Arlene Litman - Abandoned by Her Husband She Raised Daughter Lisa Bonet Alone until Stardom Came Along

Arlene Litman lived a not-so-favorable life as a mom, but she still managed to raise a superstar daughter after her husband abandoned her. Arlene's daughter rose to stardom for the role of Denise Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," which earned her several awards and nominations.

Arlene's daughter was born in San Francisco, California, but has lived mostly in New York and Los Angeles. Arlene was Ashkenazi Jewish originating from Poland and Russia, while her former husband Allen Bonet was an African-American opera singer.

Although Arlene and Allen divorced, their daughter began acting in commercials at the age of 11. At 16, she landed her major role in the hit comedy series "The Cosby Show."

Arlene Litman Defied Her Family & Married a Black Man

Arlene Litman was a schoolteacher born into a white Jewish family. When interracial marriage was still taboo in the 60s, her daughter says Arlene was a brave woman who lost her whole family for marrying a black man.

Her granddaughter Zoe, YSL Beauté Global Makeup and Fragrance Ambassador, launched her own lipstick collection in 2019 and named one of them after Arlene.

Arlene had to return to her family when their marriage didn't work out. Although Arlene's family was Jewish, Arlene's daughter says that her parents considered themselves atheists.

Arlene Litman Fought to Raise Her Biracial Daughter despite Family's Discrimination

Arlene gave birth to her daughter Lisa Bonet in 1967, in the heart of the hippie movement, which occurred between the 1960s and 70s. Soon after the birth, Arlene and Allen went their separate ways. Arlene moved down to San Fernando to raise her child alone. Allen hasn't been in the picture for most of his daughter's life.

Arlene had a rough time raising her daughter as a single mom; she experienced discrimination from her family. In an interview with Porter Magazine, her daughter said that when growing up, it wasn't easy being a mixed-race kid in school, let alone in her mom's family.

Arlene's daughter felt alone and never safe as a young girl. It was through that experience she discovered her talent for acting and expressing God through her art.

Arlene Litman Was Her Daughter's Biggest Supporter before Her Early Death

Arlene was always by her daughter's side when she was going through difficult moments in her professional and personal life. Before her demise in 1998, she saw the birth of her granddaughter, Zoe Kravitz. Her daughter says they had a strong bond:

"She was a good woman. She loved me."

In 1994, an earthquake occurred, which put Arlene's daughter Lisa and her grandchild out on the streets. The actress says Arlene came to her aid and was very supportive.

Arlene Litman's Granddaughter Zoe Kravitz Honored Her in a Lipstick Collection Launch

Arlene Litman remains a big part of her descendants' life. Her granddaughter Zoe, YSL Beauté Global Makeup and Fragrance Ambassador, launched her own lipstick collection in 2019 and named one of them after her. She said that the rosewood nude lipstick would be suitable for Arlene:

"She always wore very simple to no makeup, so this feels appropriate for her."

Zoe Kravitz noted that the lipstick Arlene's Nude No 121, which currently retails at $38, was inspired by her late grandmother. The thirty-three-year-old has been working with the beauty company for a while. She stated that her lipstick collection is for anyone who wants to be playful and express themselves.

Arlene's granddaughter is also an actress; she appeared in the romantic comedy movie "No Reservations." Her breakthrough came when she played Angel Salvadore in the superhero movie "X-Men," which gained her nominations for Scream Award and Teen Choice Award.