Coni Momoa is a photographer and painter best known as the mother of actor Jason Momoa. Originally from Norwalk, Iowa, she raised Jason there after her marriage to Joseph Momoa ended during their son’s infancy. Her creativity and experiences as a single mother feature prominently in Jason’s accounts of his childhood.
In Canvas of My Life, Jason credited his mother with shaping his artistic eye and the way he sees the world. Their relationship has also reached the screen through a 2024 Guinness commercial, in which Coni appeared alongside her son. She described the advertisement as her first acting experience, admitting that she felt nervous but enjoyed taking part.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Coni Momoa |
| Maiden Name | Lemke |
| Known For | Mother of actor Jason Momoa |
| Profession | Photographer and painter |
| Hometown | Norwalk, Iowa, United States |
| Age | Exact age is not reliably documented |
| Former Husband | Joseph Momoa |
| Children | One son, Jason Momoa |
| Mother | Mabel |
| Grandchildren | Lola Iolani Momoa and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa |
| Notable Screen Appearance | Guinness’s 2024 “Lovely Day” commercial with Jason Momoa |
Her Iowa Roots and the Lemke Family Background
Coni Momoa’s family roots are in Norwalk, Iowa. Her maiden surname is Lemke, which is why biographical references also identify her as Coni Lemke. Norwalk later became the place where she raised Jason after returning from Hawaii.
In a 2024 interview, Jason described his mother’s ancestry as predominantly German with Irish roots. He also recalled his grandmother’s Irish connection and his mother’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, offering a glimpse into the traditions passed through her side of the family.
Marriage to Joseph Momoa and Life in Hawaii
Coni met Joseph Momoa after arriving in Hawaii during the 1970s. Joseph, a Native Hawaiian painter, came from Nanakuli on Oahu. Their relationship brought together her Midwestern background and his Hawaiian family roots.
Their only child, Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, was born in Honolulu on August 1, 1979. The couple divorced while Jason was still an infant, and Coni returned to Iowa with him. This move established the setting for most of his childhood.
Raising Jason Momoa as a Single Mother in Norwalk
Back in Norwalk, Coni became Jason’s primary caregiver. He later described being raised by a strong single mother in Canvas of My Life. His extended family also formed part of that upbringing, with Jason recalling the hunters and builders among his grandfather and uncles.
Joseph made periodic visits during Jason’s early childhood. At 12, Jason began spending summers in Hawaii with his father and getting to know that side of the family. His upbringing combined everyday life in Iowa with a growing connection to his Hawaiian relatives.
Her Work as a Photographer and Painter
Coni Momoa’s creative interests include photography and painting. Jason has spoken about both pursuits when describing his childhood, presenting his mother’s artistic outlook as an important influence on his own creativity. His recollections provide a personal account of how her work shaped the environment in which he grew up.
In a 2024 interview with Condé Nast Traveler, Jason recalled growing up around craftspeople in Iowa and praised his mother’s “amazing eye.” His comments connect her influence with his appreciation for observation and creative work, themes that also appear in his filmmaking.
Jason’s Tribute in Canvas of My Life
In Canvas of My Life, Jason reflects on his upbringing and the experiences that shaped his approach to fatherhood. As Entertainment Tonight reported, he described Coni as a “strong single mother” and an “artist in every way,” highlighting her photography and painting.
“I guess you could say my mom gave me her eyes,” he says in the film. The line expresses his gratitude for the way she encouraged him to see the world. He also connects that inheritance with his wish to pass a love of creativity to his own children.
Introducing Jason to Skateboarding and Rock Climbing
Coni also introduced Jason to skateboarding and rock climbing, interests he later credited her with helping him discover. His early climbing experiences included a visit with his mother to Custer State Park in South Dakota during his teenage years.
These experiences show another side of her influence beyond photography and painting. In his reflections about Coni, Jason has expressed affection and gratitude for opening those doors, acknowledging her role in encouraging his interest in outdoor adventure.
Her Mother Mabel and Their Family Bond
Coni’s mother, Mabel, was another important figure in Jason’s maternal family. His public tributes have recognized both women, reflecting the place his mother and grandmother held in his upbringing.
Mabel died in 2021. In November 2022, Jason marked one year since her death by sharing photographs and memories of making her laugh. He recalled FaceTiming her while playing Flip in Slumberland and said he wished she could have seen the finished film.
Why Jason Calls His Mother His Superhero
Jason’s description of Coni as a superhero comes from his own public expressions of gratitude. In a May 2019 Mother’s Day post, he wrote, “Raised by women so thankful for everything you did ma.” The caption included #singlemama and #realsuperhero, directly connecting that praise with her role in raising him.
He also included affection for his grandmother in the same message. Together, those words acknowledge the women who helped shape his childhood and explain why his tributes to Coni often emphasize her strength, care, and influence.
Her Grandchildren, Lola Iolani and Nakoa-Wolf
Coni Momoa is the paternal grandmother of Lola Iolani Momoa and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, Jason’s two children with actress Lisa Bonet. Lola was born in 2007, followed by Nakoa-Wolf in 2008.
Coni has appeared publicly with Jason and both grandchildren, including at the Los Angeles premiere of Slumberland on November 9, 2022. Photographs from that event show three generations of the family together, offering a public glimpse of her place in Jason’s extended family.
Red Carpet Appearances and the Aquaman Premiere
Coni Momoa accompanied Jason to the Los Angeles premiere of Aquaman at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 12, 2018. Lisa Bonet and their children, Lola and Nakoa-Wolf, also attended, making the occasion a family celebration of Jason’s starring role.
That month, Jason also brought Coni to a taping of The Late Late Show with James Corden, where they met Julia Roberts. He shared photographs from their backstage meeting on Instagram, describing their excitement at meeting the actress. The pictures offered another glimpse of mother and son enjoying his Hollywood experiences together.
Her First Acting Experience in the 2024 Guinness Commercial
Coni appeared alongside Jason in Guinness’s 2024 “Lovely Day” campaign, announced on March 6. According to Guinness’s press release on PR Newswire, Jason co-directed the advertisement and produced it through his company, On the Roam, involving close friends and family in the project.
“It was my first acting experience, so I was a little nervous,” Coni said in the announcement, adding that she enjoyed taking part. The brand also explained that she had introduced Jason to Guinness when he turned 21, giving her appearance a personal family connection.
The commercial’s humorous storyline follows Jason discovering that he is supposedly 2% Irish and enthusiastically sharing the news. Coni appears as part of the celebration, bringing their relationship into the advertisement itself.
Career Income and Published Net Worth Estimates
Coni’s documented creative background includes photography and painting, but the published profiles reviewed provide little information about her earnings. A biography discussing her finances states that the available information is insufficient to calculate her personal net worth.
A $2 million claim is mentioned in another online profile, which explicitly criticizes it as unsourced. That number should therefore be treated as an unsupported claim. The available reporting does not provide the assets, debts, or earnings information needed to establish a dependable valuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Coni Momoa?
Coni Momoa is a photographer and painter best known as the mother of actor Jason Momoa and an important creative influence in his life.
How old is Coni Momoa?
Some secondary biographies list March 28, 1951, which would make her 75 as of November 2026. That birth date remains unverified.
Where is Coni Momoa from?
She is from Norwalk, Iowa, where she raised Jason after returning from Hawaii following her separation from his father.
Is Coni Momoa also known as Coni Lemke?
Yes. Lemke is her maiden surname, and biographical references identify her as Coni Lemke or Coni Momoa.
What does Coni Momoa do for a living?
Her publicly described work includes photography and painting. Jason has discussed both pursuits when explaining his mother’s artistic influence on his upbringing.
Who is Coni Momoa’s former husband?
She was married to Joseph Momoa, Jason’s father and a Native Hawaiian painter. Their marriage ended when Jason was still an infant.
How many children does Coni Momoa have?
She has one child, Jason Momoa, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 1, 1979.
Did Coni Momoa raise Jason as a single mother?
Yes. After her marriage ended, she returned to Iowa with Jason and raised him primarily in Norwalk, with support from her extended family.
How did she influence Jason Momoa’s creative interests?
Jason credits her photography, painting, and artistic outlook with shaping his creativity. She also introduced him to skateboarding and rock climbing.
Who are Coni Momoa’s grandchildren?
Her grandchildren are Lola Iolani Momoa and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, Jason’s daughter and son with actress Lisa Bonet.
Did Coni Momoa appear in a Guinness commercial?
Yes. She appeared alongside Jason in the 2024 “Lovely Day” campaign and described the project as her first acting experience.
What is Coni Momoa’s estimated net worth?
Her personal net worth remains undetermined. A $2 million claim mentioned in online coverage lacks the financial documentation needed to support it.
Conclusion: Coni Momoa’s Art, Family, and Influence on Jason
Coni Momoa’s story connects her Iowa roots, photography, painting, and years raising Jason as a single mother. His reflections in Canvas of My Life offer a personal account of how her creativity influenced his way of seeing the world and his hopes for his own children.
Appearances at the Aquaman premiere and in their Guinness commercial have brought parts of that relationship into public view. Together with Jason’s tributes, these moments illustrate the lasting place his mother holds in his family life and creative story. Read more celebrity profiles on UpdatedMagazine.
