The Real Story of Lisa Thorner, Damon Wayans’ Ex-Wife and Mother of Four

When people hear the name Lisa Thorner, most of them think of one thing first — she is Damon Wayans’ ex-wife. But is that the whole story? Not at all.

Yes, she was married to the famous comedian for 16 years. Yes, she stood beside him during his early rise in Hollywood. But Lisa Thorner is much more than a former celebrity wife. She is a former model, a quiet actress, a strong single mother, and now a proud grandmother.

Even in 2026, people still search for Lisa Thorner. Why? Because she chose something rare in Hollywood. She chose privacy. She chose peace. And she raised four children who all stepped into the entertainment world.

In this article, we will explore Lisa Thorner’s early life, her love story with Damon Wayans, their marriage, their divorce, and how she helped raise a talented family. Let’s begin from the start.

Lisa Thorner Quick Bio

Lisa Thorner’s Early Life and Background

Lisa Thorner was born on March 9, 1963, in Texas, United States. She grew up in a simple American home. Very little is publicly known about her parents or childhood. And that is not by accident. Even from a young age, Lisa liked to keep her life private.

She grew up during the 1970s and early 1980s. It was a time when fashion, music, and culture were changing fast. As a young woman, Lisa had natural beauty and confidence. People noticed her calm charm. She was not loud or flashy. She had a soft and graceful presence.

Lisa finished high school and later began working as a model. She did not rush into fame. She slowly built her path. Before she ever met Damon Wayans, Lisa Thorner already had her own identity.

How Lisa Thorner Met Damon Wayans

The love story between Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans started in the early 1980s. Some reports say they met in high school. Others say they reconnected later while they were young adults. What we do know is this — they started dating around 1982.

At that time, Damon Wayans was not famous yet. He was still trying to make his name in stand-up comedy. He performed in small clubs. He faced rejection. He worked hard to find his break.

Lisa saw something in him. She believed in his dream before the world did. That tells you a lot about her character. Not everyone wants to build with someone who is still struggling. But Lisa Thorner did.

Their relationship grew stronger with time. It was not a Hollywood fairy tale. It was two young people building a future step by step.

Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans’ Wedding Story

On April 24, 1984, Lisa Thorner married Damon Wayans. By this time, they already had their first child together. Their son, Damon Wayans Jr., was born in November 1982.

Their wedding was not a huge red carpet event. It was simple. It was personal. It matched Lisa’s personality perfectly.

After getting married, they built their family in California. As Damon’s career slowly grew, Lisa stepped more into the role of a full-time wife and mother. She supported him while he worked long hours trying to make it in Hollywood.

Marriage is not easy. Especially when fame enters the picture. But for many years, Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans looked like a strong couple.

Lisa Thorner as Damon Wayans’ Ex-Wife

Lisa Thorner was married to Damon Wayans for 16 years. That is a long time, especially in Hollywood. From 1984 to 2000, she stood by him during the biggest changes of his career.

Damon became widely known in the early 1990s with shows like In Living Color. His movie career also took off. Films like Blankman, Major Payne, and Bulletproof made him even more famous.

During all of this, Lisa was often seen beside him at events. She attended premieres. She smiled for cameras. But she never tried to steal attention. She was always calm, graceful, and supportive.

At the same time, she raised four children. Imagine that. While Damon was filming and traveling, Lisa managed the home life. She made sure their children grew up with love and stability.

Being Damon Wayans’ ex-wife is how many people know her today. But during those 16 years, she was more than just a wife. She was the foundation of the family.

Why Did Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans Divorce?

In 1999, news came out that Lisa and Damon were separating. Then in August 2000, Lisa Thorner officially filed for divorce. The reason listed was “irreconcilable differences.”

That simply means they could not solve their problems anymore.

They had already started living separately. Lisa stayed at their Beverly Hills home with the children. Damon moved to Santa Monica.

The divorce became final in 2001. Reports say Lisa received a settlement and spousal support. They agreed on joint custody of their four children.

Importantly, there was no public drama. No loud fights in the media. No interviews attacking each other. The separation was handled quietly.

That again shows Lisa Thorner’s personality. She did not turn pain into publicity. She chose dignity.

Lisa Thorner’s Four Children

One of the most important parts of Lisa Thorner’s life is her children. She and Damon Wayans welcomed four kids together — two sons and two daughters.

Their children are:

• Damon Wayans Jr.

• Michael Wayans

• Cara Mia Wayans

• Kyla Wayans

All four grew up surrounded by comedy and entertainment. Their home was full of creative energy. But Lisa made sure they stayed grounded.

She focused on raising them with values. Discipline. Love. Respect.

Today, Lisa Thorner is not just a mother of four. She is also a grandmother. Her family has grown, and her legacy continues through her children.

Damon Wayans Jr., Lisa Thorner’s Oldest Son

Let’s start with the first child. Damon Wayans Jr. was born on November 18, 1982, in Vermont. He grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by comedy and film sets. From a young age, he saw how hard both his parents worked.

He made his acting debut at just 11 years old. He played young Kevin in the 1994 movie Blankman, which starred his father. Later, he studied at Otis College of Art and Design because he first wanted to become an animator. But comedy pulled him in.

Today, Damon Wayans Jr. is a well-known actor. He starred in shows like New Girl and Happy Endings. In 2024, he even worked with his dad in Poppa’s House, playing a father-son team on screen. In interviews, he said making his father laugh is still one of his favorite things. That shows how strong the family bond is. And behind that bond stands Lisa Thorner, the mother who helped raise him.

Michael Wayans, Lisa Thorner’s Second Son

Michael Wayans was born on March 28, 1985. Like his older brother, he also appeared in Blankman. He had roles in My Wife and Kids and Dance Flick.

But Michael chose a slightly different path. He works more behind the scenes. He has written scripts and even helped compose music for projects like The Underground. Not everyone in a famous family wants center stage. And that is perfectly fine.

Michael is in a long-term relationship with Vanessa Simmons, the daughter of hip-hop legend Rev Run. Together, they have a daughter named Ava Marie Wayans. That makes Lisa Thorner a proud grandmother. Damon has shared sweet grandparent moments online, but Lisa continues to stay private and enjoy family life quietly.

Cara Mia Wayans, Lisa Thorner’s Creative Daughter

Cara Mia Wayans was born on April 18, 1987. Growing up, she followed her father and brothers into acting. She appeared in Blankman, My Wife and Kids, and Dance Flick.

She also appeared in Will Smith’s 1997 music video “Just the Two of Us.” That video celebrated the bond between fathers and children. It was a touching moment that many fans still remember.

As she grew older, Cara showed her artistic side. She loves painting and sharing creative work. She is also a mother. On social media, she sometimes posts loving photos with her mom. In one post, she proudly wrote that she “got it from my mom.” That tells us something simple but powerful — Lisa Thorner raised her children with love and confidence.

Kyla Wayans, Lisa Thorner’s Youngest Child

Kyla Wayans was born in 1991. She is the youngest of the four children. Like her siblings, she appeared in an episode of My Wife and Kids.

But Kyla prefers a quieter life. She does not chase fame. She keeps things simple. She shares small moments online from time to time, but she does not seek attention.

This reminds many people of Lisa Thorner herself. The calm nature. The private lifestyle. The choice to live peacefully instead of loudly. It seems some of that strength passed down from mother to daughter.

Lisa Thorner’s Career as a Model and Actress

Before and during her marriage, Lisa Thorner worked as a model. In the 1980s, she was known for her natural beauty and calm presence. She attended events and walked beside her husband on red carpets.

She also made small appearances in projects connected to the Wayans family. But acting was never her main focus. Her role as a mother became more important to her.

After her divorce, Lisa stepped away from the entertainment world completely. No interviews. No reality shows. No comeback tours. She simply chose family over fame.

Lisa Thorner’s Life After Divorce

So where is Lisa Thorner in 2026?

She is living a peaceful and private life. Reports say she still lives in California, close to her children and grandchildren. She does not use social media. She does not attend public events often.

Many people wonder why she disappeared. But maybe that was the point. Not everyone wants the spotlight forever. Lisa Thorner decided that quiet happiness was more important.

She stayed single after the divorce. No public relationships. No rumors. For over two decades, she has focused on family and personal peace. That kind of quiet strength is rare in Hollywood.

Lisa Thorner’s Net Worth and Lifestyle Today

As of 2026, Lisa Thorner’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $4 million. This comes from her earlier modeling work and her divorce settlement.

Even with financial comfort, she does not show off wealth. She lives simply. She spends time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoys normal life.

Sometimes people think fame equals happiness. But Lisa Thorner shows that peace can be even better than attention.

Interesting Facts About Lisa Thorner

Lisa Thorner is about 5 feet 5 inches tall. She is African-American and was raised with Christian values. She has dark hair and brown eyes.

She has no public Instagram or Twitter accounts. That is rare today. But it matches her personality.

She is also a grandmother several times over. Her family has grown. Her children are successful. And she continues to stay close to them.

Final Thoughts

You may ask, why do people still talk about Lisa Thorner?

The answer is simple. She was there before the fame. She stood beside Damon Wayans when he was still building his dream. She helped raise four children who now carry the Wayans name into a new generation.

Even after the divorce, she handled everything with dignity. No public fights. No media drama. Just calm strength.

In today’s fast world, where everything is shared online, Lisa Thorner reminds us that privacy is powerful. You can step away from fame and still live a full and meaningful life.

(FAQs)

How old is Lisa Thorner and when was she born?

Lisa Thorner was born on March 9, 1963. As of 2026, she is 63 years old. Many people are surprised because she has stayed out of the public eye for over two decades, so fans rarely see recent photos of her.

What is Lisa Thorner’s ethnicity?

Lisa Thorner is African-American. She was born and raised in the United States and has always been proud of her roots.

How many kids does Lisa Thorner have?

Lisa Thorner has four children with Damon Wayans — Damon Jr., Michael, Cara Mia, and Kyla. What shocks many people is that all four of them went into acting or entertainment in some way.

What movies or TV shows has Lisa Thorner been in?

Lisa Thorner worked as a model and had small acting roles, including appearances connected to the Wayans family like My Wife and Kids and Dance Flick. Still, she never tried to build a big Hollywood career for herself.

What is Lisa Thorner’s net worth today?

Lisa Thorner’s net worth is believed to be around $3 to $4 million in 2026. Even with that money, she chooses to live a quiet and simple life away from fame.

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