Summary (tl;dr)

Actress Jami Gertz and her billionaire husband Tony Ressler recently made a rare public appearance at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's (LACMA) opening gala, where a new wing was named in their honor following a reported $50 million donation.

Essential Background

Jami Gertz gained fame as an actress in the 1980s, starring in films such as "Sixteen Candles" and "The Lost Boys." She later married Tony Ressler, a prominent billionaire investor and co-founder of Ares Management, with whom she owns the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. Despite their substantial wealth and influence, the couple has largely maintained a private life away from the public spotlight. They are known for their philanthropic efforts, which often go unpublicized.

The Full Story

Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler recently attended the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's (LACMA) opening gala for the new David Geffen Galleries on April 16, 2026, marking a notable public appearance for the typically private couple. The event was particularly significant as the south wing of the new Geffen Galleries was officially named the "Ressler Family Wing," recognizing their leading support of the "Building LACMA" campaign with a reported $50 million donation. Their presence and substantial contribution drew attention to Gertz's life beyond Hollywood and the couple's continued engagement in high-level cultural philanthropy.

Why It Matters

The trending interest in Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler highlights public fascination with the private lives of wealthy and influential figures, especially when they make rare public appearances for significant cultural events. Their substantial donation to LACMA underscores the increasing role of private philanthropy in supporting major arts institutions and shaping the cultural landscape. This event also brings renewed attention to Gertz's unique career trajectory from an 80s acting icon to a billionaire philanthropist, demonstrating her continued presence and impact in elite social and cultural circles.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (opening gala for new David Geffen Galleries and naming of Ressler Family Wing)