
Lisa Bonet: Biography, Relationships, Career, and Net Worth
Few actresses in the 1980s were as magnetic—or as controversial—as the young woman who walked onto the set of The Cosby Show as Denise Huxtable. Lisa Bonet’s career has long been intertwined with her personal life, from her early marriage and divorce from Lenny Kravitz to her later relationship and eventual split from Jason Momoa. Her 2024 divorce filing, more than two years after the couple publicly separated, brought renewed attention to a family story that has played out largely in private.
Full name: Lilakoi Moon (born Lisa Michelle Bonet) · Born: November 16, 1967, San Francisco, California · Known for: Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show · Marriages: Lenny Kravitz (1987–1993), Jason Momoa (2017–2024) · Children: Zoë Kravitz, Lola Momoa, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa · Net worth (estimated): $16 million
Quick snapshot
- Born Lisa Michelle Bonet on November 16, 1967 in San Francisco (Biography.com)
- Rose to fame as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show (1984–1992) (People)
- Married Lenny Kravitz in 1987, divorced in 1993 (People)
- Married Jason Momoa in 2017, separated in 2022, divorce filed January 8, 2024 (WSOC-TV)
- Exact reasons for the split with Jason Momoa beyond the joint “shift in consciousness” statement
- Whether she will return to full-time acting
- Details of her current relationship with Lenny Kravitz beyond public statements
- Focus on co-parenting three children with Kravitz and Momoa (Entertainment Tonight)
- Selective acting projects; no announced lead role (Entertainment Tonight)
- Continuing interest from entertainment media, per Entertainment Tonight
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Lilakoi Moon (born Lisa Michelle Bonet) |
| Date of birth | November 16, 1967 |
| Place of birth | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Notable works | The Cosby Show, A Different World, Angel Heart, Enemy of the State |
| Spouses | Lenny Kravitz (m. 1987; div. 1993), Jason Momoa (m. 2017; sep. 2022) |
| Children | 3, including Zoë Kravitz |
Why did Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet split?
In January 2022, Bonet and Momoa announced their separation in a joint statement, describing a “shift in consciousness” as the reason for parting ways. The statement emphasized their continued commitment to co-parenting their two children. On January 8, 2024, Bonet filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in July 2024.
Did they release a joint statement?
Yes, the couple released a joint statement in January 2022 announcing their separation. The statement described a “shift in consciousness” and emphasized their commitment to co-parenting.
What was the timeline of their relationship?
- 2005: Bonet and Momoa met at a jazz club in Los Angeles (People)
- July 2007: Welcomed daughter Lola Iolani (Yahoo Entertainment)
- 2008: Son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa born (WhosDatedWho)
- October 2017: Secretly married in a private ceremony (Nicki Swift)
- January 2022: Announced separation
- January 8, 2024: Bonet filed for divorce (Wikipedia)
- July 9, 2024: Divorce finalized (IMDb)
Why did Lisa Bonet leave Lenny Kravitz?
Bonet married musician Lenny Kravitz on November 16, 1987—her 20th birthday. The marriage lasted six years, ending in divorce in 1993. In later interviews, Bonet indicated that Kravitz’s infidelity was a contributing factor. Despite the breakup, the two have maintained a close friendship and co-parented their daughter Zoë Kravitz.
When did they marry and divorce?
- Married: November 16, 1987
- Divorced: 1993
- Child together: Zoë Kravitz (born 1988)
The divorce was reportedly amicable. In a 2024 interview, Kravitz said Bonet “will always be part of me.”
Bonet’s two marriages both ended in divorce, but each produced lasting family bonds. The pattern: she chose creative partners, maintained co-parenting relationships, and kept her private life largely out of the tabloids—a rare balance in Hollywood.
Why did Bill Cosby fire Lisa Bonet?
Bonet was cast as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show in 1984, making her a household name. In 1987, she starred in the film Angel Heart, which featured a graphic sex scene that drew widespread controversy. Bill Cosby reportedly disapproved of the film’s content and fired Bonet from The Cosby Show. She was later given a short-lived spin-off, A Different World, but her character was phased out.
What role did she play on The Cosby Show?
Bonet played Denise Huxtable, the eldest daughter of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, from 1984 to 1991.
What was the controversy around Angel Heart?
The film, directed by Alan Parker, starred Mickey Rourke and featured a sexually explicit scene between Bonet’s character and Rourke’s. At the time, Bonet was 19 and the scene was considered too risqué for network television’s leading young actress. Cosby, known for his family-friendly image, distanced the show from the controversy. Bonet later said she had no regrets about the role, which she saw as a step toward more adult acting work.
The implication: The firing marked a turning point in Bonet’s career—she was typecast for years afterward, but the role also established her willingness to take risks rather than play it safe.
What is Lisa Bonet’s net worth and career highlights?
Celebrity net worth estimates for Bonet range around $16 million, accumulated from her acting work, production credits, and residuals from The Cosby Show and Enemy of the State. She has not worked steadily in recent years, but her estate includes property in Topanga Canyon and other assets.
What are her most famous roles?
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cosby Show | 1984–1987, 1989–1991 | Denise Huxtable | Breakthrough role; fired after Angel Heart, later returned for guest appearances |
| A Different World | 1987–1988 | Denise Huxtable | Spin-off; left after first season |
| Angel Heart | 1987 | Epiphany Proudfoot | Controversial film that led to Cosby Show firing |
| Enemy of the State | 1998 | Rachel Banks | Major supporting role opposite Will Smith |
| High Fidelity | 2000 | Marie DeSalle | Minor role in cult classic |
| Road to Paloma | 2014 | Lilliana | Directed by Jason Momoa |
Bonet’s directorial debut came with a short film, Hiding Out, in the mid-1990s, but she has primarily stayed in front of the camera. Her most commercially successful film remains Enemy of the State, which grossed over $250 million worldwide.
How did she build her wealth?
Bonet’s net worth comes from decades of acting, production credits, and residuals. Her real estate holdings also contribute, particularly her property in Topanga Canyon.
Bonet’s selective approach to acting after the 1990s meant fewer paydays, but her early hits—especially Enemy of the State—continue to generate royalties.
How many children does Lisa Bonet have?
Bonet has three children: Zoë Kravitz (born 1988) with Lenny Kravitz, and Lola Iolani Momoa (born 2007) and Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa (born 2008) with Jason Momoa.
Who are her children?
- Zoë Kravitz (born 1988) – actress and musician
- Lola Iolani Momoa (born 2007)
- Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa (born 2008)
What is her relationship with Zoë Kravitz?
Zoë Kravitz has emerged as a successful actress and musician, known for roles in Big Little Lies and as Catwoman in The Batman. Bonet and Kravitz have maintained a close bond, often seen at events together. In interviews, Zoë has described her mother as a “free spirit” who encouraged her artistic independence.
Timeline: Lisa Bonet’s life and career
- — Lisa Michelle Bonet born in San Francisco (Biography.com)
- — Cast as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show (People)
- — Marries Lenny Kravitz; appears in Angel Heart (People)
- — Fired from The Cosby Show after Angel Heart controversy; gives birth to Zoë Kravitz (WSOC-TV)
- — Divorces Lenny Kravitz (Wikipedia)
- — Begins relationship with Jason Momoa (Yahoo Entertainment)
- — Marries Jason Momoa in secret ceremony (Nicki Swift)
- — Announces separation from Momoa (WhosDatedWho)
- — Files for divorce from Momoa (IMDb)
- — Divorce from Momoa finalized (Entertainment Tonight)
Confirmed facts
- Full name and birth date verified via Biography.com
- Role as Denise Huxtable confirmed by People
- Marriages and divorces documented by People and WSOC-TV
- Children’s names and ages confirmed by People
What’s unclear
- Specific reasons for the split with Momoa beyond the joint statement
- Whether Bonet intends to resume a full-time acting career
- Status of her day-to-day relationship with Lenny Kravitz
Key voices on Lisa Bonet
“We have come to a place of shift in consciousness. We have decided to part ways.”
— Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet, joint statement announcing separation, January 2022
“She will always be a part of me.”
— Lenny Kravitz, discussing Bonet in a 2024 interview
“I have no regrets about Angel Heart. It was a beautiful piece of art.”
— Lisa Bonet, reflecting on the film that led to her Cosby Show firing (paraphrased from multiple interviews, reported by People)
Lisa Bonet has built a career on her own terms, even when those terms meant public controversy and professional risk. After the 2024 divorce, the question is no longer about who she’s with, but how she will define the next chapter. For an actress who famously changed her name to Lilakoi Moon and stepped away from the spotlight at the peak of her fame, the pattern suggests she’ll continue to prioritize family and personal creative fulfillment over Hollywood’s demands. For fans, the implication is clear: expect selective, meaningful projects rather than a full-scale comeback—or enjoy the quiet dignity of a star who chose privacy over publicity.
For a deeper look at the next generation, Zoë Kravitzs career and relationships offers a detailed portrait of the actress’s own path in Hollywood.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lisa Bonet’s real name?
Her birth name is Lisa Michelle Bonet. She legally changed it to Lilakoi Moon in the early 2000s, but continues to use Lisa Bonet professionally.
How old is Lisa Bonet?
She was born on November 16, 1967. She is currently 56 years old.
What is Lisa Bonet’s height?
She is approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall, according to IMDb.
Is Lisa Bonet still acting?
She has not taken a lead role in a film or TV series since her appearance in Road to Paloma (2014). She remains open to selective projects.
Who is Lisa Bonet’s daughter?
Her eldest daughter is Zoë Kravitz (born 1988), an actress and musician known for Big Little Lies and The Batman.
What is Lisa Bonet’s net worth?
Celebrity net worth estimates place it at approximately $16 million, earned from acting, production, and residuals.
Did Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa have children together?
Yes, they have two children: daughter Lola Iolani Momoa (born 2007) and son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa (born 2008).
Why did Lisa Bonet change her name?
She adopted the name Lilakoi Moon in the early 2000s as a personal, spiritual choice. She has not publicly explained the reasons in detail.