• Lisa Bonet is an actress best known for her roles in The Cosby Show and Whitepaddy
• She was born in San Francisco, California and studied acting at the Celluloid Actor’s Studio
• She became a rising star with The Cosby Show and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work
• She subsequently starred in numerous films and TV series, such as Enemy of the State, High Fidelity, The Red Road, and Ray Donovan
• Lisa is married to actor Jason Momoa and has two children with him, as well as a daughter with Lenny Kravitz
Known for movies
Enemy of the State (1998)
as Rachel F. Banks
The Cosby Show (1984-1991)
as Denise Huxtable / Denise Huxtable Kendall
High Fidelity (2000)
as Marie De Salle
Angel Heart (1987)
as Epiphany Proudfoot
Short Info
| Net Worth | $ 16 Million |
| Date Of Birth | November 16, 1967 |
| Spouse | Jason Momoa, Lenny Kravitz |
| Fact | While portraying roommates on A Different World (1987) , she and co-star Marisa Tomei lived together in real life. |
Contents
Who is Lisa Bonet?
Born Lisa Michelle Bonet on the 16th November 1967, in San Francisco, California USA, she is an actress, perhaps still best known to the world as Denise Huxtable in the sitcom “The Cosby Show”, and also as Mae Evans in the film “Whitepaddy” among other differing roles.
Early Life and Education
Born to Allen Bonet, an African-American opera singer, and Arlene Bonet, a Jewish music teacher, Lisa was influenced towards performing arts from an early age, but instead of music, she chose acting. She went to Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California, and later studied acting at the Celluloid Actor’s Studio in North Hollywood.
Career Beginnings
Lisa’s career started in the early ‘80s, but before she decided to pursue acting as a full-time career, Lisa was focused on modeling and beauty pageants. However, in 1983 she made her acting debut, as Carla in the TV series “St. Elsewhere”, then had several minor roles before she was chosen for the part of Denise Huxtable in the sitcom “The Cosby Show”.
Rise to Prominence
Only 16 when chosen for the part of Denise and without any major experience, Lisa accepted Bill Cosby as her TV father. Learning from one of the best-known comic actors, Lisa reached stardom while in the show. From 1984 until 1991 she featured in 119 episodes of the Golden Globe Award-winning series, which considerably increased her net worth and popularity. Lisa herself was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in the series. Thanks to the massive success of the series and popularity of her character, Lisa got her own spin-off series “A Different World”, which followed her life in college. This also contributed to her net worth and popularity.
Career After “The Cosby Show”
The series ended in the early ‘90s, and Lisa continued to build her career by appearing in such films as “Bank Robber” (1994), starring next to Patrick Dempsey and Judge Reinhold, then “New Eden” the same year, with Stephen Baldwin and Tobin Bell, and in 1998 featured in the highly-acclaimed action film “Enemy of the State”, starring Will Smith, Gene Hackman and Jon Voight. She started the new millennium with a supporting role in the music drama “High Fidelity”, starring John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, and Todd Louiso, while in 2002 she starred in the sci-fi television film “Lathe of Heaven”, next to James Caan and Lukas Haas.
She then portrayed Detective Maya Daniels in the short-lived crime-drama mystery series “Life on Mars” (2008-2009), and then made a hiatus from acting until 2014. She returned to the acting scene with the female lead role in the thriller drama film “Road to Paloma”, next to her husband Jason Momoa, and Robert Homer Mollohan, then portrayed Sky Van Der Veen in the TV series “The Red Road” (2014-2015). In recent years, Lisa played Marisol Campos in the TV series “Ray Donovan”, and appeared in the short film “Jellywolf”.
How Rich Lisa Bonet is?
Being in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years has made Lisa rather rich. So let’s see into her net worth. According to authoritative sources, Lisa’s net worth is as high as $16 million, which is pretty neat, don’t you think? She didn’t boast about her luxurious belongings so far and has avoided scandals and controversies.
Life Behind the Scene
Life Behind the SceneLisa has become known for her relationship with famous African-American singer Lenny Kravitz – the two eloped on the 16th November 1987, when Lisa turned 20 years, and remained together until 1993, having a daughter together, Zoë Isabella Kravitz, now a singer, model and actress as well.
Lisa subsequently started a romantic relationship with actor Jason Momoa, and after two years decided to exchange their vows. Though their marriage supposedly remained a secret for almost ten years, it felt like everybody knew that the couple were married. They have two children together, Lola Iolani Momoa and Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa.
Name Change
Back in 1995, Lisa legally changed her name to Lilakoi Moon, apparently to honor her personal life outside her professional life, but still uses Lisa as her name for professional purposes. Since the ‘90s, she has also pursued other interests, including yoga, art, music, as well as her children.
Social Media Presence
Although she became quite successful since making her acting debut, Lisa hasn’t been focused much on building a social media fan base. Her Twitter account has less than 500 followers, while her official Facebook page has been liked by just over 50,000 people.
Dreads pic.twitter.com/knZJTsv5YF
— Lisa Bonet (@LisaBonetRP) March 4, 2013
Interview on Allegations on Bill Cosby
When asked about her former co-star and her TV dad, and the sexual abuse charges against him, Lisa stated that she always felt the sinister energy around Bill, but wasn’t aware of any wrongdoings. She has remained silent about allegations, but stated that she isn’t surprised.
General Info
| Full Name | Lisa Bonet |
| Net Worth | $ 16 Million |
| Date Of Birth | November 16, 1967 |
| Height | 1.57 m |
| Profession | Film director, Actor |
| Education | Reseda High School |
| Nationality | American |
Family
| Spouse | Jason Momoa, Lenny Kravitz |
| Children | Zoë Kravitz, Lola Iolani Momoa, Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa |
| Parents | Arlene Litman, Allen Bonet |
Accomplishments
| Nominations | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series, TV Land Favorite Singing Siblings Award |
| Movies | Angel Heart, Bank Robber, Dead Connection, New Eden, Enemy of the State, High Fidelity, Lathe of Heaven, Biker Boyz, Road to Paloma, Sound of Sunshine - Sound of Rain |
| TV Shows | Life on Mars, A Different World, The Cosby Show, Ray Donovan |
Social profile links
Quotes
| # | Quote |
|---|---|
| 1 | We use a Native American tradition of the talking stick. You sit and pass it around and whoever has the stick has to talk. Some people just hold it. Others really share. |
| 2 | I'm writing a film. With our access to these powerful media, we're going to take over, because it's really disgusting what is put out there now to be consumed. |
| 3 | Success made me self-sufficient, but it also took away my anonymity. I'm just this quiet nobody, and all of a sudden people are nervous around me. That was kind of weird. |
| 4 | The Cosby years were a major part of my life, but it is the past; I don't really concentrate on it. |
| 5 | My mother, brave woman, lost her whole family when she decided to marry a black man in the '60s. When the marriage fell apart, she had to come back to her family. |
| 6 | When I was 16 I was fortunate enough to get Cosby and move to New York and shift my whole life. that had been my dream all along, and it came true. |
| 7 | An instructor once told me that when there's resistance in your body, it's only because of the resistance in your mind. It's about getting inside the pose. Being the breath. |
| 8 | It's from our sufferings that we form our consciousness. |
| 9 | I have a desire to create more film, more beauty, more art, more love, but I don't feel desperate. It's not about creating or building a career. |
| 10 | I felt devalued and disrespected. The energy behind it felt disingenuous and motivated by corporate profit. |
| 11 | I'm part of an important movement that needs to happen. |
| 12 | I'm a shy person. I don't know if it's in my DNA to share with the world. |
| 13 | I was obsessed with the Olympics. It's so exciting to see that level of excellence and endurance. |
| 14 | I took solace in my relationship with God who, along with my dog, was my best friend growing up. |
| 15 | I spent a lot of time feeling alienated and rejected. |
| 16 | Having a mate has given me that feeling of safety. |
| 17 | That industry expects you to prove yourself over and over again. Do I stay doing this, or do I raise my daughter and live surrounded by people who love me? Wasn't even really a choice. |
| 18 | Once a week we go to juvenile hall and talk to boys there. Just go and spend a day in the juvenile courts. |
| 19 | I work with youth offenders in LA, I've heard them speak and see how music manipulates them. |
| 20 | Prisons are like the concentration camps of our time. So many go in and never come out, and primarily they're black and Latino. |
| 21 | Having Zoe saved my life. It was my wake-up call. There were so many things I didn't want to pass on to her. |
| 22 | I was literally the black sheep of the family, and there were definitely moments of discomfort while my grandmother was working through her racism. |
| 23 | Both of my parents would say they were atheists, so where I inherited my connection to God I don't know. But it's natural. No Bible, no Torah, just the love religion. |
| 24 | My desire to participate in the business is not to make more crap. |
| 25 | A group of us started a community center in Santa Monica. We've tried different programs, and three have worked really well. A poetry group. Once a week we visit Venice High and talk to girls at risk. |
| 26 | My life is art. Its how I express God. |
| 27 | Everyone has their story. Everyone has issues. You have to face your fears. |
| 28 | We're getting ready to take over the world. My group of girlfriends - we're renegades. |
| 29 | What saddens me is the corruption of youth and beauty, and the loss of soul, which is only replaced by money. |
| 30 | Let those who know know, and let me keep what little privacy I can. |
| 31 | It's okay to be a freak. |
Facts
| # | Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Her father was African-American. Her mother's family is Ashkenazi Jewish (from Poland and Russia). |
| 2 | While portraying roommates on A Different World (1987) , she and co-star Marisa Tomei lived together in real life. |
| 3 | Gave birth to her third child at age 41, a son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa on December 15, 2008. Child's father is her boyfriend [now second husband], Jason Momoa. |
| 4 | Gave birth to her second child at age 39, a daughter Lola Iolani Momoa on July 23, 2007. Child's father is her boyfriend [now second husband], Jason Momoa. |
| 5 | Gave birth to her first child at age 21, a daughter Zoë Kravitz (aka Zoë Isabella Kravitz) on December 1, 1988. Child's father is her first husband, Lenny Kravitz. |
| 6 | Was mentioned in the 2003 song, "Bob", by 'Weird Al' Yankovic -- which uses palindromic lyrics to parody the 1965 song "Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan: "Lisa Bonet ate no basil". |
| 7 | Former A Different World (1987) co-star Marisa Tomei is godmother of her daughter Zoë Kravitz. |
| 8 | The Lenny Kravitz song "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over" was written about her. |
| 9 | Has had a hip hop album tribute to her by the duo, Felt, (Slug of Atmosphere and Murs of Living Legends) entitled "Felt 2: A tribute to Lisa Bonet." The first was entitled "Felt: A Tribute to Christina Ricci". |
| 10 | Had her name legally changed to Lilakoi Moon in 1995. |
| 11 | Is a vegetarian. |
Pictures
Movies
Actress
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jellywolf | 2017 | Short | Receptionist |
| Ray Donovan | 2016 | TV Series | Marisol Campos |
| Girls | 2016 | TV Series | Tandice Moncrief |
| Michael Raymond-James for BulliesKeepOut.com | 2015 | Video short | |
| The Red Road | 2014-2015 | TV Series | Sky Van Der Veen |
| New Girl | 2014 | TV Series | Brenda Brown |
| Drunk History | 2013-2014 | TV Series | Rosa Parks Mary Ellen Pleasant |
| Road to Paloma | 2014 | Magdalena | |
| Life on Mars | 2008-2009 | TV Series | Detective Maya Daniels |
| Whitepaddy | 2006 | Mae Evans | |
| Biker Boyz | 2003 | Queenie | |
| Lathe of Heaven | 2002 | TV Movie | Heather Lelache |
| High Fidelity | 2000 | Marie De Salle | |
| Enemy of the State | 1998 | Rachel F. Banks | |
| New Eden | 1994 | TV Movie | Lily |
| Dead Connection | 1994 | Catherine Briggs | |
| Bank Robber | 1993 | Priscilla | |
| The Cosby Show | 1984-1991 | TV Series | Denise Huxtable Denise Huxtable Kendall |
| A Different World | 1987-1989 | TV Series | Denise Huxtable |
| Angel Heart | 1987 | Epiphany Proudfoot | |
| ABC Afterschool Specials | 1985 | TV Series | Carrie |
| Tales from the Darkside | 1985 | TV Series | Justine |
| Sound of Sunshine - Sound of Rain | 1983 | Short | The Sister (as Lisa Boney) |
| St. Elsewhere | 1983 | TV Series | Carla |
Director
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waking Compton | 2006 | Documentary short | |
| Gentleman Who Fell | 1993 | Short |
Soundtrack
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cosby Show | 1986 | TV Series performer - 1 episode |
Self
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whatever Happened To? | 2008 | TV Series | Herself |
| KTLA Morning News | 2006 | TV Series | Herself |
| I Was a Network Star | 2006 | TV Movie documentary | |
| Behind the Music | 1999 | TV Series documentary | Herself |
| Rock the Vote | 1993 | TV Movie | Herself |
| Ebony/Jet Showcase | 1990 | TV Series | Herself |
| The Earth Day Special | 1990 | TV Special | Denise Huxtable |
| The Cosby Outtakes Show | 1990 | TV Movie | Herself |
| Late Night with David Letterman | 1986-1989 | TV Series | Herself - Guest |
| The Arsenio Hall Show | 1989 | TV Series | Herself - Guest |
| The 14th Annual People's Choice Awards | 1988 | TV Special documentary | Herself - Accepting Award for Favourite New Television Comedy |
| Walt Disney World Celebrity Circus | 1987 | TV Special | Herself - Performer |
| Funny, You Don't Look 200: A Constitutional Vaudeville | 1987 | TV Movie documentary | Herself |
| The 38th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1986 | TV Special | Herself - Nominee |
| The 11th Annual People's Choice Awards | 1985 | TV Special | Herself - Accepting Award for Favourite New Television Comedy Program |
| Andy Williams and the NBC Kids Search for Santa | 1985 | TV Special | Herself |
| The 37th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1985 | TV Special | Herself |
| Body Language | 1985 | TV Series | Herself |
| Battle of the Network Stars XVIII | 1985 | TV Special | Herself - NBC Team |
| Motown Returns to the Apollo | 1985 | TV Special | Herself |
| Night of 100 Stars II | 1985 | TV Movie | Herself |
| The 42nd Annual Golden Globe Awards | 1985 | TV Special | Herself - Audience Member |
| Fast Copy | 1985 | TV Movie | Herself |
Archive Footage
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsung Hollywood | 2015-2016 | TV Series documentary | Herself |
| Pioneers of Television | 2014 | TV Mini-Series documentary | Denise Huxtable - Cosby Show |
| The Cosby Show: 25th Anniversary Special | 2009 | TV Movie documentary | Denise Huxtable Kendall |
| 100 Greatest Teen Stars | 2007 | TV Mini-Series | Herself |
| La tele de tu vida | 2007 | TV Series | Denise Huxtable |
| The Making of 'Enemy of the State' | 2006 | Video documentary short | Herself |
| Century of Black Cinema | 2003 | Video documentary | Herself |
| The Cosby Show: A Look Back | 2002 | TV Movie documentary | Herself / Denise Huxtable Kendall |
| E! True Hollywood Story | 2001 | TV Series documentary | Herself |
| The Last Laugh: Memories of the Cosby Show | 1992 | TV Special documentary | Herself / Denise Huxtable Kendall |
| The Cosby Show | 1987 | TV Series | Denise Huxtable |
Awards
Won Awards
| Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Young Artist Award | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Actor/Actress Ensemble in a Television Comedy, Drama Series or Special | The Cosby Show (1984) |
| 1988 | Young Artist Award | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Female Superstar in Motion Pictures | Angel Heart (1987) |
Nominated Awards
| Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Critics' Choice TV Award | Critics Choice Television Awards | Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series | Ray Donovan (2013) |
| 2006 | TV Land Award | TV Land Awards | Favorite Singing Siblings | The Cosby Show (1984) |
| 2001 | Black Reel | Black Reel Awards | Theatrical - Best Supporting Actress | High Fidelity (2000) |
| 1988 | Saturn Award | Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA | Best Supporting Actress | Angel Heart (1987) |
| 1988 | Young Artist Award | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Actress Starring in a New Television Comedy Series | A Different World (1987) |
| 1986 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | The Cosby Show (1984) |
| 1986 | Young Artist Award | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series | The Cosby Show (1984) |
| 1985 | Young Artist Award | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Supporting Actress in a Television Comedy Series | The Cosby Show (1984) |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia
