It would be safe to say that The Cosby Show has a complicated history among its viewers. While Bill Cosby’s clashes with the law tarnished anything related to him, The Cosby Show was a fundamental part of most people who grew up in the 80s.
Everyone wanted to be a part of the Huxtable family, and for Lisa Bonet, that dream came true when she was just 16. As Denise, she uplifted an entire generation of young African American women, even leading the show’s first (and only) official spin-off for one season. Here’s what she’s been up to these days, and how she became a cultural icon.
A Star is Born
Born to an Ashkenazi Jewish-American schoolteacher and an African-American opera singer, Bonet had a knack for the arts from a young age. Her unique background made her an exceptional model before she began acting. It was through beauty competitions that Bonet entered the entertainment industry – first in guest spots on TV, and then, straight to The Cosby Show.
The Cosby Years
Like many other young actresses, Bonet auditioned for the role of Denise, the second-born child of the Huxtable family in Bill Cosby’s then-upcoming show. The Cosby Show was an immediate success, with publications like TV Guide calling it “TV’s biggest hit in the 1980s” – quite a success, considering the sheer number of legendary shows from the decade.
For many fans, Denise was easily one of the show’s many highlights. Her keen eye for fashion and genuinely emotional episodes earned her the coveted spot as the lead in The Cosby Show’s sole spin-off, A Different World.
Expanding the Family
In 1988, just as The Cosby Show hit its fifth season and A Different World was just about to finish its first, Bonet surprised her fans when she announced she was pregnant. She had married singer Lenny Kravitz a year before, and now, she was expecting the couple’s first – and only – child, Zoë Kravitz.
The 90s were a complicated time for Cosby Show fans. Growing tensions within the cast led to radical changes within the cast. Citing “creative differences,” Bonet finally left the show that saw her grow into an international celebrity in 1991. In 1993, Lisa Bonet officially changed her name to Lilakoi Moon – though she still uses her former name professionally.
The Bonet Show
Despite her divorce from Lenny Kravitz in 1993, Bonet remained deeply involved with raising their daughter, Zoë. Through the 2000s, Bonet appeared in a variety of Hollywood projects, including High Fidelity and Biker Boyz.
Around 2005, she started dating Jason Momoa. The couple tied the knot in 2017, but separated in 2020. They officially announced their divorce in 2024, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
A True Role Model
Nowadays, Lisa remains a devoted, family-oriented person. She leads a very private life in Topanga Canyon, California, keeping public appearances to a minimum. She remains in contact with Lenny Kravitz, as they share an “unbreakable bond.”
After entering the spotlight from a very young age, and with two teenage children from her marriage to Momoa, it’s safe to say that Bonet has finally earned some much-needed tranquility in the private sanctuary she’s spent a lifetime building.
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Not sure I like the toothpick threw her nose, but to each his own I gues…