Key Takeaways
- Lisa Bonet was born to a culturally diverse family, with her mother Arlene Litman being of Jewish-American descent and her father Allen Bonet having African-American roots.
- Bonet’s parents, Arlene and Allen, were both deeply immersed in the world of music, with Arlene being a music teacher and Allen an acclaimed opera singer.
- Arlene and Allen’s marriage faced challenges from Arlene’s family due to racial prejudices of the time.
The California native Lisa Bonet was born on November 16, 1967.
Her parents, Arlene Joyce Litman and Allen Bonet, were from diverse backgrounds—Arlene, a music teacher of Jewish-American descent, and Allen, an opera singer with roots in African-American heritage from Texas.
Bonet grew up in a family with five half-sisters, including the singer Kadhja Bonet, and two half-brothers from her father’s marriage to Deborah Church.
Her parents separated when she was very young, and her mother primarily raised her as a single parent.
Together, they relocated to the Los Angeles area, where Bonet’s journey in life truly began.
The Melodic Life of Allen Bonet: An Opera Singer’s Journey
Allen Bonet was born on February 13, 1935, in the city of Dallas, Texas, embraced by the African-American culture of his parents, Samuel Murry Boney and Mary Myra Orphy.
Tragically, he passed away on November 9, 2018, in LA, California, United States, due to a heart attack after battling illness for many years.
Allen was well known as an opera singer, contributing his talent and passion to the music world.
Throughout his career, Allen’s collection included captivating pieces such as “Love’s Message,” “Warrior’s Forboding,” “Longing for Springtime,” “Serenade,” “My Abode,” “Far Away,” “Departures,” “The Atlas,” “Her Portrait,” “The Fishermaiden,” “The City,” “By the Sea,” and “The Phantom Double.”
In his personal life, Allen married twice. Initially, he wed Arlene Joyce Litman, who later became the mother of Lisa Bonet.
However, their marriage eventually ended in separation. Subsequently, Allen found companionship with Deborah Church, with whom he remained until his passing in 2018.
A Life Composed in Harmony: The Story of Arlene Joyce Litman Bonet
Arlene Joyce Litman was welcomed into the world by her parents, Eli Litman and Sylvia Ellen Goldvarg, on February 11, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
With roots tracing back to Polish and Russian heritage, Arlene grew up immersed in the rich tapestry of Ashkenazi Jewish culture.
Music coursed through Arlene’s veins, and she pursued her passion as a music teacher, sharing her love for melody and rhythm.
In her family circle, Arlene had a cherished sibling, a brother named Barry Litman.
On June 12, 1967, Arlene embarked on a journey of love and commitment as she exchanged vows with Allen Bonet in San Francisco, California, United States.
Their union was more than a mere coming together; it was a fusion of souls bound by their mutual adoration for music.
Arlene, the music educator, found her harmonious counterpart in Allen, the opera singer.
Yet, their love story was not without its trials. Despite their deep connection, Arlene faced challenges from her own family.
Their objections stemmed from the racial prejudices of the time, as Arlene’s family disapproved of her decision to marry an African American man.
Undeterred by familial discord, Arlene chose love over conformity, forging a path guided by her heart’s steadfast resolve.
FAQs
What was Lisa Bonet’s family background?
Lisa Bonet was born to Arlene Joyce Litman, a music teacher of Jewish-American descent, and Allen Bonet, an opera singer with African-American heritage.
When Did Lisa Bonet’s Parents Get Married?
Despite facing challenges from Arlene’s family due to racial prejudices, Arlene and Allen tied the knot on June 12, 1967.
Did Lisa Bonet Have Any Siblings?
Yes, Bonet has five half-sisters, including singer Kadhja Bonet, and two half-brothers from her father’s marriage to Deborah Church.
