You’ve probably seen the headlines. You know the ones—they pop up every few months on social media, claiming some "random" actress from the '80s is actually the wealthiest person in Hollywood. People get shocked because it’s not Tom Cruise or Reese Witherspoon. It’s Jami Gertz.
But calling her "random" is honestly a bit of a slap in the face to anyone who grew up in the 1980s. Before she was a multi-billionaire sports owner, she was the girl on the poster in every teenager's bedroom. Whether she was dodging vampires or dealing with the gritty reality of 1980s LA, Jami Gertz movies and shows defined an entire era of pop culture.
The weird thing is, she didn't just disappear. She evolved. She went from being a "Brat Pack" adjacent starlet to a sitcom staple, and eventually, to the boardroom. If you're looking for the full story of her career—from the cult classics to the shows you forgot she was in—here’s the reality of the Gertz legacy.
The '80s Icons: Where It All Started
Before she was worth $12 billion, Jami Gertz was a working actress found by Norman Lear. She didn't just stumble into fame; she earned it with a series of roles that, quite frankly, were cooler than what most of her peers were doing.
The Lost Boys (1987)
If you ask anyone over the age of 40 about Jami Gertz, they’ll say one word: Star.
In The Lost Boys, she played the mysterious "half-vampire" caught between Jason Patric and Kiefer Sutherland. It’s basically the ultimate '80s vampire flick. She brought this soft, ethereal vibe to a movie that was otherwise filled with leather jackets and mullets. It’s her most iconic role for a reason. You can't talk about '80s horror-comedy without her.
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Less Than Zero (1987)
This one was a massive pivot. Based on the Bret Easton Ellis novel, it was dark. Like, really dark. Gertz played Blair, the girl trying to hold it together while her friend (played by a young Robert Downey Jr.) spiraled into addiction. It showed she had real dramatic chops. She wasn't just the "pretty girl" in the background; she was the emotional anchor of a very bleak story.
Crossroads and Quicksilver (1986)
Before the big 1987 breakout, she had a bit of a run with "subculture" movies. In Crossroads, she’s on the road with a blues guitarist. In Quicksilver, she’s hanging out with bike messengers and Kevin Bacon. These films feel very "of their time," but they established her as a versatile lead who could fit into any world.
The TV Years: From Seinfeld to Sitcom Queen
A lot of actors from the '80s faded away once the 1990s hit. Jami Gertz did the opposite. She jumped into television and ended up becoming one of the most recognizable faces on the small screen.
The "Can't Spare a Square" Moment
Honestly, if she had done nothing else in the '90s, her guest spot on Seinfeld would have been enough. In the episode "The Stall," she plays Jerry’s girlfriend, Jane. You know the one—the woman in the bathroom stall who refuses to give Elaine a single square of toilet paper.
"I can't spare a square!"
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It’s one of the most quoted lines in sitcom history. It’s also a testament to her comedic timing. She took a tiny role and turned it into a permanent part of the cultural lexicon.
Still Standing (2002–2006)
This is where she really found her groove as a lead. Alongside Mark Addy, she played Judy Miller, a working-class mom in Chicago. It ran for four seasons and 88 episodes. It wasn't "prestige TV," but it was a solid, funny hit that proved she could carry a show. She earned a Young Artist Award nomination for "Most Popular Mom & Pop," which basically meant she had successfully transitioned into the "cool mom" phase of her career.
The Neighbors (2012–2014)
This show was... weird. But in a good way. She played Debbie Weaver, a woman whose family moves into a gated community populated entirely by aliens. It was high-concept, quirky, and probably a bit ahead of its time. Even though it only lasted two seasons, it developed a bit of a cult following.
The Billion-Dollar Pivot: Beyond the Screen
People always ask: "How did she get so rich?"
It’s a mix of a solid acting career and an incredibly smart marriage. In 1989, she married Tony Ressler. At the time, she was actually the one making more money! She reportedly paid for their first house and their early vacations while he was still building his career in finance.
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He went on to co-found Apollo Global Management and Ares Management. Today, their combined net worth is estimated at around $12 billion. But don't think she just sat back and watched the bank account grow.
- NBA Ownership: Gertz is a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. She’s not a "silent" partner, either. She’s the public face of the team, often representing them at the NBA Draft Lottery.
- Philanthropy: She and her husband are consistently ranked as some of the most generous donors in the world. They founded the Painted Turtle Camp and are massive supporters of various Los Angeles-based charities.
- The Lanvin Years: There was a period in the early '90s where she actually moved to Paris and worked as a "scent designer" for the fashion house Lanvin. It’s a random fact, but it shows she was never just "an actress."
Why Her Career Path Matters Today
Most people look at Gertz and see a lucky break, but her career actually offers a blueprint for how to handle fame. She never stayed in one lane for too long. When the movie roles slowed down, she went to TV. When TV got repetitive, she went into business and ownership.
She also avoided the "child star" trap. Having started in Square Pegs and The Facts of Life, she managed to stay grounded while her peers were often hitting the tabloids.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive back into her filmography or track her current moves, here is what you need to know:
- Where to Stream: Most of her '80s classics like The Lost Boys and Sixteen Candles (where she had a small role as Robin) are staples on platforms like Max and Hulu. Still Standing can be harder to find but often pops up on local syndication or niche cable channels.
- The "Lost" Performances: Keep an eye out for the TV movie Gilda Radner: It's Always Something. Gertz played the legendary comedian Gilda Radner, and it’s arguably one of the most underrated performances of her career.
- Modern Cameos: She still pops up! Look for her in the 2022 rom-com I Want You Back on Amazon Prime, or her guest spots on This Is Us and Modern Family.
- Follow the Hawks: If you want to see what she's doing now, watch the Atlanta Hawks' front office. She is heavily involved in the team's community outreach and stadium renovations.
Jami Gertz isn't just a trivia answer about who is the "richest actress." She’s a survivor of the 1980s Hollywood machine who turned a successful acting career into a legitimate empire. Whether you love her for the "half-vampire" vibes of the '80s or the relatable mom energy of the 2000s, there’s no denying she’s one of the smartest players in the game.
To explore her work further, start with a re-watch of The Lost Boys for the nostalgia, then jump into the "The Stall" episode of Seinfeld to see her comedic peak. You'll quickly see why she's managed to stay relevant for over four decades.