Lisa Thorner: The Untold Story of Damon Wayans’ Former Wife and Her Life Beyond Fame

In Hollywood, it’s easy for the spotlight to shine brightly on one half of a couple while the other quietly steps out of view. Such is the case with Lisa Thorner, a name familiar to fans of actor and comedian Damon Wayans. While Wayans’ comedic genius has entertained millions, Lisa’s story remains largely untold — yet her life, family, and journey deserve their own recognition.

This detailed look explores who Lisa Thorner is, her family and children, her marriage and separation, and what she’s been doing since. We’ll also discuss her net worth, age, and birthday, drawing on available public information and credible sources.

Who Is Lisa Thorner?

Lisa Thorner is an American former model and actress, best known as the ex-wife of comedian and actor Damon Wayans Sr. Although she once appeared in the entertainment scene, she later chose a quiet and private life after her marriage ended.

Lisa’s presence in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s was tied closely to Damon Wayans’ rise through comedy and film. She appeared alongside him at major public events and red carpets, but after their divorce, she stepped away from the media entirely.

Her decision to maintain privacy has earned her quiet respect — not many in the entertainment world successfully manage to stay out of the limelight, especially after being linked to such a well-known figure.

Lisa Thorner’s Early Life and Background

Information about Lisa Thorner’s early life, childhood, and family background remains largely private. According to various biographical sources, she was born in the United States and began her career as a model before meeting Damon Wayans.

Some reports suggest she was born around March 9, 1963, which would place her in her early sixties as of 2025. However, this birthdate has not been officially verified. Many entertainment outlets, including Famous Birthdays, list this as her date of birth, but no direct statement from Lisa confirms it.

Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans: A Hollywood Love Story

Lisa Thorner met Damon Wayans Sr. long before he became a household name. At the time, he was an ambitious comedian performing in small clubs, while she was pursuing modeling. Their relationship blossomed quickly, built on shared ambition and humor.

The two married in 1984, at a time when Damon’s career was just beginning to take off. Over the years, Lisa supported him as he gained fame through roles in In Living Color, Major Payne, and My Wife and Kids.

Their marriage lasted for about 16 years, and they became one of the most admired couples in Black Hollywood during the 1990s. Unfortunately, as with many celebrity relationships, the pressures of fame and lifestyle changes eventually led to separation.

Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans’ Divorce

After nearly two decades together, Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans divorced around 2000–2001. The split was described in reports as amicable, with both agreeing to co-parent their four children.

Following the divorce, Lisa chose a more reserved life away from the spotlight, while Damon continued his career in acting, comedy, and production. Despite parting ways, both appear to have maintained mutual respect and a strong co-parenting relationship.

Lisa Thorner’s Family Life

Family has always been central to Lisa Thorner’s story. Even as her public appearances decreased, her dedication to her children never wavered.

Lisa is the mother of four children — Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans. Each of them has built a life influenced, in some way, by the entertainment industry and their parents’ legacy.

Lisa Thorner’s Children

Let’s take a closer look at each of Lisa Thorner’s children and their individual achievements:

1. Damon Wayans Jr.

Born on November 18, 1982, Damon Wayans Jr. followed closely in his father’s footsteps. He’s a successful actor, comedian, and writer, known for his roles in New Girl, Happy Endings, and Let’s Be Cops. His natural humor and charisma have earned him critical acclaim, showing that comedy clearly runs in the Wayans family.

2. Michael Wayans

Born on March 28, 1985, Michael Wayans is also involved in entertainment, mainly acting and music scoring. He appeared in Blankman and My Wife and Kids, both of which starred his father.

3. Cara Mia Wayans

Cara Mia Wayans, born in 1987, pursued acting and production. She appeared in My Wife and Kids and has been involved in creative projects behind the scenes. She prefers to live privately like her mother.

4. Kyla Wayans

Kyla Wayans, the youngest, also briefly appeared on My Wife and Kids. Unlike her siblings, she has chosen to live a very quiet life, staying mostly away from public appearances.

Lisa’s commitment to raising grounded children despite Hollywood fame is widely admired. All four of them have spoken publicly about family values instilled by their parents.

Lisa Thorner’s Husband: Damon Wayans Sr.

While Lisa herself has kept her personal life private since the divorce, Damon Wayans Sr. has remained in the public eye. Born in 1960, Damon rose to prominence through In Living Color, where he created iconic comedic characters.

He later starred in numerous movies and TV shows, including Major Payne, Bulletproof, and My Wife and Kids.

Despite their separation, Damon has occasionally mentioned his appreciation for family life and how his children have shaped his world. This mutual respect between the ex-couple is one reason their family remains close-knit today.

Lisa Thorner’s Life After Divorce

After her split from Damon Wayans, Lisa Thorner stepped away from public appearances. She reportedly focused on raising her children and managing family responsibilities.

Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses who continue to make headlines, Lisa avoided interviews, social media, and public events. Her ability to maintain such privacy in Hollywood is both rare and admirable.

It’s widely believed that she continues to reside in Los Angeles, California, near her grown children and grandchildren.

Lisa Thorner’s Career Before Fame

Before becoming known as Damon Wayans’ wife, Lisa worked as a model. While details of her modeling career are limited, she reportedly appeared in print and commercial work during the early 1980s.

Her grace and charm helped her fit seamlessly into the entertainment world — a trait that made her a natural partner to a rising star like Wayans.

Lisa Thorner’s Net Worth

As with many celebrity spouses, Lisa Thorner’s net worth is a subject of curiosity. Since she hasn’t been publicly active in recent years, her exact financial status isn’t known.

However, several entertainment and lifestyle websites estimate her net worth between $2 million and $20 million. This likely includes settlements from her divorce and any investments she’s made since.

It’s worth noting that such numbers are unofficial estimates and should be treated as approximate rather than verified figures.

Lisa Thorner’s Age and Birthday

As mentioned earlier, Lisa Thorner’s birthday is often cited as March 9, 1963, though this hasn’t been confirmed by her or her representatives. If accurate, this would make her 62 years old in 2025.

Because Lisa has intentionally remained private, details like her early education, birthplace, or childhood remain largely unknown.

Why Lisa Thorner Deserves Recognition

Although Lisa Thorner isn’t a public figure today, her role in one of Hollywood’s most famous entertainment families is undeniable. She supported Damon Wayans during his early career struggles, raised four talented children, and chose a quiet, dignified life after fame.

Her story is one of balance — showing that sometimes, stepping away from the spotlight is the best way to protect your peace and prioritize family.

Where Is Lisa Thorner Now?

As of recent years, Lisa continues to live a private life. Some reports indicate she spends most of her time in Los Angeles near her children and grandchildren.

She isn’t active on social media and rarely, if ever, appears in public events. Despite this, her family ties keep her connected to Hollywood through her children’s successful careers.

Final Thoughts

In a world obsessed with celebrity updates, Lisa Thorner’s choice to live privately is refreshing. She represents strength, grace, and independence — qualities that stand the test of time.

While much of her life remains away from the cameras, her influence on her family and the entertainment world lives on through her children and their achievements.

For more in-depth celebrity stories and Hollywood insights like this, visit Megacine — your trusted source for entertainment profiles and star updates.