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Jami Gertz stepped into the spotlight at the LACMA gala on April 16, marking a rare public appearance for the billionaire actress. The Lost Boys star, alongside her husband Tony Ressler, donated a stunning $50 million to help fund the museum’s new David Geffen Galleries.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event Date: April 16, 2026 at LACMA’s opening gala for David Geffen Galleries
- Donation Amount: $50 million from Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler to fund the galleries
- Wing Named: Ressler Family Wing now honors the couple’s historic contribution
- Red Carpet Look: All-white botanical coat from Libertine paired with Khaite studded bag
A Rare Moment on the Red Carpet
Jami Gertz, 60, turned heads in an elegant white coat dress featuring delicate floral embellishments. The Sixteen Candles star accessorized with heels, socks, and dangly earrings, completing her sophisticated look. Meanwhile, her husband Tony Ressler, 65, wore a classic black tuxedo. The couple’s appearance was particularly noteworthy given Gertz’s private nature and her retreat from the entertainment spotlight in recent decades.
The LACMA opening gala welcomed more than 820 notable guests from Los Angeles’s creative and philanthropic communities. The event raised nearly $11.5 million, marking a new record for the museum. Gertz and Ressler‘s presence added significant prestige to the occasion, drawing attention to the importance of arts patronage.
Jami Gertz makes rare appearance at LACMA gala in white, donates $50M
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From ’80s Icon to Billionaire Philanthropist
Jami Gertz rose to prominence in the 1980s with iconic roles in Sixteen Candles (1984) and The Lost Boys (1987). She starred in the sitcom Square Pegs alongside a young Sarah Jessica Parker. Despite her early Hollywood success, Gertz prioritized family life after marrying Tony Ressler in 1989, gradually stepping back from major film roles.
Though she appeared in Twister (1996) and made guest appearances on shows like Ally McBeal and Modern Family, Gertz’s focus shifted to her personal life and business ventures. Her most recent acting role was in 2022’s I Want You Back. Today, she’s known primarily as a television producer, businesswoman, and dedicated philanthropist.
Power Couple: The Ressler-Gertz Empire
| Detail | Information |
| Marriage Date | June 16, 1989 |
| NBA Team Ownership | Atlanta Hawks (acquired 2015) |
| LACMA Board Role | Tony Ressler serves as co-chair since 2015 |
| Recent Donation | $50 million to David Geffen Galleries |
Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler have built an impressive portfolio together. The couple owns the Atlanta Hawks, which they purchased in 2015 for approximately $720 million. Ressler’s net worth is currently estimated at $10.8 billion by Forbes. However, Gertz was not merely a bystander in their success. In a 2018 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, she revealed that she earned significantly more than Ressler early in their relationship, stating, “I paid for our first house. I paid for our first vacation.”
“Everyone thinks I married a rich guy. But I made more money, way more money, than Tony when I met him. I married him because I fell in love with him.”
— Jami Gertz, Actress and Businesswoman
Museum Patronage and Cultural Impact
The David Geffen Galleries represent a $724 million investment in contemporary art. The Ressler Family Wing, named after Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler‘s contribution, solidifies their legacy as major cultural patrons. Ressler has been deeply involved with LACMA for over two decades, serving as a dedicated board member. The couple’s $50 million donation places them among the most generous donors to the Los Angeles arts community.
This philanthropic gesture showcases Gertz’s ongoing commitment to institutions beyond sports and entertainment. The Ressler-Gertz Foundation has awarded millions annually to various causes, including prostate cancer awareness and community development. Their presence at the gala underscores their belief in supporting cultural institutions that enrich society.
What Does the Future Hold for Jami Gertz’s Legacy?
Despite stepping away from acting, Jami Gertz remains a significant figure in business and philanthropy. Her rare public appearances generate widespread interest and reinforce her status as one of Hollywood’s most private power players. The LACMA gala proved that Gertz’s influence extends far beyond her iconic ’80s films. As she continues to focus on family, philanthropic endeavors, and business ventures with Ressler, the actress-turned-billionaire demonstrates that one’s greatest achievements sometimes come long after the credits roll.
