The tense relationship between Bill Cosby and Lisa Bonet
Bonet got along with her co-stars but according to old reports and the E! True Hollywood Story of the series, Cosby often became agitated with Bonet as he considered her to be unprofessional and rebellious. She was allegedly late to set many times and ill-prepared, leaving Cosby at a disadvantage due to being a stickler for excellence.
As Bonet aged out of the Cosby household, Cosby felt it was only right that her character attends college as he continued to push the narrative of educated black families. Thus, she was transferred to the A Different World cast to follow her collegiate experience and her coming of age. Bonet, however, did not appear excited about the role.
In a 1986 interview with David Letterman in the promotion of the series and her first film role, Bonet was not enthusiastic. When asked why she took the role, she responded, “They told me to?” She then spoke about the premise of the show, explaining, “Well, it’s called Hillman and it’s not very original. It’s about kids in college.”
In the same interview, Letterman asked her about her role in Angel Heart, in which Bonet filmed a nude scene. Cosby apparently did not approve of the role, though he later admitted he advised her to take it to show his support. Despite his support, he allegedly declined to view the film
In a 1987 interview for Newsweek, Cosby did not hold back about feeling the film was distasteful, saying, “It’s a movie made by white America that cast a black girl, gave her voodoo things to do and have sex.”
Bonet, on the other hand, felt the role was a good pivot, revealing in her topless cover story for Interview the same year, “My obligation wasn’t to Denise. I felt obligated to myself and my career.”
Cosby did reveal concerns that Bonet’s career moves could have a negative influence on young viewers of The Cosby Show.
Things grew increasingly strained when Bonet married Lenny Kravitz and became pregnant with their daughter while she filmed A Different World. The producer of the show suggested that they include Denise’s pregnancy in the storyline as others could relate but Cosby refused, allegedly saying “Lisa Bonet is pregnant not Denise.” Bonet was fired from the series.
Bonet was re-hired for The Cosby Show as Cosby understood fans love for the character and that he could not just do away with his daughter in the script. She returned to the series as a married stepmother but her role became more minimal as time went on. Her final appearance on the show was in 1991. Cosby later claimed Bonet was fired for outgrowing the material.
