Lisa Bonet is an American actress recognized for her role as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show.
Her career started early with commercials, leading to her role on The Cosby Show, where she gained fame and won Young Artist Awards.
After some controversy, Bonet left the show and appeared in Angel Heart, later returning to television in A Different World, though she left after one season.
Her career experienced a resurgence in the 2000s with roles in films like Enemy of the State, High Fidelity, and Biker Boyz, and she also starred in the American version of Life on Mars.
Parents
Lisa’s parents are Arlene Joyce (Litman), a teacher, and Allen Bonet, an opera singer.
Her father was African-American, and her mother was Ashkenazi Jewish.
Bonet’s parents divorced when she was young, and she was subsequently raised by her mother as a single parent in the Los Angeles area.
She also has two half-brothers from her father’s marriage to Deborah Church.
Allen Bonet was born on February 13, 1935, in Dallas, Texas, to Jennifer Abbey and George Bonet, and he passed away on November 9, 2018, from a heart attack.
Career
Bonet’s career path is marked by early success, a period of diverse projects, and a later resurgence with more mature roles.
Her career began quite early, landing commercials at just 11 years old. This early exposure paved the way for her breakthrough role as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show.
Denise was a popular character, known for her unique fashion sense and free-spirited attitude.
Bonet’s portrayal earned her widespread recognition and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, solidifying her status as a rising star in television.
In 1987, Bonet briefly departed The Cosby Show to headline A Different World, a spin-off centered around Denise’s college life. However, she left after only one season due to creative differences.
During this period, she also ventured into film with Angel Heart, a controversial film that allowed her to explore a more mature and challenging role.
While Angel Heart didn’t achieve major box office success, it showcased her versatility as an actress.
After this, Bonet took on various projects, including direct-to-video releases and guest appearances on television shows.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bonet experienced a career resurgence, securing supporting roles in higher-profile films like Enemy of the State, High Fidelity, and Biker Boyz.
These roles allowed her to showcase her talent in more mainstream productions and re-establish her presence in the industry.
In 2008, she returned to television in Life on Mars, demonstrating her continued commitment to acting and her ability to adapt to different roles.
