Who is Jami Gertz?

Jami Gertz is an American actress and philanthropist. She is best known for her roles in the films Sixteen Candles, Less Than Zero, and The Lost Boys, as well as the television series Ally McBeal and Modern Family.

Gertz was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 28, 1965. She began her acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. Her breakthrough role came in 1984, when she starred in the John Hughes film Sixteen Candles. Gertz went on to star in a number of other successful films, including Less Than Zero, The Lost Boys, and Quicksilver.

In the 1990s, Gertz transitioned to television, starring in the sitcom Ally McBeal. She played the role of Kimmy Bishop, a lawyer who is best friends with Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart). Gertz received two Emmy Award nominations for her work on Ally McBeal.

In recent years, Gertz has appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Modern Family, The Neighbors, and Mom. She has also worked as a producer on a number of projects, including the film I Am Sam and the television series The Neighbors.

Name	Born	Occupation
Jami Gertz	October 28, 1965	Actress, philanthropist

Gertz is a philanthropist who has supported a number of charities, including the American Red Cross, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the Jami Gertz Foundation. She is also a member of the board of directors of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Jami Gertz

Actress
Philanthropist
Sixteen Candles
Ally McBeal
Modern Family
Jami Gertz Foundation

Gertz has been a successful actress for over three decades, starring in a wide range of films and television shows. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting a number of charities through her work with the Jami Gertz Foundation. Gertz is a role model for many, showing that it is possible to have a successful career while also giving back to the community.

1. Actress

Jami Gertz is an American actress. She is best known for her roles in the films Sixteen Candles, Less Than Zero, and The Lost Boys, as well as the television series Ally McBeal and Modern Family.

Early life and career
Gertz was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 28, 1965. She began her acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. Her breakthrough role came in 1984, when she starred in the John Hughes film Sixteen Candles.
Breakthrough roles
Gertz went on to star in a number of other successful films, including Less Than Zero, The Lost Boys, and Quicksilver. These roles helped to establish her as a rising star in Hollywood.
Television success
In the 1990s, Gertz transitioned to television, starring in the sitcom Ally McBeal. She played the role of Kimmy Bishop, a lawyer who is best friends with Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart). Gertz received two Emmy Award nominations for her work on Ally McBeal.
Continued success
In recent years, Gertz has appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Modern Family, The Neighbors, and Mom. She has also worked as a producer on a number of projects, including the film I Am Sam and the television series The Neighbors.

Gertz is a successful actress who has starred in a wide range of films and television shows. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting a number of charities through her work with the Jami Gertz Foundation.

2. Philanthropist

Jami Gertz is a philanthropist who has supported a number of charities, including the American Red Cross, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the Jami Gertz Foundation. She is also a member of the board of directors of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Support for charities
Gertz has donated millions of dollars to a variety of charities, both large and small. She is particularly passionate about supporting organizations that work to improve the lives of children and families.
Jami Gertz Foundation
In 1991, Gertz and her husband founded the Jami Gertz Foundation. The foundation supports a variety of causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts.
Board of directors
Gertz is a member of the board of directors of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. She is also a member of the board of trustees of the University of Southern California.
Recognition for philanthropy
Gertz has been recognized for her philanthropy by a number of organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Gertz is a philanthropist who is dedicated to making a difference in the world. She is a role model for many, showing that it is possible to have a successful career while also giving back to the community.

3. Sixteen Candles

Sixteen Candles is a 1984 American teen comedy film directed by John Hughes and starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, and Anthony Michael Hall. The film follows Samantha Baker (Ringwald), a high school sophomore who is desperately trying to lose her virginity on her sixteenth birthday. Jami Gertz plays Samantha's best friend, Cindy Mancini.

Breakthrough Role
Sixteen Candles was Gertz's breakthrough role. She had previously appeared in small roles in films and television shows, but her performance in Sixteen Candles helped to launch her career. Gertz's portrayal of Cindy Mancini is both funny and heartwarming, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
Iconic Character
Cindy Mancini is one of the most iconic characters in teen. She is a loyal friend, a great listener, and always there for Samantha when she needs her. Gertz's performance brings Cindy to life, and she makes the character both relatable and lovable.
Cultural Impact
Sixteen Candles is a kltrel film that has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film's themes of teenage angst, friendship, and love are still relevant today, and it continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Gertz's role in Sixteen Candles helped to establish her as a rising star in Hollywood. She went on to star in a number of other successful films and television shows, and she remains one of the most beloved actresses of her generation.

4. Ally McBeal

Ally McBeal is an American legal comedy-drama television series that aired on Fox from 1997 to 2002. The show follows Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart), a young lawyer who works at the Boston law firm Cage & Fish. Jami Gertz plays Ally's best friend, Kimmy Bishop.

Gertz's role in Ally McBeal is one of her most well-known. She plays Kimmy Bishop, a quirky and often outrageous lawyer who is always there for Ally when she needs her. Kimmy is a loyal friend and a great listener, and she always provides Ally with a shoulder to cry on and a laugh to cheer her up.

The connection between Ally McBeal and Jami Gertz is significant because the show helped to launch Gertz's career. Prior to Ally McBeal, Gertz had appeared in a number of films and television shows, but it was her role as Kimmy Bishop that made her a household name. Gertz's performance on Ally McBeal was both funny and heartwarming, and she quickly became a fan favorite.

In addition to helping to launch Gertz's career, Ally McBeal also played a significant role in shaping her public image. Gertz is known for her outgoing personality and her sense of humor, and these qualities are reflected in her character, Kimmy Bishop. As a result, many fans of Ally McBeal see Gertz as a down-to-earth and relatable person.

The connection between Ally McBeal and Jami Gertz is a positive one. The show helped to launch Gertz's career and it also played a significant role in shaping her public image. Gertz is a talented actress and a wonderful person, and she is grateful for the opportunities that Ally McBeal has given her.

5. Modern Family

Modern Family is an American sitcom that aired on ABC from 2009 to 2020. The show follows the lives of three families: the Pritchetts, the Dunphys, and the Tuckers. Jami Gertz plays Debbie Tucker, the mother of Haley Dunphy's (Sarah Hyland) college roommate, Becky.

Recurring Role
Gertz appears in a recurring role throughout the series, often providing comic relief with her over-the-top personality and her often clueless behavior. Her character is a wealthy socialite who is often at odds with her daughter's more down-to-earth boyfriend, Andy (Adam DeVine).
Character Development
Over the course of the series, Gertz's character develops and grows. She learns to accept her daughter's choices and to support her, even if she doesn't always understand them. She also becomes more involved in her daughter's life, and she eventually becomes a grandmother to Haley and Andy's children.
Reception
Gertz's performance in Modern Family has been praised by critics. She has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for her work on the show. Her character has also become a fan favorite, and she is often cited as one of the highlights of the series.

The connection between Modern Family and Jami Gertz is a positive one. The show has provided Gertz with a high-profile platform to showcase her comedic talents, and it has helped to introduce her to a new generation of fans. Gertz has also brought her own unique brand of humor to the show, and she has helped to make Modern Family one of the most successful sitcoms of the 21st century.

6. Jami Gertz Foundation

The Jami Gertz Foundation is a private foundation established in 1991 by Jami Gertz and her husband, Tony Ressler. The foundation's mission is to support organizations that work to improve the lives of children and families.

Education
The Jami Gertz Foundation supports a variety of educational initiatives, including early childhood education, after-school programs, and college scholarships. The foundation believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and giving children the opportunity to succeed in life.
Healthcare
The Jami Gertz Foundation supports healthcare initiatives that provide access to quality healthcare for children and families. The foundation believes that everyone deserves to have access to affordable, quality healthcare.
Arts
The Jami Gertz Foundation supports arts initiatives that provide opportunities for children and families to experience the arts. The foundation believes that the arts can play a vital role in the development of children and families.

The Jami Gertz Foundation has a long history of supporting organizations that work to improve the lives of children and families. The foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of many people, and it continues to be a valuable resource for organizations that are working to make a difference in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Jami Gertz, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What is Jami Gertz's most well-known role?

Answer: Jami Gertz is best known for her role as Kimmy Bishop in the popular television series "Ally McBeal."

Question 2: What is Jami Gertz's connection to the Jami Gertz Foundation?

Answer: Jami Gertz co-founded the Jami Gertz Foundation in 1991 with her husband, Tony Ressler. The foundation supports organizations working to improve the lives of children and families, focusing on education, healthcare, and the arts.

Question 3: What type of acting roles has Jami Gertz typically played?

Answer: Jami Gertz has played a variety of roles throughout her career, including comedic, dramatic, and supporting characters. She is known for her versatility and ability to bring depth to her performances.

Question 4: What awards has Jami Gertz received for her work?

Answer: Jami Gertz has received two Emmy Award nominations for her work on "Ally McBeal" and has been recognized for her philanthropy by organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Question 5: What impact has Jami Gertz had on the entertainment industry?

Answer: Jami Gertz has been a successful actress for over three decades, starring in numerous films and television shows. Her work has entertained audiences and contributed to the cultural landscape of film and television.

In summary, Jami Gertz is a versatile and accomplished actress and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and to society as a whole.

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Conclusion

Jami Gertz is a multi-faceted individual who has achieved notable success in both the entertainment industry and philanthropy. Her journey as an actress has been marked by memorable performances in films and television shows, particularly her iconic role in "Ally McBeal." Gertz's philanthropic endeavors through the Jami Gertz Foundation have made a tangible impact on the lives of countless children and families, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.

Gertz's contributions extend beyond the screen and into the realm of social responsibility. Her dedication to supporting organizations that align with her values serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of using one's platform for positive change.