Introduction:
Lenny Kravitz(Parents) has become a music icon in his own right, but his parents were famous long before he arrived on the scene. Kravitz was born in 1964 to actress Roxie Roker and TV producer Sy Kravitz, who both made major impacts in the entertainment industry. As Kravitz grew up, he was inspired by the creativity of his parents, which led him to pursue his music career. Now, Kravitz carries on the family tradition of fame as a successful singer-songwriter, while also raising his talented children.
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The Influence of Lenny Kravitz Parents on His Career
As the son of two successful entertainers, lenny kravitz grew up immersed in the world of the arts and celebrity. His parents, actress Roxie Roker and producer Sy Kravitz, exposed Lenny to show business from a young age and encouraged him to pursue his creative passions.
Lenny has spoken frequently about the major influence his parents had on shaping him into the iconic rock star he became. His late mother Roker in particular provided unwavering support when he struggled early on to land a record deal.
According to Lenny, “My parents taught me to never give up on my dreams. My mother told me I could achieve anything I believed in and put my mind to.” Their belief in him gave Lenny the confidence to keep pushing for his big break.
Seeing the success and acclaim his parents earned through television also showed Lenny fame was possible with hard work. Their boundary-breaking careers as African-American creatives inspired him to stay true to his own unique artistry and style.
Without the supportive upbringing provided by his media star parents, lenny kravitz may not have become the legendary musical performer known worldwide today. Their guidance allowed his talents to fully flourish and find the spotlight.
Lenny’s Mother Roxie Roker: Actress on The Jeffersons
Lenny Kravitz’s mother, the late Roxie Roker, was best known for her role as Helen Willis on the hit sitcom The Jeffersons from 1975 to 1985. Roker made history as the first African-American cast member on a primetime sitcom in a role not rooted in stereotypes.
Roker’s character Helen was married to Tom Willis (played by Franklin Cover), who was a white man – making the Willis family TV’s first interracial couple. This groundbreaking portrayal challenged assumptions at the time and helped pave the way for wider acceptance of interracial relationships on television.
Even after The Jeffersons ended, Roker continued acting in shows like A Different World and Cosby. She earned an Emmy nomination for her supporting role in the 1985 TV movie Do You Remember Love? Roker passed away in 1995 at age 66, but her legacy as a barrier-breaking actress lives on.
Lenny’s Father Sy Kravitz: Hollywood Producer
Lenny Kravitz’s father, Sy Kravitz, was a Jewish-American TV producer from Brooklyn, NY. He had a successful career in Hollywood that included working on hits like The Jeffersons, where he met Roxie Roker.
Sy Kravitz wrote, produced, and directed TV shows throughout the 1960s to 1980s. Some of his major credits were producing Get Christie Love! – one of the first shows centered around a black female lead character – along with Soap, Benson, and Sanford.
Behind the scenes, Sy Kravitz helped boost diversity in Hollywood by advocating for more inclusive casting and writing. He and Roxie were committed to breaking barriers through their art.
Sy and Roxie eloped in 1962, a time when interracial marriage was still illegal in parts of the country. Sy Kravitz died in 2005 at age 82, recognized for his creative productions and devotion to Roxie.
When Did Lenny Kravitz Come Out with His First Album?
Lenny Kravitz emerged onto the music scene in 1989, at age 25, with the release of his debut album Let Love Rule. He became known for fusing rock, funk, and soul into his unique style.
Kravitz had been playing piano, drums, and guitar since childhood alongside listening to idols like the Jackson 5. But it took years for his music career to gain traction.
After getting dropped from his first label Virgin Records in ’85, Kravitz had to reboot and rediscover his sound. Four years later, he landed a second chance with Virgin and created Let Love Rule – the album that finally put him on the map.
Hits like “I Build This Garden For Us” showcased Kravitz’s talent for writing catchy love songs blended with rocking guitars and horns. Critics praised the message of peace in his music.
Kravitz went on to release many successful albums over the next decades like Mama Said, Are You Gonna Go My Way, and Lenny. He became a global rock icon with a distinctive retro vibe paying homage to 60s and 70s artists who influenced him.
All About Lenny’s Siblings: TV Producer David Kravitz and Actress Lulu Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz has two younger siblings who have also pursued creative careers: brother David Kravitz and sister Lulu Kravitz.
David Kravitz followed in their father Sy’s footsteps into TV production. He has worked on popular sitcoms such as The Parkers, My Wife and Kids, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, and Cedric the Entertainer Presents.
Meanwhile, Lulu Kravitz inherited their mother Roxie’s passion for acting. She has had small roles in movies like The Rugrats Movie along with TV appearances on CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, and Private Practice.
Even though Lenny was already famous for his music when they started, his siblings found success in their own right rather than relying on his celebrity status. The Kravitz kids seem to all share the creative bug passed down from their parents.
Lenny Kravitz’s Four-Year Marriage to Lisa Bonet
From 1987 to 1993, Lenny Kravitz was married to actress Lisa Bonet, star of The Cosby Show and A Different World. Their relationship constantly made headlines.
Bonet eloped with Kravitz in Las Vegas on her 20th birthday after meeting him at a New Edition concert. At the time, Bonet was still married to fellow actor Lenard McKelvey, whom she divorced within a year.
Kravitz and Bonet’s conflicting career schedules put a strain on their relationship. But they found common ground in their love for music and had a daughter together named Zoë Kravitz in 1988.
After four years of on-and-off dating, Kravitz and Bonet split amicably. Despite the divorce, Kravitz admitted in his memoir that Bonet remained his best friend and “a huge spiritual force” in his life.
Their closeness even after the marriage ended was evident when Bonet attended Kravitz’s concerts with their daughter. The two remain friends and co-parents to Zoë today.
Facts About Lenny’s Celebrity Daughter Zoë Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz’s daughter with Lisa Bonet, Zoë Kravitz, has become a star herself as an actress, model, and musician. Born in 1988, she went into show business like both her parents.
Some quick facts about Zoë:
- Her first major acting role was as Angel Salvadore in 2011’s X-Men: First Class.
- She has appeared in Divergent, Mad Max: Fury Road, HBO’s Big Little Lies, and portrayed Catwoman in The Batman.
- Besides acting, she fronts the alternative band Lolawolf and also models for brands like Saint Laurent.
- Zoë got married in 2019 to actor Karl Glusman, but they divorced in 2021.
- She remains very close to Lenny and often posts throwback photos with him on Instagram for his birthday and Father’s Day.
It’s clear creativity and talent run deep in the Kravitz genes!
Lenny Kravitz’s Net Worth After Decades of Musical Success
Lenny Kravitz has racked up an impressive net worth thanks to his many hit albums and tours over the last 30+ years. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Kravitz is estimated to have around $90 million as of 2024.
Kravitz earns millions from selling out huge concert venues on tours. His 2011 “Black and White America World Tour” reportedly grossed around $30 million. And he owns valuable real estate like a farm estate in Brazil worth $8 million.
With homes in Paris and the Bahamas too, Kravitz lives a luxurious lifestyle supported by his decades as one of rock music’s biggest names. He continues to earn thanks to new ventures like his furniture and design company (Kravitz Design) and his creative agency (Kravitz Media).
Not just a talented musician, Kravitz is a savvy businessman too – ensuring his star status and wealth will keep rising in the years ahead.
Lenny Kravitz Turns 60!
After celebrating over 30 years in the spotlight, Lenny Kravitz reached a major personal milestone in May 2024 when he turned 60 years old.
Kravitz was born on May 26, 1964 in New York City. Even though he’s now a grandfather thanks to his daughter Zoë, he remains an active rocker appearing way younger than his age.
To honor his 60th birthday in 2024, Kravitz announced he would get back on tour for the first time in a few years. His concerts remain as energetic as ever, packed with his classic hits and displaying that electric guitar showmanship he’s known for.
Off stage, Kravitz spends time at his homes in Brazil and Paris, often sharing snippets of his adventures via Instagram. But he seems busier than ever at 60 with big acting roles and new business ventures beyond just music.
Lenny Kravitz has seamlessly transitioned from rock star heartthrob into a respected veteran artist with decades of continued success. And with his endless creative drive, there are surely more landmark birthdays and achievements ahead for this iconic singer.
Conclusion
Lenny Kravitz has lived an extraordinary life in the spotlight while staying deeply connected to his family roots. Born to famous creative parents, Kravitz forged his own path in the music world thanks to their inspiration. He married a TV star and raised an actress daughter, keeping show business running through his veins.
Even after decades of stardom, Kravitz continues evolving his art and sound. He pays tribute to the rock legends before him while mellowing into his 60s with the same cool style. Kravitz may have come from fame, but his talent and drive are all his own.
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Are Lenny Kravitz’s parents still alive?
No, unfortunately both of Kravitz’s parents passed away in the 1990s. His mother Roxie Roker died in 1995 and father Sy Kravitz in 2005. But their legacy lives on through Lenny and his siblings.
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What instruments does Lenny Kravitz play?
Kravitz is a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist. He commonly plays electric guitar, bass, drums, piano, organ and synthesizer on his albums and at concerts.
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How many Grammy Awards has Lenny Kravitz won?
In total across his career, Lenny Kravitz has won 4 Grammy Awards out of 21 nominations. His first win was in 1999 for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
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What actors play Lenny Kravitz’s parents in movies?
In 2021’s The Batman, Andrika Peartree and Allen Maldonado portrayed young versions of Roxie Roker and Sy Kravitz in flashback scenes with Jeffrey Wright as the older Lenny.
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Who is Lenny Kravitz’s son?
Lenny Kravitz has one child – his 30 year old daughter Zoë Kravitz, who is also an actress and musician. Zoë is his only child from his marriage to Lisa Bonet.