Coni Momoa is widely recognized as the devoted mother of Hollywood superstar Jason Momoa, but her own life tells a compelling story of artistic passion and resilient single parenthood. A talented photographer and painter born in 1951, she raised her son in Iowa after a brief marriage in Hawaii, instilling values of creativity and independence that shaped his global career.
Her journey from the Midwest to island encounters reflects a free-spirited wanderer who prioritized family amid personal reinvention. Coni Momoa‘s influence extends quietly through her art and unwavering support, making her a figure of quiet strength in celebrity family lore.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Coni Lemke Momoa (also Conni or Connie) |
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Norwalk, Iowa, USA |
| Parents | Delanie William Lemke (1929–2002), Mabel L. Hoult (1934–1997) |
| Heritage | German, Irish, Native American (Pawnee) |
| Occupation | Photographer, Painter, Artist |
| Ex-Spouse | Joseph Momoa (Hawaiian painter; divorced early 1980s) |
| Children | Jason Namakaeha Momoa (born August 1, 1979) |
| Grandchildren | Lola Iolani Momoa (b. 2007), Nakoa-Wolf Momoa (b. 2018) |
| Residence (Raised Son) | Norwalk, Iowa (12 years); originally Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Key Influence | Raised Jason Momoa as single mother; introduced him to art, skateboarding, climbing |
| Notable Mentions | Cameo in Guinness ad; featured in Jason’s Carhartt video; “superhero” per Jason |
| Current Status | Private life in Iowa; active artist |
| Marital Status | Single/divorced |
Who is Coni Momoa?
Coni Momoa, often spelled Conni Momoa or Connie Lemke Momoa, embodies the archetype of a multifaceted artist and nurturing parent. Born Coni Lemke on March 28, 1951, in Norwalk, Iowa, she pursued passions in photography and painting long before her son Jason Momoa became synonymous with Aquaman. Public interest in Coni Momoa surged with Jason’s fame, yet she maintains a low profile, sharing glimpses via family posts rather than seeking spotlight.
Her heritage blends German, Native American, and Irish roots, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry she passed to her child. Coni Momoa moved to Hawaii in the 1970s, where life took unexpected turns, leading to motherhood and relocation. Jason frequently credits her as his “superhero,” highlighting her role in introducing him to skateboarding, rock climbing, and artistic expression. This maternal bond underscores her legacy beyond fame.
As a single mother, Coni Momoa navigated challenges in Iowa, fostering Jason’s early interests while pursuing her creative outlets. Her work as a visual artist—capturing life’s nuances through lens and canvas—mirrors her observant, wandering spirit. Though private, occasional appearances like a Guinness commercial cameo reveal her supportive presence. Coni Momoa represents grounded artistry in a celebrity-adjacent world.

Early Life and Background
Coni Momoa‘s roots trace to Norwalk, Iowa, a small town where she was born into a predominantly white family on March 28, 1951. Little is publicly documented about her childhood, respecting the era’s limited records and her preference for privacy. Family names like Delanie William Lemke and Mabel L. Hoult surface as possible relatives, suggesting a close-knit Midwestern upbringing focused on community and simplicity.
In the vibrant 1970s, Coni Momoa ventured to Hawaii, drawn by adventure and cultural exploration. This move marked a pivotal shift, exposing her to diverse influences that shaped her artistic eye. Her time there introduced photography as a passion, blending technical skill with emotional depth. Pre-motherhood, she embodied a free spirit, traveling and capturing moments that later informed her worldview.
Returning to Iowa after personal changes, Coni Momoa adapted to single life while nurturing creativity. No siblings or parental details emerge publicly, honoring boundaries without speculation. Her early years built resilience, transitioning from youthful wanderlust to responsible artistry. This foundation proved essential for raising a future star amid modest means.
Career and Artistic Pursuits
Coni Momoa‘s professional life centers on visual arts, primarily as a photographer and painter. Unlike high-profile careers, hers thrives in personal studios and selective shares, emphasizing authenticity over commercial gain. Jason describes her as “an artist in every way,” praising her ability to wander, search, and see beauty in the ordinary.
Her photography captures raw human experiences, landscapes, and intimate family moments, often shared via Twitter or Jason’s Instagram. Painting complements this, with abstract and representational styles reflecting her mixed heritage. Though not gallery-famous, her work influences Jason’s aesthetic sensibilities, evident in his film choices and personal style. Coni Momoa‘s art remains a quiet passion, sustaining her independently.
Occasional public nods include a cameo in a Carhartt video where Jason honors her strength. She avoids mainstream media, focusing on craft over celebrity. This selective engagement highlights her as a behind-the-scenes creative force. Coni Momoa‘s career illustrates fulfillment through personal expression rather than accolades.
Family and Relatives
Coni Momoa‘s family narrative revolves around her son Jason Namakaeha Momoa, born August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She met Joseph Momoa, a Hawaiian painter of Native Hawaiian descent, in the islands during the 1970s. They welcomed Jason but divorced when he was an infant, prompting Coni Momoa to relocate to Iowa with her newborn. Joseph remained in Hawaii, where Jason visited summers, maintaining a bond.
As a single mother, Coni Momoa raised Jason alone for 12 years in Iowa, instilling discipline and creativity. She introduced him to extreme sports and art, shaping his rugged persona. Jason’s children—Lola Iolani Momoa (born 2007) and Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa (born 2018)—are her grandchildren via Jason’s marriage to Lisa Bonet (2017–2024). Coni Momoa enjoys close ties with them, appearing in family content.
No public records detail Coni Momoa‘s siblings, parents beyond names like Delanie and Mabel, or current partnerships; she is listed as single post-divorce. Relatives like Brian L. Keaulana (possible aunt/uncle) link to Hawaiian watersports, enriching family ties. Her role as matriarch remains central, supporting Jason’s career without intrusion.
Joseph Momoa‘s influence persists through cultural heritage, complementing Coni Momoa‘s nurturing. Grandchildren represent her legacy’s extension, blending Iowa roots with island vibrancy. Family dynamics emphasize cooperation despite separations, prioritizing Jason’s success.

Influence on Jason Momoa’s Life and Career
Coni Momoa profoundly shaped Jason Momoa‘s trajectory, from childhood adventures to Hollywood stardom. In Iowa, she exposed him to skateboarding and climbing, building physical confidence that translated to action roles like Aquaman (2018). Jason calls her his “Guinness partner,” sharing lighthearted bonds that ground his fame.
Artistically, Coni Momoa gifted him observant eyes, influencing projects like Dune (2021). Her single-mother resilience modeled perseverance, echoed in Jason’s interviews. During his 1990s move to Hawaii, her support eased transitions. Even amid rumors of tensions post his divorce, her presence at events like premieres reaffirms loyalty.
Coni Momoa‘s wanderer spirit inspired Jason’s global outlook, from Game of Thrones to Fast X. She attended his milestones discreetly, blending pride with privacy. This maternal imprint fosters his family-man image, crediting her for holistic growth.
Public Appearances and Private Life
Coni Momoa shuns publicity, surfacing rarely in Jason’s orbit. Notable is her Guinness ad nervousness, a cute family moment fans cherish. Social media glimpses on Jason’s platforms show her at beaches or home, capturing candid joy.
Post-2020, whispers of withdrawal followed Jason’s splits, but sources affirm her steady support. She resides in Norwalk, Iowa, maintaining routines amid light brown hair and brown eyes. Privacy defines her, with Twitter as a subtle outlet. Coni Momoa‘s life balances family spotlights gracefully.
Legacy and Personal Impact
Coni Momoa‘s legacy lies in quiet empowerment, raising a superstar through art and grit. Her influence permeates Jason’s ethos—strength, creativity, family. As a Christian of mixed ethnicity, she navigated divorce and relocation resiliently.
Her story inspires single parents and artists, proving impact without fame. Grandchildren extend this, blending cultures. Coni Momoa endures as Jason’s anchor in Hollywood’s chaos.
Conclusion
Coni Momoa weaves artistry and motherhood into an inspiring tapestry, elevating her son while cherishing privacy. From Iowa fields to Hawaiian horizons, her path exemplifies strength. As Jason thrives, Coni Momoa‘s foundational love shines enduringly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Coni Momoa?
- Coni Momoa is the mother of actor Jason Momoa, a photographer and painter born March 28, 1951, in Iowa.
What does Coni Momoa do for a living?
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