Jami Gertz, ‘Twister’ and ‘Sixteen Candles’ Star Turned Billionaire NBA Owner, Makes Rare Public Appearance at LACMA Gala

By LocalPaperDaily.com Staff | Updated April 21, 2026

LOS ANGELES, California — Jami Gertz, the iconic 1980s actress known for her roles in Sixteen Candles, The Lost Boys, and the blockbuster Twister, made a rare public appearance on April 16, 2026, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Opening Gala celebrating the new David Geffen Galleries. The 60-year-old stepped out alongside her billionaire husband, Tony Ressler, as the south wing of the galleries was named the Ressler Family Wing in recognition of their generous $50 million donation.

As someone who grew up in the American Midwest renting VHS tapes of 80s classics and later moved to California to cover entertainment, business, and lifestyle stories, Jami Gertz’s journey has always stood out to me. She represents a different kind of Hollywood success story—one built on talent, smart choices, a strong marriage, and quiet determination rather than constant spotlight-chasing. In an era where many celebrities fight to stay relevant on social media, seeing Gertz appear gracefully at a major cultural event feels refreshing and inspiring. It’s a reminder that you can have an impactful life on your own terms.

From Chicago Suburbs to 1980s Hollywood Breakout

Born Jami Beth Gertz on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, Gertz came from a hardworking middle-class Jewish family. Her father was a building contractor, and she was discovered at 16 during a talent search. Her first big role was on the CBS sitcom Square Pegs (1982–1983) alongside a young Sarah Jessica Parker. From there, she quickly became a teen movie staple.

She played the popular girl in John Hughes’ Sixteen Candles (1984), the romantic lead Star in The Lost Boys (1987) opposite Kiefer Sutherland and Corey Haim, and appeared in Less Than Zero (1987). Later, she starred as Dr. Melissa Reeves in the 1996 hit Twister alongside Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Gertz also delivered memorable TV moments, including the “spare a square” episode of Seinfeld and an Emmy-nominated arc on ER.

Before and After the Fame (A Personal American Perspective):

Before her breakthroughs, Gertz was a relatable Midwestern teenager balancing school, braces, and audition nerves with that classic hardworking Chicago spirit. The “before” involved long drives to auditions and learning the ropes in a competitive industry. After landing those iconic roles in films that became cultural touchstones—Twister alone grossed over $495 million worldwide—she experienced the whirlwind of red carpets, tabloid attention, and the pressures of young fame in the 80s and 90s. Yet, unlike many peers who burned out, she made intentional choices that allowed her to step back while building something lasting.

The Life-Changing Partnership: Marriage to Tony Ressler and a Billion-Dollar Transition

In 1989, Gertz married financier Antony “Tony” Ressler. The couple has four sons and has kept a remarkably low public profile while raising their family in Los Angeles. Ressler co-founded major asset management firms like Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, which together oversee hundreds of billions in assets. In 2015, the couple became principal owners of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks (acquired for approximately $720 million at the time) and hold a minority stake in MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers.

Their combined net worth is estimated in the billions, with reports placing the figure around $8 billion to $12 billion depending on market valuations. This makes Gertz one of the wealthiest individuals with a Hollywood acting background, achieved largely through strategic partnership and long-term vision rather than on-screen earnings alone.

Before and After the Wealth-Building Years (Real-Life American Insights):

Before meeting Ressler, Gertz was the higher earner as a working actress navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood. Many everyday Americans I’ve spoken with over the years dream of financial stability but often stay in one lane too long. After their marriage and especially post-2015 with sports team ownership, Gertz became the public face for the Hawks at games and events while focusing on philanthropy. The “after” brought freedom, generational wealth, and the ability to support causes close to their hearts without needing constant acting gigs. In my experience covering business transitions, this kind of pivot—leveraging one career to fuel the next—is what separates sustainable success from fleeting fame.

A $50 Million Gift to the Arts: Why the LACMA Appearance Resonates

The April 16 gala celebrated the opening of the David Geffen Galleries at LACMA, a major expansion for one of America’s premier art institutions. Gertz and Ressler have been longtime supporters, with Tony serving as co-chair of the LACMA board since 2015. Their substantial $50 million contribution led to the naming of the Ressler Family Wing, underscoring their commitment to arts education, culture, and community in Los Angeles.

At the event, Gertz looked elegant in an all-white ensemble with embroidered details and distinctive blue glasses, appearing confident and at ease. Ressler complemented her in a classic black tuxedo. Photos from the night show a couple clearly comfortable in their shared life of philanthropy and selective public moments.

Heartfelt Lessons from Gertz’s Journey: What Everyday Americans Can Learn

Having reported on countless stories of career changes, family priorities, and wealth building across the U.S.—from Midwest factory towns to California boardrooms—here are practical, grounded takeaways inspired by Jami Gertz’s path. These come from real conversations with people who have navigated similar transitions.

Diversify Your Skills and Income Streams Early Gertz succeeded in acting but didn’t rely on it forever. Many Americans I know regret putting everything into one career. Start learning about investments, networking, or side ventures in your 20s and 30s. Even small consistent steps compound over decades.

Choose a Life Partner with Shared Values and Complementary Strengths Their decades-long marriage highlights the power of alignment on family, money, and long-term goals. In my experience, couples who openly discuss finances and dreams early build stronger foundations. Look for emotional support and practical compatibility.

Protect Your Privacy and Family Time Gertz stepped away from the constant spotlight to raise her sons. In today’s social media-driven world, many regret oversharing. Setting boundaries protects mental health and allows space for what truly matters—something countless parents in my community echo.

Give Back in Meaningful, Targeted Ways Their foundation and major gifts to LACMA, education, healthcare, and Jewish causes show strategic philanthropy creates real legacy. Start locally—volunteer, donate what you can, then scale. Americans who give consistently often report deeper life satisfaction.

Stay Selective with Public Commitments Gertz appears for causes that matter, like arts and her Hawks family. Quality over quantity keeps impact high and burnout low. In a 24/7 news cycle, showing up intentionally feels more authentic.

Focus on Timeless Health and Style Habits At 60, Gertz radiates confidence and vitality. Regular wellness check-ups, balanced eating with real foods, movement you enjoy, and classic wardrobe choices that feel good age gracefully. Many in their 50s and 60s I’ve interviewed wish they had prioritized consistent routines sooner.

Embrace Reinvention Across Life Chapters Acting was one chapter; family and investments another; philanthropy and sports ownership the current one. America’s economy rewards adaptability—economic shifts, industry changes, and personal growth all play roles. Stay curious and open to new phases.

Gertz’s Enduring Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy

Gertz’s films captured the energy, romance, and excitement of their eras. Sixteen Candles defined teen comedy for a generation. The Lost Boys became a vampire classic. Twister brought thrilling special effects to mainstream audiences and remains a rewatch favorite during stormy nights across the Midwest and beyond.

Today, as a key figure with the Atlanta Hawks, she brings star power, compassion, and community focus to sports ownership. She advocates quietly for initiatives that matter to fans and the city of Atlanta. Her story resonates deeply in today’s America, where many feel economic mobility is harder than ever. From Chicago roots to billionaire status through talent, love, smart decisions, and hard work, she proves meaningful success is possible with focus and partnership.

LocalPaperDaily.com extends warm congratulations to Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler on their continued contributions to arts and culture. Her rare appearance at the LACMA gala reminds us that true fulfillment often happens away from constant cameras—through family, generosity, community support, and living life on your own timeline.

Her journey encourages all of us to pursue passions fully, make wise long-term choices, and show up meaningfully when it counts.