Quick Bio
| Full Name | Lisa Thorner |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1963 |
| Age | 62 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Profession | Former Model and Actress |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of comedian Damon Wayans |
| Marriage Duration | 1984-2000 (16 years) |
| Children | Four (Damon Jr., Michael, Cara Mia, and Kyla) |
| Current Status | Single, Living in Beverly Hills |
Lisa Thorner is a name that many people know because of her connection to famous comedian Damon Wayans. However, there is much more to her story than just being someone’s ex-wife. Lisa is a former model and actress who lived a quiet life before and after her marriage to one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars.
Early Life and Background
Lisa Thorner was born on March 9, 1963, in Texas, United States. She is an African-American woman who grew up away from the cameras and fame. Not much information is available about her parents, siblings, or childhood. She has always preferred to keep her personal life private, which is why details about her early education and family background remain unknown.
Before meeting Damon Wayans, Lisa worked as a model in the 1980s. She partnered with some big brands during that time and started building her own path in the entertainment world. Later, she also tried her hand at acting, appearing in a few television shows and movies.
Meeting Damon Wayans
Lisa met Damon Wayans in the early 1980s when they were both young. At that time, Damon was a struggling comedian trying to make his way into the acting business. The two started dating and fell in love. Their relationship was strong, and they dated for about two to three years before deciding to get married.
On April 24, 1984, Lisa and Damon tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony. Interestingly, their first child, Damon Wayans Jr., was born in November 1982, which means he arrived about two years before his parents officially got married. This shows that Lisa and Damon already had a family started when they walked down the aisle.
Life as a Celebrity Wife
When Lisa married Damon, his career was just beginning to take off. In 1984, the same year they got married, Damon got his first big role in the movie “Beverly Hills Cop.” From there, his career grew quickly. He became famous for his work on the comedy show “In Living Color” in the 1990s and later starred in popular shows like “My Wife and Kids.”
During their 16 years of marriage, Lisa was a supportive wife who stood by Damon’s side. She often joined him at red carpet events, movie premieres, and award shows. The couple was photographed together at many important Hollywood events, including the premieres of “The Nutty Professor” in 1996, “Bulletproof” in 1996, and “Sleepless in Seattle” in 1993.
While Damon’s star was rising, Lisa focused mainly on being a good wife and mother. She made a few appearances on television during this time. In 1994, she appeared on the TV show “Martin,” which starred her husband. She also had roles in “My Wife and Kids” in 2001 and “Dance Flick” in 2009. However, acting was never her main focus. She chose to stay at home and raise their children instead of chasing her own career in entertainment.
Mother of Four Talented Children
Lisa and Damon are proud parents of four children, and all of them have followed their father into the entertainment business.
Damon Wayans Jr. was born on November 18, 1982, in Vermont. He is the oldest child and has become a successful actor and comedian. He is known for his roles in popular TV shows like “New Girl” and “Happy Endings.” He also starred in movies like “Let’s Be Cops.” Damon Jr. started acting when he was just 11 years old, appearing in his father’s 1994 film “Blankman.” He now works alongside his father on the CBS show “Poppa’s House.”
Michael Wayans was born on March 28, 1985. He also entered the family business and appeared in “Blankman,” “My Wife and Kids,” and “Dance Flick.” Michael has taken a different path than his siblings. He works more behind the scenes as a writer and composer. He created the theme music for the 2006 TV show “The Underground.” Michael is married to Vanessa Simmons, and they have a daughter together named Ava Marie Jean Wayans.

Cara Mia Wayans was born on April 18, 1987. She is an actress and artist who loves painting and creative work. Cara appeared in “Blankman,” “My Wife and Kids,” and “Dance Flick,” working alongside her father and brothers. She also appeared in Will Smith’s 1997 music video “Just the Two of Us,” which celebrated the bond between fathers and children. Cara has a very close relationship with her mother, Lisa, and often shares photos of her on social media.
Kyla Wayans is the youngest child, born in 1991. Like her siblings, she appeared in “My Wife and Kids” alongside her family. However, Kyla has chosen to live a more private life compared to her brothers and sister. She keeps away from the spotlight and prefers not to share much about her personal life on social media.
Lisa is also a proud grandmother. Her eldest son, Damon Jr., has two daughters named Amara and Aniya. Her son Michael has a daughter, Ava Marie Jean Wayans, with his wife Vanessa Simmons.
The Divorce
After 16 years of marriage, Lisa and Damon’s relationship came to an end. In 1999, Lisa announced that she and Damon were separating. Then, on August 25, 2000, she officially filed for divorce. In the divorce papers, Lisa stated that they had “irreconcilable differences,” which means they could not solve their problems and decided it was better to go separate ways.
During the divorce process, the couple lived in different places. Lisa stayed in their home in Beverly Hills, California, while Damon moved to Santa Monica. The divorce was finalized in 2000, ending their 16-year marriage.
Despite the divorce, both Lisa and Damon remained good parents to their four children. They worked together to make sure their kids grew up happy and healthy. Even though their romantic relationship ended, they continued to support their children’s dreams and careers.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Lisa chose to live a quiet and private life. She did not remarry or start any new relationships that became public knowledge. Instead, she focused on raising her children and being there for them as they built their own careers.
Lisa now lives in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. She stays away from social media and does not have any Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook accounts. This choice shows that she values her privacy and prefers to stay out of the public eye.
Even though Lisa keeps a low profile, her children sometimes share photos of her on their social media pages. Her daughter Cara Mia especially loves posting pictures of her mother. In these photos, Lisa looks happy and healthy, often smiling at the camera. Fans have commented on how beautiful she still looks and how close she is to her children.
What Does Lisa Thorner Do Now?
Not much is known about what Lisa does for work these days. After her divorce, she stepped away from acting and modeling completely. Her main focus has been her family, especially her children and grandchildren.
Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and attending private events. She loves dancing and even takes dance classes in her free time. According to some reports, her favorite color is purple, and she enjoys eating ice cream and pizza.
Lisa Thorner’s Legacy
While Lisa Thorner may be most famous for being Damon Wayans’ ex-wife, she is much more than that. She is a strong woman who raised four talented children who have all made their mark in the entertainment world. She supported her husband during his rise to fame and then gracefully stepped back to focus on what mattered most to her: her family.
Lisa’s story reminds us that not everyone wants to live in the spotlight. Some people prefer quiet lives filled with family, privacy, and peace. She has shown great strength and grace throughout her life, from her years as a celebrity wife to her life after divorce.
Today, Lisa continues to be a loving mother and grandmother. Her children often speak about how much they love and respect her. Even though she chooses to stay out of the public eye, her influence on her family is clear. All four of her children have become successful, and they credit their parents for supporting them and helping them follow their dreams.
Conclusion
Lisa Thorner is a former model and actress who became famous through her marriage to comedian Damon Wayans. Together, they had four children and built a family in the entertainment world. After 16 years of marriage, they divorced in 2000, but they continued to be good parents to their children.
Lisa chose to live a private life after her divorce, staying away from social media and public events. She focused on her family and raising her children, who all became successful in the entertainment business. Today, she lives quietly in Beverly Hills, enjoying her life as a mother and grandmother.
Lisa’s story shows us that there is life beyond fame and that choosing privacy and family is a valid and beautiful choice. She may be known as Damon Wayans’ ex-wife, but she is also a strong, independent woman who built a loving family and lived life on her own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Lisa Thorner?
Lisa Thorner is a former American model and actress who is best known as the ex-wife of famous comedian and actor Damon Wayans. She was married to him for 16 years, from 1984 to 2000, and they have four children together.
2. How many children does Lisa Thorner have?
Lisa Thorner has four children with her ex-husband Damon Wayans. Their names are Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans. All four children work in the entertainment industry as actors, writers, or artists.
3. Is Lisa Thorner married now?
No, Lisa Thorner is not married. After her divorce from Damon Wayans in 2000, she chose to stay single and focus on raising her children. She has not been publicly linked to anyone since the divorce.
4. Does Lisa Thorner have social media accounts?
No, Lisa Thorner does not have any social media accounts. She prefers to keep her personal life private and stays away from platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. However, her children sometimes share photos of her on their social media pages.
5. Where does Lisa Thorner live now?
Lisa Thorner currently lives in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. She lives a quiet and private life there, focusing on her family and staying away from the public spotlight.
