The Private Life Of Lisa Thorner: 7 Surprising Facts About Damon Wayans' Ex-Wife And Her New Career In Denver

Lisa Thorner, a former model and actress, has successfully navigated the challenging transition from Hollywood spouse to a private, impactful professional, with the most recent updates in December 2025 revealing a significant move away from the spotlight. While she is most widely recognized as the ex-wife of comedian and actor Damon Wayans, Thorner has quietly built a distinct path focusing on family and non-profit work.

The curiosity surrounding her life post-divorce—especially given her status as the matriarch of a major comedic dynasty—has remained high, but public information is scarce. This in-depth look uncovers her complete biography, the details of her life with Damon Wayans, and the surprising new career path she has forged in the non-profit sector.

Lisa Thorner: A Complete Biography and Profile

Lisa Thorner, an American former actress and model, rose to prominence through her long-term relationship and marriage to Damon Wayans, a key figure in the iconic Wayans comedy family. Despite her public connection, Thorner has maintained a fiercely private life, making her current activities and personal details difficult to track.

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• Full Name: Lisa Thorner (Possibly Lisa Vad Thorner)
• Date of Birth: Unconfirmed (Sources often conflict; she is believed to be in her late 50s as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: United States (Likely Texas, according to some reports)
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Caucasian/White
• Profession: Former Model, Former Actress, Non-Profit Executive
• Known For: Ex-Wife of Damon Wayans, Mother of the Wayans children
• Spouse: Damon Wayans (Married: 1987; Divorced: 2003)
• Children: 4 (Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, Kyla Wayans)
• Current Status: Private, focused on family and non-profit management in Denver, Colorado
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Varies widely, but often cited between $3–5 million, largely due to her divorce settlement and spousal support.

The Early Romance and Life with Damon Wayans

Lisa Thorner’s relationship with Damon Wayans began long before he became a household name. The couple reportedly started dating in 1982, a time when Damon was still establishing his career in stand-up comedy and television.

They formalized their union five years later, marrying in 1987. Their nearly two-decade-long relationship saw the birth of four children, all of whom have since pursued careers in the entertainment industry, continuing the Wayans legacy.

The couple's children are Damon Wayans Jr. (known for roles in New Girl and Happy Endings), Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans. Lisa’s role as the mother of this talented group cemented her place within the extended Wayans family, one of Hollywood's most influential comedic dynasties.

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During their marriage, Lisa was often seen accompanying Damon to red-carpet events and premieres, embracing the life of a celebrity spouse while maintaining her own modeling and acting pursuits, though details on her specific filmography are scarce due to her private nature.

Inside the Amicable $3.6 Million Divorce Settlement

The marriage between Lisa Thorner and Damon Wayans came to an end after 16 years. Lisa filed for divorce on August 25, 2000, citing the common legal ground of "irreconcilable differences."

Despite the end of their marital relationship, the divorce process, which was finalized in 2003, was widely reported as amicable. The couple prioritized their four children, agreeing to joint custody.

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The financial details of the settlement are a key factor in Lisa Thorner’s current estimated net worth. Reports indicate that Thorner received a significant financial package, including a substantial one-time payment of approximately $3.6 million, in addition to ongoing spousal support.

This settlement provided Lisa with the financial security to transition away from the high-pressure Hollywood environment and focus on raising her children privately, which she has largely succeeded in doing. The financial independence gained from the divorce allowed her to chart a new, less public course for her life.

From Hollywood Red Carpets to Non-Profit Management in Denver

Perhaps the most fascinating and recent update on Lisa Thorner is her complete pivot away from the entertainment industry and her move from Beverly Hills to a new professional life in Colorado. After stepping out of the spotlight following her divorce, Thorner chose a path dedicated to community service and non-profit work.

Recent public records, including resume information, strongly suggest that Lisa Thorner, possibly under the name Lisa Vad Thorner, has taken on a significant leadership role in the non-profit sector. Specifically, she has been linked to Temple Sinai Denver in Colorado.

This highly specific and current detail indicates a major career change: a transition into Non-Profit Organization Management. A previous announcement from the organization, dated November 2020, noted the promotion of a Lisa Thorner to the position of Executive Director.

This move highlights a commitment to a quieter, more impactful life outside of the celebrity bubble. Her current professional focus on organizational management in Denver, Colorado, is a stark contrast to her former life as a model and actress, showcasing a successful and deliberate shift in priorities.

Lisa Thorner's Brief Acting Career: What We Know

Before and during her marriage, Lisa Thorner pursued a career as a model and actress. However, she was never a high-profile figure in the same way as her former husband. Her filmography remains sparse and often confused in public records.

The most concrete acting credit attributed to her is a role in the 2009 comedy film Dance Flick. This movie was a Wayans family project, written by five members of the Wayans clan and starring Damon Wayans Jr., suggesting her involvement was a family collaboration.

Some sources also vaguely mention "starring roles in movies such as My Wife and Kids (2001)." Given that My Wife and Kids was a successful TV sitcom starring Damon Wayans, it is highly likely that Lisa had a cameo, a guest spot, or a minor role in the series, rather than a starring role in a movie version.

Ultimately, her career was less defined by her on-screen roles and more by her support of her husband's career and her role as the mother of the next generation of the Wayans family. Her current career as an Executive Director in non-profit management is a far more tangible and recent professional achievement.

Life Today: Family and Privacy

As of late 2025, Lisa Thorner continues to maintain a very private life away from the Los Angeles celebrity circuit, preferring the quiet atmosphere of Denver. Her primary focus remains on her family and personal well-being.

Despite the divorce, she remains closely connected to her four children, all of whom have established their own careers in Hollywood. Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, and Cara Mia Wayans are all active in the film and television industry, making her a proud matriarch of a continuing legacy.

Lisa Thorner’s story is a testament to successfully exiting the celebrity ecosystem. She traded the constant scrutiny of Hollywood for a meaningful, private life, securing her financial future and dedicating her time to non-profit work, proving that a life of influence can be found far outside the red carpet.