Lisa Bonet, known for her breakout role as the spirited Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show (NBC, 1984–1992), quickly became a household name and a favorite among family audiences. Lisa Bonet’s portrayal of the outspoken teen earned her an Emmy nomination and served as a springboard into feature films, marking her as one of the promising young talents of her time. However, after leaving The Cosby Show under somewhat controversial circumstances, Lisa Bonet made a bold move to shed her wholesome image—starring in Alan Parker’s eerie voodoo thriller Angel Heart (1987). Her performance, particularly a steamy and much-talked-about scene with Mickey Rourke, turned heads, but unfortunately, the role didn’t quite ignite the film career she had hoped for.
By 1987, Lisa Bonet found herself back on television, returning to work with Bill Cosby on the spin-off series A Different World (NBC, 1987–1993). Yet, her time on the show was short-lived. A real-life romance with rock musician Lenny Kravitz led to the birth of their daughter, Zoe, which ultimately required her to step away after just one season. The marriage to Kravitz ended in divorce by 1993, and for much of the next decade, Lisa Bonet navigated a quieter phase in her career, appearing in direct-to-video releases and guest roles on various TV shows—all while striving to reclaim her place in Hollywood.
Then, around the turn of the millennium, Lisa Bonet began to regain momentum. She took on supporting roles in notable films such as Enemy of the State (1998), High Fidelity (2000), and Biker Boyz (2003), reminding audiences of her quiet intensity and natural charisma. But it was in 2008 that Lisa Bonet truly re-emerged into the spotlight, captivating fans once again with her role as the enigmatic love interest to Jason O’Mara’s time-displaced detective in ABC’s American adaptation of Life on Mars. For longtime admirers who remembered her from her Cosby Show days, this performance was a poignant reminder of Lisa Bonet’s ethereal beauty and understated strength—qualities that had first endeared her to viewers more than two decades earlier.
In the years that followed, Lisa Bonet continued building a diverse and steady body of work. She frequently collaborated with her husband, actor Jason Momoa, in projects like the independent drama Road to Paloma (2013) and the SundanceTV crime series The Red Road (2014–2015). She also made memorable appearances on popular shows such as HBO’s Girls (2012–2017) and Ray Donovan (SundanceTV, 2013– ). Through it all, Lisa Bonet remained a compelling presence on screen—evolving gracefully from teen star to a respected, multi-dimensional actress with enduring appeal.
When it comes to Lisa Bonet’s career highlights, one standout is her role in High Fidelity (2000), which happens to be her highest rated film to date. Critics and audiences alike have praised the movie, and Lisa Bonet’s performance contributed to its strong reception. On the other hand, looking at her filmography, Biker Boyz (2003) stands out—but not in a positive way—as her lowest rated project so far. While Lisa Bonet has consistently taken on diverse roles throughout her career, these two films represent the upper and lower ends of her work in terms of critical response. It’s interesting to see how Lisa Bonet’s performances are received across different genres, with High Fidelity showcasing her strength in more nuanced storytelling, while Biker Boyz didn’t quite hit the same mark. Still, Lisa Bonet remains a respected figure in the industry regardless of individual ratings.