Lisa Bonet Net Worth & Career
Lisa Bonet has remained one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses since her breakthrough role as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show in the 1980s. Fans and entertainment followers frequently search for Lisa Bonet’s net worth to understand the financial success she achieved during her selective career.
As of 2025, Lisa Bonet has an estimated net worth of $10 million, earned through her television work on The Cosby Show and A Different World, film roles in Angel Heart, Enemy of the State, and High Fidelity, plus occasional TV appearances.
Born Lisa Michelle Bonet on November 16, 1967, in San Francisco, California, the now 57 year old actress built her wealth by prioritizing meaningful projects over commercial success throughout her four decade career while navigating high profile relationships with musician Lenny Kravitz and actor Jason Momoa.
Quick Facts About Lisa Bonet
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Lisa Michelle Bonet (legally Lilakoi Moon) |
| Professional Name | Lisa Bonet |
| Date of Birth | November 16, 1967 |
| Age (2025) | 57 years old |
| Place of Birth | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Net Worth (2025) | $10 million |
| Profession | Actress |
| Career Span | 1983–present |
| Famous Role | Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show |
| Children | 3 (Zoë Kravitz, Lola Iolani Momoa, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa) |
| Ex-Spouses | Lenny Kravitz (m. 1987–1993), Jason Momoa (m. 2017–2024) |
| Notable Works | The Cosby Show, A Different World, Angel Heart, High Fidelity |
Early Life and Growing Up in California
Lisa Michelle Bonet was born on November 16, 1967, in San Francisco, California. Her mother Arlene Joyce Litman was an Ashkenazi Jewish American schoolteacher, while her father Allen Bonet was an African American opera singer from Texas.
Her parents separated when she was still a baby. Lisa was raised by her single mother in middle-class Reseda, California, and never knew her father growing up.
She has five half-sisters, including singer Kadhja Bonet, and two half-brothers from her father’s marriage to Deborah Church. Lisa attended Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California, where she struggled to fit in socially.
She told The Los Angeles Times that she felt stuck in the middle. Black kids called her an Oreo while white kids didn’t talk to her, leaving her feeling isolated.
Lisa didn’t date in high school due to feeling like she didn’t belong. She graduated from Birmingham High School and later studied acting at the Celluloid Actor’s Studio in North Hollywood.
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Breaking Into Acting as a Child
Lisa Bonet began her entertainment career as a child actor before attending acting school. She competed in beauty pageants and appeared in guest spots on various television series during her youth.
One of her first major television roles came in 1983 when she appeared in the medical drama “St. Elsewhere.” This guest appearance helped her gain visibility in the industry at age 16.
She continued landing small guest roles on different TV shows while still in high school. These early experiences gave her the foundation and screen experience needed for bigger opportunities.
In 1984, at just 17 years old, Lisa booked the role that would change her life. She was cast as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show, the opportunity of a lifetime that launched her into stardom.
The Cosby Show: Career Defining Role
Lisa Bonet joined The Cosby Show in 1984 at age 17, playing Denise Huxtable, the second oldest daughter of Cliff and Clair Huxtable. Her character was known for her bohemian style and free-spirited personality.
She appeared on the show from 1984 to 1992, with the exception of the eighth and final season. For five consecutive years, The Cosby Show ranked as the number one rated show on television.
The series won six Emmy Awards during its run. In 1986, Bonet earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Denise.
Her performance resonated with audiences across America, making her a household name. However, reports suggested tensions between Lisa Bonet and Bill Cosby behind the scenes, especially as she grew older.
These conflicts eventually led to her departure from the show. Bonet was “strongly encouraged” to leave The Cosby Show and appear on the spinoff A Different World instead.
A Different World Spinoff Experience
Lisa Bonet left The Cosby Show in 1987 to star in the spinoff series A Different World. She appeared in 23 episodes of the show from 1987 to 1989, playing Denise Huxtable in a college setting.
The spinoff followed Denise attending Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college. The show focused on the lives and experiences of students at the university.
Bonet left A Different World after one season due to her pregnancy with daughter Zoë Kravitz. She announced her pregnancy during the show’s run, which prompted her departure.
After taking a break to have her baby, Bonet returned to The Cosby Show in the following year. However, she was fired in April 1991 because of “creative differences” with Bill Cosby after just one season back.
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Net Worth Breakdown: The $10 Million Fortune
As of 2025, Lisa Bonet has an estimated net worth of $10 million. This fortune accumulated primarily through her television and film acting career spanning over four decades.
Her biggest earning period came during The Cosby Show years from 1984 to 1991. As a main cast member on the number one rated show for five consecutive years, she earned substantial salaries.
Film roles contributed to her wealth, including Angel Heart in 1987, Enemy of the State in 1998, and High Fidelity in 2000. These supporting roles in major films added to her earnings.
Television appearances after The Cosby Show generated additional income. She earned money from recurring roles in Life on Mars (2008-2009) and Ray Donovan (2016), plus guest spots on shows like Girls.
Her selective approach to choosing roles meant fewer projects but maintained her artistic integrity. She prioritized meaningful work over commercial success, which limited her total earnings compared to other actors.
In her 2024 divorce from Jason Momoa, neither party asked for financial support. They agreed on how to split their assets, suggesting both maintained separate finances during their marriage.
Angel Heart and Film Career Transition
In 1987, Lisa Bonet took on the provocative role of Epiphany Proudfoot in the psychological horror film Angel Heart opposite Mickey Rourke. At 19, she played a 17-year-old character, marking a conscious departure from her wholesome Cosby Show image.
The film featured an explicit scene with Rourke that was edited to avoid an X rating. Several seconds of the scene, filmed when Bonet was 18, were cut from the final version.
Her performance earned a nomination for the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress. The role demonstrated her willingness to take on challenging and mature material beyond television sitcoms.
Following the film’s release, Bonet appeared topless in Interview magazine, generating considerable buzz. The media coverage and controversy surrounding her nudity frustrated her.
She told reporters she thought the whole scandal was ridiculous. Bonet said the brief glimpse of nudity was nothing new and had been done before in films like Blue Velvet, which was also rated R.
This bold career move separated her from the Denise Huxtable character. It showed audiences she wanted to be taken seriously as an actress willing to tackle complex adult roles.
How She Makes Money: Income Sources Explained
Lisa Bonet earns money primarily through acting in film and television. Her biggest paychecks came during The Cosby Show years when the series was the number one rated show in America.
Television residuals provide ongoing passive income. She continues earning royalties from The Cosby Show and A Different World reruns that still air on various networks and streaming platforms.
Film roles generated substantial earnings throughout her career. Movies like Enemy of the State, High Fidelity, and Biker Boyz paid her supporting role salaries that added to her wealth.
Guest appearances on television shows provide additional income. Her roles in Life on Mars, Ray Donovan, and Girls brought in earnings even though she works sporadically.
Unlike other celebrities, Bonet does not pursue brand endorsements or commercial deals. She maintains a low public profile and focuses solely on acting work that interests her.
Her selective approach to projects means she earns less than actors who work constantly. However, she prioritizes artistic integrity and meaningful roles over maximizing income through quantity of work.
Notable Film Roles and Box Office Success
Lisa Bonet appeared in Enemy of the State in 1998, a thriller starring Will Smith and Gene Hackman. The film grossed over $250 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing films she appeared in.
In 2000, she played Marie De Salle in High Fidelity opposite John Cusack. The romantic comedy drama received critical acclaim and performed well at the box office, earning over $47 million.
Bonet starred in Biker Boyz in 2003, playing Queenie opposite Laurence Fishburne. The film reunited her with A Different World co-star Kadeem Hardison and explored motorcycle racing culture.
She appeared in the independent film Whitepaddy in 2005, taking on a supporting role. After this, she took a nine year break from film work, focusing instead on television.
Her return to film came in 2014 with Road to Paloma, starring opposite Jason Momoa who she was dating at the time. The independent thriller marked her first film role in nearly a decade.
Most of her film roles were supporting parts rather than leading roles. She chose smaller, meaningful projects over blockbuster franchises, which limited her box office earnings but maintained her artistic vision.
Television Work After The Cosby Show
In September 1992, Lisa Bonet hosted Why Bother Voting?, an election special focusing on young voters’ concerns and apathy. This marked her first television work after leaving The Cosby Show.
She took a long break from regular television work throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Bonet focused on film roles and raising her daughter Zoë during this period.
In 2008, she returned to television with a recurring role as Maya Daniels in Life on Mars. The American adaptation of the British series ran from 2008 to 2009, giving her consistent TV work again.
From 2014 to 2015, Bonet played a romantic lead opposite Jason Momoa on the Sundance TV series The Red Road. She met her future husband on this set and felt safe working with him.
In 2016, she appeared as Marisol on the Showtime series Ray Donovan. This recurring role demonstrated her continued presence in prestige television.
She made guest appearances on shows including Girls, taking on occasional roles that interested her. Bonet remained highly selective about television projects, prioritizing quality over quantity throughout her post-Cosby career.
Marriage to Lenny Kravitz
Lisa Bonet married American rock singer Lenny Kravitz on November 16, 1987, her 20th birthday. The couple eloped in Las Vegas after a whirlwind romance.
They bonded over discovering they both had Jewish parents. Bonet’s mother was Jewish and Kravitz’s father was Jewish, which created an immediate connection between them.
Bonet recalled feeling enchanted by their similar backgrounds. She thought it was unusual and felt she could trust him more with her feelings than she ordinarily would have.
On December 1, 1988, just over a year after their wedding, Bonet gave birth to their daughter Zoë Isabella Kravitz. Zoë would later become a successful actress, singer, and model.
The marriage lasted six years before ending in divorce in 1993. Despite the split, Bonet and Kravitz maintained a respectful relationship for the sake of their daughter.
Daughter Zoë Kravitz’s Success
Zoë Isabella Kravitz was born on December 1, 1988, to Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz. She followed in both her parents’ footsteps by pursuing careers in entertainment and music.
Zoë became a successful actress, appearing in major films including the X-Men franchise, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Fantastic Beasts. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Catwoman in The Batman (2022).
She also pursued music, performing as the lead singer of the band Lolawolf. Zoë’s musical talent comes from her father’s side, combining her parents’ artistic abilities.
In addition to acting and music, Zoë established herself as a fashion model and style icon. She became a brand ambassador for major fashion houses and appeared on numerous magazine covers.
Zoë’s success surpassed her mother’s in terms of commercial achievement and mainstream recognition. Her diverse career demonstrates the talent she inherited from both Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz.
Actress Marisa Tomei, Bonet’s close friend since meeting on A Different World in 1987, is godmother to Zoë. Tomei is also godmother to Bonet’s two children with Jason Momoa.
Relationship and Marriage to Jason Momoa
Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa first met on the set of A Different World in 1987, becoming close friends. They reconnected years later and began a romantic relationship in 2005.
The couple dated for 12 years before officially marrying in October 2017. By the time they married, they had already built a family together and established a strong partnership.
They had two children during their relationship: a daughter Lola Iolani born in July 2007 and a son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha born in December 2008. Both children were born before their official marriage.
Bonet spoke positively about working with Momoa on The Red Road series. She said she felt protected and safe when working with him, highlighting their strong connection.
The couple became one of Hollywood’s most beloved pairs. Their relationship appeared strong publicly, with Momoa often expressing his admiration and love for Bonet in interviews and on social media.
Friends and fans admired their seemingly solid partnership. The couple appeared at events together and Momoa frequently posted about his family on Instagram before their separation.
Divorce from Jason Momoa in 2024
In January 2022, Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa announced their separation after 17 years together. The announcement shocked fans who viewed them as one of Hollywood’s most solid couples.
On January 8, 2024, Bonet officially filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Court documents revealed they had actually separated on October 7, 2020, more than a year before their public announcement.
A Los Angeles County judge declared them divorced on July 9, 2024, one day after Bonet filed. The divorce was finalized quickly, indicating both parties were ready to move forward.
Neither Bonet nor Momoa asked for financial support from the other. They agreed on how to split their assets, suggesting they had worked out their financial arrangements privately beforehand.
The court granted them joint custody of their two children, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf. This arrangement allows both parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives.
The divorce ended their seven year marriage, though they had been together as a couple for much longer. Despite the split, both maintained respect for their shared parenting responsibilities.
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Children and Family Life
Lisa Bonet has three children from her two marriages. Her eldest daughter Zoë Isabella Kravitz was born December 1, 1988, with first husband Lenny Kravitz.
With Jason Momoa, she had two children: daughter Lola Iolani Momoa born in July 2007 and son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa born in December 2008. Both children were born before Lisa and Jason officially married in 2017.
Actress Marisa Tomei serves as godmother to all three of Bonet’s children. Tomei and Bonet became close friends after meeting on the set of A Different World in 1987, maintaining their friendship for over 35 years.
Bonet has kept her children largely out of the public spotlight, protecting their privacy. She rarely discusses them in interviews or posts about them on social media, prioritizing their normal upbringing.
After her divorce from Momoa in 2024, they share joint custody of Lola and Nakoa-Wolf. Both parents remain committed to co-parenting their children despite the end of their romantic relationship.
Zoë Kravitz maintains relationships with both her parents and her half-siblings. The blended family appears to have strong bonds despite the divorces and separations over the years.
Changing Her Name to Lilakoi Moon
In 1995, Lisa Bonet legally changed her name to Lilakoi Moon. This name change came two years after her divorce from Lenny Kravitz, representing a fresh start in her personal life.
Despite the legal name change, she continues to use Lisa Bonet as her professional stage name. All her acting credits and public appearances still list her as Lisa Bonet rather than Lilakoi Moon.
The name Lilakoi Moon reflects her spiritual and personal identity. She keeps this name private for her personal life while maintaining her recognizable professional identity.
Most fans and the entertainment industry remain unaware of her legal name change. She rarely discusses the name Lilakoi Moon publicly, keeping that aspect of her identity separate from her career.
This dual identity allows her to separate her public persona from her private self. Lisa Bonet remains her professional brand while Lilakoi Moon represents who she is outside the spotlight.
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Selective Career Choices and Priorities
Lisa Bonet has remained highly selective about her roles throughout her career. She prioritizes meaningful projects over commercial success, often turning down lucrative opportunities that don’t align with her values.
After leaving The Cosby Show in 1991, Bonet took long breaks between projects. She appeared in only a handful of films during the 1990s and 2000s, choosing quality over quantity.
Her approach limited her total earnings compared to other actors from The Cosby Show. While costars like Phylicia Rashad and Malcolm-Jamal Warner worked consistently, Bonet remained choosy about accepting roles.
She values artistic integrity and personal fulfillment over fame and fortune. Bonet has stated she wants roles that challenge her and mean something, not just paychecks.
This selective approach explains why she has relatively few credits despite being famous since the 1980s. She works sporadically, appearing only when projects genuinely interest her.
Her career philosophy reflects her free-spirited personality. Bonet refuses to compromise her artistic vision or personal values for Hollywood success, accepting the financial trade-offs that come with this choice.
Current Life and Recent Projects
As of 2025, Lisa Bonet maintains a low public profile at age 57. She has not appeared in any major film or television projects since her guest role on Ray Donovan in 2016.
After her divorce from Jason Momoa finalized in July 2024, Bonet focuses on her private life. She co-parents her two younger children Lola and Nakoa-Wolf with Momoa under their joint custody arrangement.
Bonet rarely makes public appearances or gives interviews. She keeps her personal life extremely private, avoiding red carpet events and social media presence.
She does not have active social media accounts under either Lisa Bonet or Lilakoi Moon. This absence from digital platforms helps her maintain the privacy she values.
There are no announced upcoming projects or film roles for Bonet. She appears to have stepped away from acting entirely, focusing instead on family and personal pursuits.
At this stage of her life, Bonet seems content living outside the spotlight. Her selective career approach suggests she will only return to acting if a truly meaningful project presents itself.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Lisa Bonet’s portrayal of Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show broke ground for Black representation on television. Her character’s bohemian style and free-spirited personality influenced fashion and culture in the 1980s.
She became a style icon, inspiring young women with her eclectic wardrobe and natural hair. Denise’s unique fashion sense on the show created trends that extended beyond the screen.
Bonet’s biracial identity resonated with mixed-race viewers who rarely saw themselves represented on television. She openly discussed navigating both Black and Jewish heritage, providing visibility for multiracial experiences.
Her decision to take on the provocative Angel Heart role challenged expectations for sitcom stars. She refused to be typecast, demonstrating that Black actresses could take on complex, mature roles.
Bonet’s daughter Zoë Kravitz continues her legacy in entertainment. Zoë often credits her mother’s influence and unique approach to Hollywood as shaping her own career choices.
Her selective career approach influenced how actresses view success. Bonet proved that choosing artistic integrity over commercial success was a valid path, even if it meant earning less money.
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Future Plans and Career Direction
Lisa Bonet has not publicly announced any future acting projects or career plans as of 2025. She appears to have stepped away from the entertainment industry entirely.
At 57 years old, Bonet seems content living privately outside Hollywood. Her last significant acting role was in Ray Donovan in 2016, nearly a decade ago.
She may choose to remain retired from acting permanently. Her selective approach throughout her career suggests she will only return for projects that deeply resonate with her values.
Bonet focuses on her role as a mother to her three children. Co-parenting Lola and Nakoa-Wolf with Jason Momoa appears to be her current priority.
She has never expressed interest in producing, directing, or other behind-the-scenes entertainment work. Acting remains her only professional creative outlet when she chooses to work.
Given her net worth of $10 million and lack of financial pressure, Bonet can afford to remain retired. She has the freedom to choose her path without needing to work for income.
Lisa Bonet Career Earnings and Major Projects
| Year | Age | Major Projects | Estimated Earnings |
| 1983 | 16 | St. Elsewhere (guest role) | $5,000-10,000 |
| 1984-1991 | 17-24 | The Cosby Show (main cast) | $2-3 million total |
| 1987 | 20 | Angel Heart (film) | $100,000-200,000 |
| 1987-1989 | 20-22 | A Different World (23 episodes) | $500,000-750,000 |
| 1992 | 25 | Why Bother Voting? (host) | $50,000-75,000 |
| 1998 | 31 | Enemy of the State (supporting role) | $200,000-300,000 |
| 2000 | 33 | High Fidelity (supporting role) | $150,000-250,000 |
| 2003 | 36 | Biker Boyz (supporting role) | $100,000-150,000 |
| 2008-2009 | 41-42 | Life on Mars (recurring) | $150,000-200,000 |
| 2014 | 47 | Road to Paloma (film) | $75,000-100,000 |
| 2016 | 49 | Ray Donovan (guest role) | $50,000-75,000 |
| 2025 | 57 | Current net worth | $10 million |
Lisa Bonet vs Other Cosby Show Cast Members
| Category | Lisa Bonet | Phylicia Rashad | Malcolm-Jamal Warner | Keshia Knight Pulliam |
| Age (2025) | 57 | 76 | 54 | 46 |
| Net Worth | $10 million | $25 million | $6 million | $6 million |
| Role on Show | Denise Huxtable | Clair Huxtable | Theo Huxtable | Rudy Huxtable |
| Seasons on Show | Seasons 1-7 (left season 8) | All 8 seasons | All 8 seasons | All 8 seasons |
| Post-Show Career | Selective film/TV roles | Broadway, TV, film | TV shows, music | Reality TV, acting |
| Major Post-Show Work | High Fidelity, Life on Mars | Empire, Creed | The Resident, Malcolm & Eddie | Tyler Perry projects |
| Career Approach | Highly selective | Consistent work | Steady TV/music | Mix of TV/reality |
| Children | 3 (including Zoë Kravitz) | 1 (Condola Rashad) | 1 | 1 |
FAQ’s About Lisa Bonet
Conclusion
Lisa Bonet built a $10 million fortune through her iconic role on The Cosby Show and decades-long acting career. Lisa Bonet’s net worth reflects her success in Hollywood while maintaining fierce independence and privacy throughout her journey. At 57, she has stepped away from the spotlight, focusing on family and personal growth after her 2024 divorce from Jason Momoa.
