Lisa Bonet, widely recognized for her role in The Cosby Show and her fairytale romance with actor Jason Momoa, has lived a life filled with intriguing twists and turns. While her love story with the Aquaman star—12 years her junior—often steals the spotlight, there’s much more to this remarkable woman. Here are six little-known yet fascinating facts about Lisa Bonet that shed light on her unique journey.
1. A Star Born in Complexity
Lisa Bonet was born in San Francisco, California, to a diverse and artistic family. Her mother, Arlene Litman, was a Jewish music teacher, and her father, Allen Bonet, was an African-American opera singer. Growing up as a biracial child, Bonet faced challenges that shaped her identity.
“I didn’t feel welcome at school or even at home,” she once revealed. Bonet described herself as the “black sheep” of the family, often grappling with feelings of insecurity due to her mixed heritage.
2. A Name as Unique as Her Spirit
In 1993, two years after her divorce from musician Lenny Kravitz, Lisa Bonet adopted the name Lilakoi Moon. The change was her way of honoring her personal life and distancing herself from her public image. However, her new name confused audiences, and she eventually reverted to using Lisa Bonet professionally.
Bonet’s penchant for distinctive names extended to her family. In 2009, she and Jason Momoa welcomed their son during a stormy night, naming him Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa, which translates to “storm warrior.”
3. A Home Without Television
In an era dominated by screens, Lisa Bonet’s household is refreshingly unconventional. According to TV Overmind, her home doesn’t have a television, only a computer. She also avoids using her phone in front of her children, believing technology manipulates the senses.
Instead, Bonet encourages her children to play outdoors and use their imaginations. She once asked her son, Nakoa-Wolf, what life’s purpose was. His heartfelt reply? “To protect Mother Earth and nature, of course.”
4. Fired From The Cosby Show
Bonet’s career skyrocketed with her portrayal of Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show. However, behind the scenes, things weren’t always smooth. After leaving the show in 1987 to star in the spin-off series A Different World, Bonet discovered she was pregnant and had to step away from filming.
She later returned to The Cosby Show, but creative differences with producer Bill Cosby led to her dismissal in 1991. This turning point marked a shift in Bonet’s focus away from Hollywood.
5. A Passion for Movement and Wellness
Lisa Bonet’s love for movement extends beyond the screen. She was a gymnast in her youth and developed a lifelong passion for dancing and yoga. Bonet once shared that she practices African dance, Pilates, and yoga regularly.
Her influence even reached her husband, Jason Momoa. In a candid interview, Momoa confessed that Bonet “persuaded” him to try yoga, though he admitted it was far from easy.
6. A Daughter’s Perspective
Bonet’s daughter, Zoe Kravitz, shares her mother’s striking looks and undeniable talent. However, being the child of two iconic parents hasn’t always been easy for the Fantastic Beasts star.
Zoe, who often refers to her mother as her “friend,” admitted in an interview with The Edit that growing up in the shadow of fame came with its pressures. “I limit mentioning my parents because I want to create my own identity,” she explained.
A Timeless Icon
Lisa Bonet’s life is a tapestry of art, resilience, and individuality. Whether it’s her distinctive parenting style, her transformative love stories, or her dedication to self-expression, Bonet continues to captivate and inspire.
Which of these facts surprised you the most? Share your thoughts and let us know what you admire most about Lisa Bonet’s extraordinary journey!
