Introduction
Lisa Thorner is primarily known to the public as the former wife of renowned actor and comedian Damon Wayans. While she maintained a relatively low profile during their relationship, her connection to the famous Wayans family has kept her in the public eye. Their 16-year marriage produced four children who have gone on to establish their own careers in entertainment. Though not extensively involved in the entertainment industry herself, Lisa's role as mother to several successful entertainers and her long relationship with Damon Wayans makes her a notable figure connected to Hollywood.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Lisa Thorner |
|---|---|
| Profession | Former Model, Actress |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of Damon Wayans |
| Age (2025) | Estimated mid-60s |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Damon Wayans) |
| Children | 4 (Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans) |
| Years Active | 1980s-1990s (as a model) |
| Marriage Period | 1984-2000 |
Early Life & Background
Lisa Thorner was born and raised in the United States, though specific details about her birth date, childhood, and early education remain largely private. Unlike many celebrities or those connected to the entertainment industry, Lisa has maintained a significant level of privacy regarding her personal history.
Before meeting Damon Wayans, Lisa reportedly worked as a model and had some acting aspirations, though her career in these fields was not extensively documented. Her life before her relationship with Wayans remains mostly unknown to the public, reflecting her preference for privacy despite her connection to a famous entertainment family.
Relationship with Damon Wayans
Lisa Thorner's relationship with Damon Wayans began in the early 1980s, at a time when his career was still developing. The couple dated for several years before officially marrying in 1984. This period coincided with Damon's rising prominence in comedy, including his breakthrough on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color."
Their marriage lasted 16 years, ending in divorce in 2000. Throughout their relationship, Lisa and Damon were often photographed together at various industry events. They attended several high-profile premieres together, including the 1996 premieres of "The Nutty Professor" and "Bulletproof," as well as the 1993 premiere of "Sleepless in Seattle."
While the specific reasons for their divorce remain private, the couple appears to have maintained a respectful relationship following their separation, particularly regarding co-parenting their four children.
Personal Life
Lisa Thorner's most significant personal relationship was her marriage to Damon Wayans, which produced four children who have become her greatest legacy. As a mother, Lisa raised:
- Damon Wayans Jr. (born 1982) - Actor known for roles in "New Girl" and "Happy Endings"
- Michael Wayans (born 1985) - Actor and composer
- Cara Mia Wayans (born 1987) - Actress
- Kyla Wayans (born 1991) - Actress
After her divorce from Damon in 2000, Lisa has maintained a remarkably private life. Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities who leverage their connections for continued public attention, Lisa has chosen to stay largely out of the spotlight. This decision reflects her apparent preference for privacy and perhaps her prioritization of family over public recognition.
While information about subsequent relationships is not widely available, her focus appears to have remained on her family and personal interests away from public scrutiny.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Lisa Thorner's estimated net worth is believed to be approximately $1-2 million, though this figure isn't officially confirmed. Her financial status likely derives from:
- Potential divorce settlement from her marriage to Damon Wayans
- Possible earnings from her earlier modeling work
- Potential investments or business ventures not in the public eye
- Real estate holdings accumulated throughout her life
It's important to note that financial details for Lisa remain largely private, as she has not pursued a public career or disclosed her financial affairs. Unlike her ex-husband, whose net worth is more readily documented due to his public career, Lisa's financial status involves more estimation than confirmed information.
Physical Appearance
There is limited public information about Lisa Thorner's specific physical attributes such as height or other measurements. Based on photographs from events she attended with Damon Wayans, she appears to have maintained an elegant and well-groomed appearance consistent with her reported background in modeling. Beyond these general observations, Lisa's choice to maintain privacy extends to details about her physical appearance.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Damon Wayans in 2000, Lisa Thorner has maintained an exceptionally private life. Unlike many celebrities or those associated with famous figures, she has not sought to leverage her connection to the Wayans family for personal publicity or career advancement.
While she presumably continues to be involved in her children's lives and careers, she does so away from public attention. This dedication to privacy makes her somewhat unusual in the entertainment world, where former spouses of celebrities often maintain public profiles.
Children's Success
Perhaps Lisa Thorner's most significant legacy is her four children, all of whom have followed in their father's footsteps in the entertainment industry to varying degrees:
Damon Wayans Jr. has achieved considerable success as an actor, notably starring in the television series "New Girl" alongside Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Lamorne Morris. He has also appeared in "Happy Endings" and various film projects.
Michael Wayans has worked as an actor and composer, though with a somewhat lower public profile than his older brother.
Cara Mia Wayans has pursued acting with appearances in projects including "My Wife and Kids."
Kyla Wayans, the youngest, has also ventured into acting.
The success of her children suggests Lisa's possible influence as a supportive parent, helping them navigate the complexities of growing up in a famous family while developing their own talents and careers.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Lisa and Damon dated for several years before marrying in 1984, establishing a foundation for their 16-year marriage.
- The couple was frequently photographed at major Hollywood events, including several film premieres during the 1990s.
- They attended the premieres of "The Nutty Professor" and "Bulletproof" in 1996 and "Sleepless in Seattle" in 1993.
- Despite being connected to the entertainment industry, Lisa has maintained an unusually private life both during and after her marriage.
- She is the mother of four children who have all pursued careers in entertainment to varying degrees.
- Her son Damon Wayans Jr. has achieved particular success, becoming a recognizable television and film actor in his own right.
- Lisa and Damon's 16-year marriage was relatively long by Hollywood standards before ending in 2000.
Legacy and Impact
While Lisa Thorner has not pursued a high-profile public career, her impact can be measured through her children and their contributions to entertainment. As the mother of four individuals who have continued the Wayans family legacy in entertainment, she has played an important behind-the-scenes role in one of America's most notable comedy families.
Her choice to maintain privacy despite her connection to fame represents a less common path for those associated with celebrities, potentially providing her children with a more grounded upbringing despite their father's fame.
FAQs About Lisa Thorner
Who was Lisa Thorner married to?
Lisa Thorner was married to comedian and actor Damon Wayans from 1984 to 2000.
How many children does Lisa Thorner have?
Lisa has four children with Damon Wayans: Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans.
What is Lisa Thorner's occupation?
She was reportedly a model and actress before her marriage, though she has maintained a private life and hasn't pursued a public career since her divorce.
When did Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans divorce?
They divorced in 2000 after 16 years of marriage.
Which of Lisa Thorner's children is most famous?
Her eldest son, Damon Wayans Jr., has achieved the most public recognition, starring in TV shows like "New Girl" and "Happy Endings."