview, Illinois, alongside her two brothers, Michael and Scott. Raised in a religious Jewish household, her faith was a cornerstone of her upbringing – so much so that she would sometimes miss school for high holidays, a practice she carried into her acting career.

Her family’s unwavering support played a huge role in her success.

When she was cast in Square Pegs – an 80’s sitcom that also starred Sarah Jessica Parker – her father reportedly flew to Los Angeles with her to help her transition into Hollywood life.

That love and support would remain a driving force in her journey, even as she moved from the bright lights of Hollywood to a completely different kind of stage.

Becoming a billionaire
At the peak of her acting career in the mid-80s, Gertz met Tony Ressler, a rising financier, who would change her life. Introduced by her publicist, Susan Geller, the two hit it off instantly, bonding over their shared Jewish heritage.

At the time, Ressler was just starting out and Gertz was the one with the money.

“Everyone thinks I married a rich guy,” the Sixteen Candles star told The Hollywood Reporter. “But I made more money – way more money – than Tony when I met him. I paid for our first house. I paid for our first vacation. I married him because I fell in love with him.”

That dynamic wouldn’t last long. After two years of dating, the couple married in 1989, and as their family grew, so did their wealth. Ressler co-founded Ares Management, a private equity firm now worth billions, making the couple one of the wealthiest in Hollywood.

Together, they raised three boys, and while the star of Still Standing took a small step back from acting to focus on family, she wasn’t done making an impact.

Gertz and her husband turned their attention to an entirely different kind of investment –basketball.

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Becoming an NBA owner
In 2014, after the Atlanta Hawks’ previous owner was forced to sell the team due to leaked racist emails, Ressler jumped on the opportunity. Alongside NBA legend Grant Hill, he bought the franchise – at the time ranked among the bottom-tier teams in the NBA – and with that, Gertz became part-owner, and the face, of a pro basketball team.

“I think it’s fair to say that she makes a better impression on our fan base than any of us in the organization,” Ressler told The Hollywood Reporter of his wife, who’s all about the hype. “I’m very active on the business and player personnel decision-making. But Jami steps in when it comes to so many parts of the business that I did not appreciate or have any experience in.”

Now a courtside regular, she’s often seen cheering enthusiastically, embodying the team’s spirit and actively engaging with the community.

And, as Ressler’s “good luck charm,” Gertz even represented the Hawks in the NBA draft lottery for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 NBA drafts.

Financial score
Since acquiring the Hawks, Gertz and Ressler have worked on reshaping the team’s culture and performance. The franchise has undergone major changes, including new coaching hires, player acquisitions, and an enhanced focus on community outreach.

While the Hawks aren’t yet a dominant force in the NBA, the team has shown steady improvement, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. Their leadership has brought a fresh approach, prioritizing not just wins, but also the long-term growth of the organization.

In addition to managing her scaled-back acting career, a family and an NBA team, Gertz is also known for her philanthropy. Through the Ressler-Gertz Foundation, the couple has donated millions to causes ranging from education to healthcare.

In fact, “thanks to a record donation of $10,569,002” to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the couple topped the list of Forbes’ “30 Most Generous Celebrities.”

Gertz also currently serves on the board of Melanoma Research Alliance.

With the Atlanta Hawks on the rise and her business acumen in play, Jami Gertz is proving that she’s got game – both on and off the court.

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