Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa first met in person in 2005, though Momoa had long been familiar with Bonet’s fame from NBC. Upon meeting, Bonet felt an overwhelming wave of love, describing the encounter as if Momoa had swept her off her feet, likening it to being carried away “like a caveman.”
His formidable physique certainly played the part! This initial interaction, where he metaphorically and physically swept her off her feet, was among the qualities that Bonet found most endearing early on. She openly cherishes how his bold, primal approach was instrumental in sparking their deep connection.
At First Sight
Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa first met face-to-face in 2005, though Momoa had long been aware of Bonet due to her fame from her NBC role. Bonet described their meeting as an overwhelming rush of love, saying it felt like Momoa had energetically scooped her up and “threw me over his shoulder like a caveman.”
His strong, muscular build certainly fit the part! This bold, primal gesture was not just a display of affection but something that deeply endeared him to Bonet. She later revealed that this “caveman-like” behavior was among the very first things that made her fall in love with him, marking the beginning of their profound connection.
First Break
Lisa Bonet honed her acting skills at the Celluloid Actor’s Studio in Hollywood, but her career in front of the camera began much earlier when she started appearing in commercials at just 11 years old. Everything changed in 1984 when she landed the role that would define her career: Denise Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.”
This part transformed her life, marking her rise to stardom. Bonet’s portrayal of Denise was so beloved that it led to over 100 episodes on the series and eventually spun off into a show centered around her character. Her performance not only captivated audiences but also cemented her status as a standout talent in television.
A Show of Her Own
In 1987, after four successful years on ‘The Cosby Show,’ Lisa Bonet starred in the spinoff ‘A Different World,’ which focused on her character Denise Huxtable’s college experiences. However, her time on the series was brief; she appeared in just over 20 episodes before an unexpected development led to her being written off the show.
This spinoff, centered entirely around her character, faced an abrupt shift that raised many eyebrows. What could have possibly led to such a drastic decision? The circumstances that caused Bonet’s exit from a show specifically designed around her character invite intrigue and speculation about the sudden change in her television career.
Let Go
When the producers of ‘A Different World’ discovered that Lisa Bonet was pregnant, they decided to write her character out of the show. Bonet gave birth to her daughter later that year and took a hiatus to focus on her new role as a mother. Despite this setback, she returned to ‘The Cosby Show’ in 1988.
However, in the early 1990s, Bonet chose to leave the show to explore opportunities in film. Her transition to the big screen included a notable role alongside Will Smith in the 1998 film ‘Enemy of the State,’ marking a significant shift in her acting career from television to cinema.
Breaking into Film
A few years after her film debut, Lisa Bonet appeared alongside John Cusack in the 2000 rom-com/drama ‘High Fidelity.’ She then took on the role of Heather Lelache in the 2002 made-for-TV film ‘Lathe of Heaven’ and returned to the big screen in 2003 as Queenie in ‘Biker Boyz.’ After exploring both television and film, Bonet decided to return to television, where her career first took off.
Despite her shift back to TV, she remained passionate about film. Reflecting on her career, Bonet expressed a desire to continue creating film, art, and beauty, stating, “I have a desire to create more film, more beauty, more art, more love,” but emphasized that it wasn’t driven by desperation or career-building.
Coupled Up
While Lisa Bonet has stepped back from acting in recent years, her name continues to make headlines, primarily due to her association with one of today’s biggest stars. Bonet has always had a knack for connecting with prominent figures, even before they reached their peak. Prior to her current relationship, she was married to rock legend Lenny Kravitz, with whom she shares a daughter.
This history of high-profile connections underscores Bonet’s enduring presence in the public eye, demonstrating her lasting appeal and her ability to remain a notable figure, whether through her past relationships or her iconic roles.
From Rapid Romance to Lasting Love
When Lisa Bonet met Lenny Kravitz, he was not yet the iconic music star he would become. In 1989, Bonet co-wrote several tracks for Kravitz’s debut album, Let Love Rule. An L.A. Times article from that year even humorously noted how someone mistakenly called Lenny “Mr. Bonet,” highlighting their close connection. Despite this strong bond, their relationship took a swift turn, leading to their breakup in 1993.
They had married quickly after starting their romance, which Bonet described to Ebony magazine as an “accelerated” experience, both spiritually and intellectually. In contrast, Bonet’s second marriage to Jason Momoa was more deliberate; they wed after being together for 12 years. Momoa, however, felt from the start that Bonet was “the one,” though she may not have shared that sentiment immediately.
A Thrilling Childhood for Zoë Kravitz
Lisa Bonet’s ex-husband, Lenny Kravitz, consistently speaks highly of their past and current relationship, acknowledging that their youthful romance moved quickly but left no regrets. Their relationship, which led to the birth of their daughter, Zoë Kravitz, evolved into a close co-parenting dynamic likened to that of siblings. Kravitz credits Zoë’s remarkable acting talent to her unique upbringing.
Growing up as the daughter of a celebrated actress and an iconic musician offered her an extraordinary childhood. Kravitz would often pick Zoë up from school in “leather pants and a netted shirt,” and once even took her out of school for a month-long adventure in the Bahamas. This eclectic and adventurous lifestyle surely contributed to her vibrant career.
Overcoming Crisis: Bonet and Kravitz’s Resilient Journey
Despite their wealth and glamorous lifestyle, Lisa Bonet and her daughter faced a major crisis in 1994 when an earthquake devastated their home, leaving them homeless. During this challenging period, they were forced to rely on Bonet’s mother for support, and Bonet described their situation as “literally camping out.”
Fortunately, with the help of friends and family, they managed to recover and rebuild. In a 2013 Oprah Masterclass, Lenny Kravitz reflected on their relationship, describing it as “deeply in love” and “magical,” though it wasn’t enough to keep them together. Despite their divorce in 1993, they both value the personal growth and the gift of their daughter, Zoë, that came from their time together.
Lisa Bonet’s Early Life and Challenges
Like her daughter, Zoë, Lisa Bonet was born into the world of entertainment, thanks to her father, Allen, a successful opera singer. Bonet’s parents divorced when she was young, and she primarily lived with her mother, Arlene, in Los Angeles, with some time spent in New York. After Arlene’s death in 1998, Lisa moved in with her father.
Bonet has been open about her struggles growing up as a mixed-race individual in a different era, facing typecasting and stereotypes similar to those her daughter experiences today. Zoë’s challenges, such as being barred from auditioning for ‘The Dark Knight’ due to concerns about an “urban” direction, echo Lisa’s own difficulties, even within her own family.
From Fan to Husband: Jason Momoa’s Childhood Crush
Lisa Bonet, known for her role on ‘The Cosby Show,’ revealed she often internalized her struggles with mixed-race identity and casting issues, feeling the world “wasn’t ready” for her. Her daughter, Zoë, faces similar challenges, questioning why stories seem to center only on white characters while others are sidelined.
Despite these hurdles, Bonet remained immensely popular, with one of her biggest fans being Jason Momoa. As an 8-year-old, Momoa watched Bonet on TV and was instantly smitten, telling his mother, “I want that one.” Determined to make his dream come true, Momoa eventually connected with Bonet and turned his childhood crush into reality, proving that dreams can come true
Lisa Bonet’s Name Change and Unexpected Connection to Jason Momoa
In 1995, just a few years after her divorce from Lenny Kravitz, Lisa Bonet made a surprising decision to legally change her name to Lilakoi Moon, citing “privacy reasons.” Despite this, she continued to use her original name for her acting credits. Interestingly, the name she chose has a Hawaiian ring to it, and shortly after this change, she met someone from Hawaii who would significantly impact her life.
That someone was Jason Momoa, born in Hawaii and raised there until he pursued marine biology before shifting to wildlife biology. Momoa’s acting career began in 1999 with a role in ‘Baywatch: Hawaii,’ setting the stage for his future success and eventual connection with Bonet.
Jason Momoa’s Evolution from Typecast Warrior to Versatile Actor
From 2005 to 2009, Jason Momoa was known for his role as Ronon Dex, the rugged soldier in ‘Stargate Atlantis.’ His portrayal led to a running joke on set, likening his character to Chewbacca from ‘Star Wars.’ This typecasting continued with his role as Conan in 2011’s ‘Conan the Barbarian’ and later as Khal Drogo in HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones,’ where he played a brutish, non-English speaking leader.
These roles solidified his image as a rugged warrior, but his breakthrough came with the 2014 film ‘Road to Paloma,’ which he co-wrote. This project allowed Momoa to showcase a different, more nuanced side of his acting talent.
Jason Momoa’s Rise: From Aquaman to Sci-Fi Icon
Jason Momoa’s career soared to new heights in 2016 when he joined the major leagues with his role as Aquaman in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.’ The success of his portrayal led to a standalone ‘Aquaman’ film, cementing his status as a leading action star. Momoa’s momentum continued with his role as Duncan Idaho in the 2021 sci-fi epic ‘Dune,’ adapted from Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel.
In ‘Dune,’ he starred alongside Dave Bautista and Zendaya, showcasing his versatility. Additionally, he returned to the screen in the Apple TV+ series ‘See,’ playing Baba Voss, the fierce leader of a tribe in a dystopian future. Momoa’s diverse roles highlight his expanding impact on both film and television.
Momoa and Bonet’s Secret Wedding: The Truth Behind the Rumors
Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet officially became a couple in 2005, but despite swirling rumors about their marriage, they remained a private pair. Although they had been dating for over a decade, the couple didn’t officially marry until 2017. Their wedding was an intimate ceremony held at their California home, attended only by close friends and family.
Despite their efforts to keep the event under wraps, news of the wedding leaked, but it wasn’t a huge surprise to many. Momoa had already been referring to Bonet as his “bride” for years, making their official union a natural progression for fans and media alike.
Lisa Bonet’s Holistic Parenting and Admiration for Jason Momoa
Lisa Bonet embraces a holistic lifestyle and prioritizes nature, leading her family to live with minimal media. She believes in the benefits of a media-free environment, noting how it fosters creativity in her children, just as it did for her in her youth. Bonet and Jason Momoa, who takes on a strong “alpha male” role, make a great parenting team.
Having experienced a lack of paternal presence in her own childhood, Bonet deeply values Jason’s dedication as a father. She admires him for his physique, charisma, and sense of responsibility, reflecting that, beyond his Aquaman persona, he truly embodies the qualities of a real man.
Jason Momoa’s Childhood Crush on Lisa Bonet
Though Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet officially got together in 2005, Momoa’s admiration for her started much earlier. At just 8 years old, he first saw her as Denise Huxtable on TV and was instantly captivated. He even told his mother he would marry her someday.
Despite this early crush, he kept his feelings to himself when they first met, wisely avoiding any mention of his childhood crush. Momoa admits that he had thoughts of “stalking” her, but fortunately, he never acted on them. Instead, he pursued his dream in a more charming and less creepy way, leading to their eventual relationship and marriage.
How Jason Momoa Met His “Dream Woman” Lisa Bonet
Jason Momoa’s first encounter with Lisa Bonet was nothing short of serendipitous. In 2005, at a New York City jazz club, he finally met his “dream woman” after years of admiration. Determined to seize the moment, Momoa reportedly charmed Bonet and persuaded her to take him back to her place, as he was staying in a hotel at the time.
The excitement was palpable; Momoa couldn’t contain his joy when she introduced herself, even resorting to enthusiastic, arm-waving celebrations behind her back to preserve his cool. Their connection was instant, and the night marked the beginning of a remarkable relationship that blossomed into marriage.
From Café to Commitment: How Jason Momoa Won Lisa Bonet’s Heart
After meeting at a jazz club in 2005, Jason Momoa convinced Lisa Bonet to drop him off at his hotel but not before they stopped at a café for Guinness and grits. This simple yet intimate moment convinced Momoa that Bonet was his future. To win her over, he playfully threw her over his shoulder, a gesture that echoed his “caveman” charm.
Though Bonet didn’t initially feel the fireworks Momoa described, she soon found herself falling deeply in love. Her openness to love and genuine connection kept their relationship strong and even allowed her to maintain a close friendship with her ex-husband, proving her capacity for enduring and meaningful relationships.
The Serendipity of Love: How Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet’s Connection Defied Odds
Jason Momoa believes their meeting was pure serendipity, claiming he was just in the “right place at the right time” at a New York City club where both he and Lisa Bonet were sporting dreadlocks. This quirky coincidence felt like destiny, and their connection deepened as they bonded over their shared traits.
Bonet, influenced by her absent father, was drawn to Momoa’s “alpha male” presence. Once they had children together, Momoa revealed he’d been infatuated with Bonet since childhood. He often calls her “queen,” reflecting his long-standing admiration. Even Bonet’s ex-husband, Lenny Kravitz, acknowledges Momoa’s genuine affection for her.
Queen of Co-Parenting: Lisa Bonet’s Unique Friendship with Ex and Current Husband
Lisa Bonet’s ability to maintain harmony in her blended family is truly remarkable. Despite the usual drama that might surround ex-spouses, Bonet and Lenny Kravitz remain close friends. They often attend events together with their daughter, Zoë, such as the 2015 Met Gala. What’s even more remarkable is the friendship between Kravitz and Bonet’s current husband, Jason Momoa.
The two men, though not hanging out every weekend, unite for major family gatherings like Thanksgiving. Their camaraderie is symbolized by matching rings, a gift from Momoa to Kravitz from Leroy’s Wooden Tattoos. This seamless blend of family dynamics showcases a modern, supportive approach to co-parenting and relationships.
Love and Bond: Lenny Kravitz and Jason Momoa’s Unbreakable Friendship
The love within this blended family is truly inspiring. Lenny Kravitz has expressed deep affection for Jason Momoa, calling him “like a brother” and acknowledging the challenges they overcame after his split from Lisa Bonet. Time healed old wounds, allowing them to form a strong, supportive family unit.
Embracing the mantra “let love rule,” Kravitz and Bonet, though no longer romantically involved, share an unbreakable bond, which was beautifully highlighted at the 2015 Met Gala. A family photo posted with their daughter Zoë and the caption “blood” symbolizes their enduring connection. Momoa has also formed a close relationship with Zoë, affectionately calling her “Zozobear,” showing just how well they all get along.
A Family of Support: The Power of Love and Encouragement
In this close-knit blended family, support is a cornerstone. Zoë Kravitz recently shared how they celebrate each other’s successes, saying, “My dad will call with exciting news, and my mom will do the same. We trust each other’s opinions and encourage one another when we’re nervous.” Her sentiment reflects their deep bond, as they believe in each other’s potential.
The family’s frequent gatherings only strengthen these connections. Jason Momoa often praises his family, calling them his “greatest work of art,” a compliment that resonates deeply given his impressive film career. It’s clear that both Momoa and his wife, whom he lovingly refers to as his queen, hold their family in the highest regard.
Love on Display: Jason Momoa’s Instagram Tribute and Family Harmony
While Lisa Bonet prefers to stay off social media, Jason Momoa is an Instagram enthusiast, frequently sharing his affection for her with his followers. One notable post features a heartfelt caption: “The way you look at me. (Expletive) love you woman. My everything,” adorned with numerous red heart emojis.
In 2015, Zoë Kravitz praised the harmonious family dynamic, saying, “We’re a family…we all love each other.” She highlighted how their parents’ ability to navigate challenges has allowed them to remain close and supportive. The Kravitz-Momoa family exemplifies how love and mutual respect can overcome obstacles, creating a nurturing and unified environment for all.
Navigating Intimate Scenes: How Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet Handled Filming Together
In 2014, Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet appeared together in the drama/thriller “Road to Paloma,” a film Momoa co-wrote. Their intimate scene was described by Momoa as feeling “like the first night we’d met,” but it was handled smoothly and efficiently, taking just 15 minutes to film. Despite Momoa’s initial unease, Bonet found the experience straightforward given their long relationship.
Both actors have faced the challenge of watching their partners in love scenes with others, but Momoa is particularly averse to seeing his wife in such situations. He goes out of his way to avoid watching her intimate scenes and tries to keep Bonet from viewing his own steamy moments from “Game of Thrones.”
Lisa Bonet’s Surprising Reaction to Jason Momoa’s ‘Game of Thrones’ Scenes
Despite Jason Momoa’s efforts to shield Lisa Bonet from his steamy scenes with Emilia Clarke on Game of Thrones, she couldn’t resist checking them out. Bonet ended up watching the scenes obsessively, staying up all night to do so. Her verdict? She absolutely loved it. However, the scenes were far from romantic; they were intense and brutal.
Momoa faced backlash for his comments about enjoying his character’s ability to commit heinous acts, for which he later apologized. Though he played a rough character, Momoa admitted that filming such scenes was challenging, requiring him to emotionally distance himself. He remains close with Emilia Clarke, whom he adores, and continues to balance his intense roles with his real-life relationships.
Matching Tattoos and Red Carpet Glam: Momoa and Bonet’s Stylish Bond
Lisa Bonet’s daughter and Jason Momoa share a unique bond, highlighted by matching tattoos that read “être toujours ivre,” French for “always be drunk.” They also share this ink with Momoa’s Game of Thrones co-star Jamie Sives, who played Jory Cassel. The tattoo’s meaning is often linked to 19th-century poet Charles Baudelaire, though some speculate it could also be a nod to a Beyoncé song, given the family’s admiration for Queen Bey.
Momoa and Bonet continue to dazzle on the red carpet with their evolving sense of style. Recently, they made a striking impression in Rome with golden outfits, and earlier, Momoa’s pink velvet Fendi suit and Bonet’s matching gown turned heads at the Oscars.
Family Outings and Emotional Moments
Zoë Kravitz isn’t the only family member making red carpet appearances. Bonet and Momoa’s children, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf, also join their parents at special events. For Lola’s 12th birthday, the family attended a private screening of The Lion King, a more relaxed affair than typical red carpet events.
During the screening of the film, featuring Beyoncé, Donald Glover, and Seth Rogan, Momoa was notably emotional, posting on Instagram about how it made him cry multiple times. This candid moment revealed a softer side of the actor, much different from his tough Game of Thrones persona. The family’s shared experiences at events and emotional moments showcase their close bond and genuine reactions.
Momoa’s Bold Statements and Fashion Choices
Jason Momoa made a memorable fashion statement at the Joker premiere, donning an outfit reminiscent of the iconic purple suit worn by the film’s title character. His appearance at the event was a nod to his involvement in the DC Universe, aligning with his stepdaughter Zoë Kravitz’s DC projects. Beyond the red carpet, Momoa used his platform for advocacy, delivering a powerful speech at the United Nations about climate change’s impact on small island nations.
Growing up in Hawaii, he deeply empathizes with these communities. Following the speech, he shared a photo from the event on Instagram, expressing his honor at representing island nations and marking the experience as “life-changing.”
Beyoncé Honors Lisa Bonet with Stunning Tribute
Lisa Bonet’s impact extends beyond her own career, reaching even Beyoncé. In a tribute to Bonet, Beyoncé recreated a classic look from Bonet’s past, including an outfit and hat reminiscent of those worn during her time with Lenny Kravitz and baby Zoë. Beyoncé’s photos, featuring her holding twins, delighted Zoë, who humorously asked, “Is Beyoncé also my mom now, or?”
The tribute resonated with fans, who praised Beyoncé for bringing attention to influential figures like Bonet. Comments flooded in, celebrating the homage with remarks like, “Beyoncé as Lisa Bonet has to be one of the best things I’ve ever seen,” and appreciating how Beyoncé shines a light on iconic Black women for new generations.
Momoa’s Role in ‘See’ Deepens Connection with Bonet
Jason Momoa’s role in Apple TV+’s ‘See’ has strengthened his relationship with Lisa Bonet in unexpected ways. Portraying a blind man, Momoa has become more attuned to Bonet’s emotional needs, noting he’s now more aware of her “energy and auras.” This new sensitivity has deepened their bond. The couple’s unique choice of names for their children reflects their distinctive tastes.
Their daughter, born in 2007, is named Lola “Lolani,” meaning “royal hawk,” inspired by hawks seen during her birth. Their son, Nakoa-Wolf, carries an elaborate full name: Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha, a testament to the couple’s unconventional style and deep connection to their heritage.
Uncomfortable Red Carpet Moment and Career Shifts
At the Academy Awards, an awkward moment occurred when host Ashley Graham asked Jason Momoa to perform the Haka dance from Game of Thrones. The request didn’t sit well with either Momoa or his wife, Lisa Bonet. Momoa glanced at Bonet, who then politely declined on his behalf, as they were dressed in their finest and hoping to enjoy the event.
While Momoa’s career continues to flourish, Bonet has stepped back from acting to focus on family life and other artistic pursuits. Although she’s less interested in returning to the screen, she hasn’t entirely ruled it out, leaving fans hopeful for a future appearance.
A Heartfelt Farewell
In January 2022, Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa surprised fans with an Instagram post announcing their separation. True to their unique style, the message was framed with their trademark optimism and spirituality. They described the end of their marriage as a natural evolution of their love, emphasizing their ongoing devotion to each other and their family.
They requested privacy as they navigated this new chapter in their lives. Despite the split, their hopeful and respectful approach suggests they are committed to finding peace and happiness, whether together or apart. Given their resilient and loving nature, many believe they will find their way through this transition with grace.
