Jami Gertz turned heads when she stepped out with her husband Tony Ressler at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s opening gala for the new David Geffen Galleries on April 16, 2026. The actress, who rose to fame in the 1980s, looked elegant in an all-white ensemble while Ressler wore a classic black tuxedo. Their attendance at the event carried special meaning, as the museum’s south wing will be named the Ressler Family Wing following their reported $50 million donation.
Gertz, now 60, has mostly stepped away from regular acting work. But her career spans decades with memorable performances in both movies and television shows. For those wanting to revisit her work after her rare public appearance, here are five essential Jami Gertz movies and TV shows worth watching.
The Lost Boys (1987)
This vampire cult classic remains one of Gertz’s most loved roles. She played Star, a mysterious half-vampire who dreams of escaping her undead life. The movie also starred Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, and Corey Haim.
The story follows two brothers who move to a California town overrun by teenage vampires. Gertz’s character finds herself caught between the vampire gang and the human brothers trying to stop them. Fans still remember her flowing white dress and her character’s emotional struggle to hold onto her humanity.
The film won awards at the Young Artist Awards and has stayed popular with new generations discovering 80s horror-comedy. Gertz brought a softness to Star that made viewers care about her fate, even as vampires surrounded her.
Twister (1996)
One of Gertz’s biggest box office hits, Twister put her alongside Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. She played Dr. Melissa Reeves, a reproductive therapist who joins her boyfriend’s storm-chasing team.
The movie follows two storm chasers trying to test a new tornado warning system. Gertz’s character starts off willing to go along with the adventure but quickly gets scared by the dangerous storms. Her performance added a grounded, everyday person’s reaction to the chaos around her.
By the end of the film, Melissa realizes her boyfriend still has feelings for his ex-wife Jo, played by Hunt. She makes the difficult choice to leave him, showing strength despite her fears. While the role earned her a nomination at the Stinkers Bad Movie Awards in the Worst Supporting Actress category, audiences remember the film as a 90s action favorite.
Still Standing (2002–2006)
For five seasons, Gertz played Judy Miller on this CBS sitcom alongside Mark Addy. The show followed a married couple raising three children in Chicago.
Gertz’s character worked as an assistant for a dentist named Dr. Gerber. She was a devoted Chicago Bears fan who tried hard to be friends with her kids while also being protective of them. The show’s humor came from Judy and her husband Bill balancing work, parenting, and their own relationship.
Still Standing ran for 88 episodes, giving Gertz a steady TV role that showed her comedy skills. Many viewers who grew up watching the show remember her as the fun, slightly sarcastic mom who always had a quick comeback ready.
Ally McBeal (2000–2002)
Gertz appeared in five episodes of this popular Fox legal comedy-drama. She played Kimmy Bishop, a woman who becomes a love interest for John Cage, played by Peter MacNicol.
The series centered on Calista Flockhart as Ally McBeal, a lawyer working at a Boston firm. Gertz’s character came to the firm seeking help after a matchmaking company treated her badly. John Cage supported her and helped her take legal action.
Her performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. This nomination showed that even later in her career, Gertz could deliver award-worthy work in guest roles.
Sibs (1991–1992)
This short-lived ABC sitcom gave Gertz one of her early TV leading roles. She played Lily Ruscio, one of three sisters dealing with life in Philadelphia. The cast also included Marsha Mason and Alex Rocco.
The show followed the sisters as they handled work problems, relationships, and family drama. Gertz’s character was emotional and struggled after her boyfriend left her. She leaned on her sister Nora for support while trying to get her life back on track.
Though Sibs only lasted for one season of 23 episodes, it showed Gertz could carry a network sitcom. The show remains a lesser-known part of her career but offers a look at her early 90s work.
Also Read:
Gertz’s Life Beyond Hollywood
While these Jami Gertz movies and TV shows highlight her acting career, her life took an interesting turn. She and Tony Ressler bought the Atlanta Hawks NBA team in 2015 for about $720 million. Ressler’s net worth is now estimated at $10.8 billion.
But Gertz has made it clear she was not just along for the ride. She told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018, “Everyone thinks I married a rich guy. But 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.”
The couple has been married since 1989 and shares four children. They split their time between Los Angeles and Atlanta. Gertz’s last acting credit was in the 2022 movie I Want You Back.
Her appearance at the LACMA gala reminded fans of her Hollywood roots while showing how her life has grown beyond the entertainment industry.
Also Read: Tim Cook to Become Apple Executive Chairman as John Ternus Takes Over CEO Role in September 2026
Stay connected with VvipTimes for more stories about your favorite stars from the 80s, 90s, and today.
