At 57, Jami Gertz Became A Significant Figure In Basketball After Being A Celebrated Teen Icon In The 1980s

Sep 25, 2023

During the 1980s, many people looked up to some of the biggest artists in the field of entertainment because of their contributions to several shows and other projects that made them stand out among the rest.

This is what happened with Jami Gertz, a renowned teen actress known for her innocent looks, funny acting in comedy shows, and one-of-a-kind personality that the public knew and adored throughout the early years of her career.

Although she was able to build a name for herself, the star later faded into the background, especially when she got married and became an owner of a sports team.

Before we dive into her love life and career after her days in acting, let’s discuss her personal life as a human and artist.

Born Jami Beth Gertz in October 1965, the actress was raised in Conservative Judaism with her two brothers. 

Her career began when she was discovered by Norman Lear in a nationwide talent search. She further her knowledge in acting as she took up drama at New York University. 

Gertz then appeared in some smaller roles in “Diff’rent Strokes” and other TV movies as well as series, but some of her most popular roles were in the films “Twister,” “Listen to Me,” “This Can’t Be Love,” and more.

As of September 2023, the 57-year-old actress had been credited with over 51 projects throughout her career based on her IMDb page. 

Regarding her life behind the camera and all the glitz and glamor, Gertz had been married to an American billionaire named Tony Ressler, and they share three children together.

According to Tony Ressler’s bio on the official website of the NBA, he acquired the famous basketball team the Atlanta Hawks in 2015. As of 2023, he became the principal owner and governor.

In addition, he also loved helping out other people through his charitable efforts, as he also became one of the eight inaugural members of the NBA Foundation.

Throughout the years, there was a misconception about Jami Gertz that she “married a rich guy,” but she told The Hollywood Reporter in a 2018 interview that she actually made more money than Ressler when they first met.

“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,” she declared. 

During the early days of their relationship, Ressler said he didn’t know any of Gertz's acting credits, but all he knew was that she was an actress.

On the other hand, the star just fell in love with the then-27-year-old businessman because he had a “nice job” which is what any “Jewish girl from glenview would want.”

Two years after they first met, the couple decided to tie the knot, and the money started coming in, especially when Ressler founded the private equity firm called Apollo Global. He also launched Ares Management years later.

In 2010, Gertz decided to venture into film production, as she established a company called Lime Orchard Productions. 

In an interview with IFQ Mag, the actress said she started the company in order to help out other artists in different fields. 

“I started Lime Orchard Productions to help artists in the movie and television industries who are creating today. I’m trying to age as gracefully as I can in an industry that does not always value the hard work you have done in the past and is just always looking for the next big thing,” she said.

However, the production company was only able to produce one successful movie, which was “A Better Life,” directed by Chris Weitz. 

Five years later, Gertz gave up on her company and accepted her fate that she lost over millions of dollars worth of investment.

Later on, her husband and other members of their family contemplated on whether it was a good idea to own a basketball team like what other billionaires do. Their dreams later became a reality when they acquired the Atlanta Hawks.

Since they became proud owners of the athletic team, the pair committed to giving the group all of the best facilities and equipment as they later built a massive training complex.

In addition, they also splurged millions of dollars for the renovation of the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia (formerly known as the Philips Arena).

Ever since Jami Gertz became the representative of the Atlanta Hawks, and most of the time, she would face the public to talk about the group.

In an interview with Bally Sports South in 2022, the actress shared her thoughts on winning an NBA franchise as well as being a female representative in a male-dominated sport.

“When you think about when I was born in 1965 what women were fighting for in the workplace and what now is happening… I think it’s lovely to celebrate how far we’ve come as women,” the 57-year-old said.