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Jason Momoa | Jason Momoa with his children | Source: youtube.com/@NetflixIndonesia | instagram.com/prideofgypsies
Jason Momoa | Jason Momoa with his children | Source: youtube.com/@NetflixIndonesia | instagram.com/prideofgypsies

Jason Momoa's Family Once Starved as the Actor Struggled to Pay Bills – Inside the Star's Fatherhood

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Jan 10, 2024
10:30 P.M.
  • Jason Momoa is one of Hollywood's most successful and popular actors today, thanks to his roles in "Aquaman" and "Dune."
  • But before becoming a global star, he faced a difficult period when he struggled to pay the bills and feed his family.
  • Momoa overcame his challenges and now cherishes his role as a father to his two children.
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Jason Momoa attends the premiere of "See" on October 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Jason Momoa attends the premiere of "See" on October 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

They were one of the most admired and envied couples in Hollywood. She was a former child star who became a bohemian icon. He was a rising action hero who conquered the box office. Together, they formed a beautiful and unconventional family, with two kids and a daughter from her previous marriage.

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They seemed to have it all: love, fame, fortune, and happiness. But behind the scenes, their relationship was crumbling. But now, Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa, the once-celebrated couple, are officially getting divorced.

Two years after the couple shared the news of their separation in a joint statement, Bonet has taken a decisive step forward by filing for the dissolution of their marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.

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The couple had a long and passionate relationship that spanned over a decade and produced two children: a daughter, Lola, and a son, Nakoa-Wolf. They started dating in 2005, married on October 7, 2017, and announced their separation in January 2022. However, court documents reveal they have separated since October 7, 2020.

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In addition to their two teenage children, Bonet has a daughter, actress Zoë Kravitz, from her previous marriage to Lenny Kravitz. In her divorce filing, Bonet requested joint custody of their children and stated that neither party should receive spousal support.

When they first announced their split, Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa released a heartfelt statement acknowledging that everyone faces transformative times at some point. They revealed that their relationship had also met many changes and ultimately decided to part ways.

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They stated, "A revolution is unfolding, and our family is of no exception… feeling and growing from the seismic shifts occurring." Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet have maintained a cordial and friendly relationship. In their joint statement, the couple revealed they were parting ways in marriage but not in love and would remain devoted to their children and family.

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Momoa has always been very vocal about his love for his children and wears his heart on his sleeve, or rather, on his chest. The proud father got tattoos of his children's names, Wolf and Lola, right over his heart. The tattoos are of their names in their own kiddie handwriting.

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The year 2020, marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic, brought the Momoa-Bonet family closer. In a candid interview with Men's Health magazine, Momoa reflected on this time, noting how the bond within his family strengthened amidst the challenges.

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Jason Momoa with his children, Nakoa-Wolf and Lola Momoa, attend the "No Time To Die" premiere on September 28, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Jason Momoa with his children, Nakoa-Wolf and Lola Momoa, attend the "No Time To Die" premiere on September 28, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

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In the November 2020 conversation, he spoke of the importance of family, even over his usual hobbies like riding Harleys through Topanga Canyon or rock climbing. He described his wife as sophisticated and intelligent and acknowledged his growth journey as a father and a husband.

Jason Momoa, Coni Momoa, Nakoa-Wolf, Lisa Bonet, and Lola during the world premiere of "Aquaman" in Hollywood, California on December 12, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Jason Momoa, Coni Momoa, Nakoa-Wolf, Lisa Bonet, and Lola during the world premiere of "Aquaman" in Hollywood, California on December 12, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

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He said, "I'm constantly a work in progress, and I've just been trying to get better as a father and a husband." Momoa also shared some insights into the lighter side of their family life. He revealed that his children share his love for reading. They love it so much that he would often playfully tell them, "Stop reading! Get outside."

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In addition to reading, the father and children also enjoy binge-watching sitcoms together. They share a love for "Friends" and "Seinfeld," indulging in the nostalgia of '90s pop culture. The father of two, a star in his own right, talked about the surreal experience of watching his films with his children, saying, "It's weird when you tear up watching your own stuff."

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In late 2020, Momoa opened up about a challenging period in his life. Once a commanding presence as Khal Drogo in "Game of Thrones," he faced financial difficulties after his character's early exit from the show. In a candid interview with InStyle, Momoa admitted that he and his family were on the brink of starvation during this time.

Jason Momoa, Lisa Bonet and Lola Momoa in Rome, Italy on July 04, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Jason Momoa, Lisa Bonet and Lola Momoa in Rome, Italy on July 04, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

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He said, "It's very challenging when you have babies and you're completely in debt." Their home in Topanga Canyon became a beacon of resilience as they weathered this period of financial uncertainty. Things started looking up for Momoa in 2016 when he landed a role in "Justice League," followed by his starring role in the blockbuster "Aquaman" in 2018.

Jason Momoa with his children, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa attend "The Batman" New York premiere on March 1, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Jason Momoa with his children, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa attend "The Batman" New York premiere on March 1, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Jason Momoa and his children Nakoa-Wolf and Lola in Paris, France on June 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Jason Momoa and his children Nakoa-Wolf and Lola in Paris, France on June 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

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This turn of events eased their financial struggles and allowed Momoa to showcase his multifaceted personality. His playful Instagram posts and red-carpet antics revealed a side of him that went beyond the tough characters he often portrayed. Momoa's dedication to his family is evident in his recounting the challenges and joys of being a father, especially to his teenage daughter, Lola.

Lola Momoa's picture from a post dated July 21, 2018 | Source: instagram.com/prideofgypsies

Lola Momoa's picture from a post dated July 21, 2018 | Source: instagram.com/prideofgypsies

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He shared a touching story with Esquire about how he almost missed her birth due to being stranded in Canada, where he was filming. His determination to be there for the birth led to a last-minute dash after waking up to more than 70 missed calls on his phone. When he heard the news, he rushed to the airport and made it just in time to witness her arrival.

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When Lola turned 13, Momoa confessed to shedding tears, not just because of the milestone but also in anticipation of the challenges ahead as she entered her teenage years. He expressed his protective instincts, humorously stating that he would "hate it if she brings home some bad boy" while hoping she would find someone as devoted as he was to Bonet.

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Lola Momoa and Jason Momoa attend the premiere of "Slumberland" on November 09, 2022 in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images

Lola Momoa and Jason Momoa attend the premiere of "Slumberland" on November 09, 2022 in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images

Lola Momoa her dad, Jason and brother Nakoa-Wolf Momoa attend the premiere of "Slumberland" on November 09, 2022 in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images

Lola Momoa her dad, Jason and brother Nakoa-Wolf Momoa attend the premiere of "Slumberland" on November 09, 2022 in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images

When his stepdaughter Zoë began dating, Momoa was unexpectedly cast as the "house worrier," a role that contrasted sharply with the calm demeanor of Zoë's biological father, Kravitz. Momoa humorously admitted, "Lenny is way cooler than I am." Despite his warrior-like exterior, Momoa isn't afraid to show his humanity.

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Jason Momoa, Lisa Bonet, and Lenny and Zoe Kravitz at Entertainment Weekly's party on February 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Jason Momoa, Lisa Bonet, and Lenny and Zoe Kravitz at Entertainment Weekly's party on February 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Taika Waititi with Jason Momoa's children, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa attend the screening of "Thor: Love and Thunder" on July 05, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Taika Waititi with Jason Momoa's children, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa attend the screening of "Thor: Love and Thunder" on July 05, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Lola, Jason and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa attend the premiere of "No Time To Die"  on September 28, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Lola, Jason and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa attend the premiere of "No Time To Die" on September 28, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

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He openly admits to his shortcomings and his determination to improve. Momoa acknowledges his learning curve as a parent, especially with his son Wolf. Reflecting on his own experiences growing up without a father at home, he desires to connect with his son on a deeper level, moving away from authoritarian parenting.

Jason Momoa in a picture from a post dated August 3, 2019 | Source: instagram.com/prideofgypsies

Jason Momoa in a picture from a post dated August 3, 2019 | Source: instagram.com/prideofgypsies

Jason Momoa with his children in a picture from a post dated August 3, 2019 | Source: instagram.com/prideofgypsies

Jason Momoa with his children in a picture from a post dated August 3, 2019 | Source: instagram.com/prideofgypsies

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Jason Momoa in a picture from a post dated August 3, 2019 | Source: instagram.com/prideofgypsies

Jason Momoa in a picture from a post dated August 3, 2019 | Source: instagram.com/prideofgypsies

Jason Momoa's openness about his struggles as a father and an individual underscores his commitment to growth and self-improvement. Although his love story with Bonet took a turn with the end of their marriage, their love and friendship persisted.

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Their unwavering devotion to their children and family remains a priority. Bonet's request for joint child custody and no spousal support during the divorce proceedings further underscores this commitment, painting a picture of mutual respect in the face of change.

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