Jami Gertz, best known for her roles in classic 1980s films and a memorable appearance without “a square to spare” on “Seinfeld,” made a rare public appearance on April 16 in Los Angeles. The former Hollywood star, who is now part of a billionaire ownership group in the NBA, attended a high-profile event alongside her husband, Tony Ressler.
Gertz, who has largely stepped back from acting in recent years, appeared at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s opening gala for the new David Geffen Galleries. Her appearance offered a glimpse into her life today, decades after her rise to fame in film and television.
Jami Gertz Attends LACMA Gala With Tony Ressler
GettyGertz attended the gala with Ressler, a private equity manager and co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. The couple made a coordinated appearance at the event celebrating the opening of a major new museum space.
At the gala, Gertz wore a coat dress with floral embellishments, paired with socks, heels, a structured white bag, and statement earrings. Ressler opted for a classic tuxedo.
According to The New York Times, the couple donated $50 million to support the museum’s expansion. In recognition of their contribution, the south wing of the David Geffen Galleries will be named the Ressler Family Wing, as reported by ArtDaily. Ressler has also served on LACMA’s board for more than 20 years.
Gertz and Ressler’s partnership extends beyond philanthropy. The couple is part of the ownership group that purchased the Milwaukee Brewers and later became majority owners of the Atlanta Hawks in 2015.
The ‘Twister’ Star Built Her Hollywood Career Before Billionaire Status
Before becoming part of a billionaire ownership group, Gertz built a successful acting career in Hollywood. She began working as a child actor, appearing on shows like “Diff’rent Strokes” and “The Facts of Life.”
She gained wider recognition starring in the sitcom “Square Pegs” from 1982 to 1983. Her film career included roles in “Sixteen Candles,” “The Lost Boys,” “Twister,” and “Less Than Zero.”
Gertz married Ressler in 1989, and the couple later welcomed three sons: Oliver, Nick, and Theo. As her family grew, she began to shift her focus away from acting.
“I’d been working since I was 16. It was nice to have a home. I was aching for it,” Gertz told People in 1996.
She returned to the screen in the blockbuster “Twister” that same year after a break from auditioning. “I thought, I’ll just go audition to see what it’s like again,” she said.
At the time, she was hesitant to commit to filming away from home. “I’m not going to Oklahoma for four months,” she told production. “I just had a baby.” She ultimately took the role.
