Jason Momoa’s parents, Joseph and Coni Momoa, played significant roles in shaping the actor’s life. Born on August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jason is the only child of the couple. His mother, Coni Momoa, hails from Norwalk, Iowa, while his father, Joseph Momoa, is of Hawaiian descent from Nanakuli.
The couple divorced when Jason was still an infant, and Coni moved with him to Iowa, where she raised him for the next 12 years. Despite the divorce, both parents remained involved in Jason’s life. Joseph, who grew up in a Quonset hut in Hawaii, and Coni, with her Midwestern upbringing, represented two contrasting cultural influences on Jason.
Jason’s early years were spent primarily in Iowa with his mother, as his father made periodic visits. However, when Jason was 12, he started spending his summers in Hawaii with Joseph and his Hawaiian family. Despite his desire to stay permanently in Hawaii, Joseph emphasized the importance of completing his education in Iowa before making such a decision.
During these summer visits, Jason connected with his Hawaiian roots, spending time with cousins and developing a passion for the ocean. Joseph imparted valuable life lessons to his son, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect for everyone, regardless of their role.
Joseph has expressed immense pride in Jason’s Hollywood success and shared his dreams and prayers for his son’s achievements. He highlighted the significance of Jason’s connection to the ocean, evident in his role as Aquaman.
Both parents have made appearances on Jason’s social media, with Joseph featured in a post during the premiere of the first Aquaman movie. They also maintain a tradition of visiting Zippy’s, a local restaurant in Hawaii, whenever Jason returns to spend time with his father.
Coni, whom Jason affectionately refers to as his “superhero,” played a crucial role in his upbringing as a strong single mother. In various social media posts and interviews, Jason has expressed gratitude for her hard work and sacrifices.
In 2021, Jason revealed the influence of Coni’s mother, Mabel, on his life. Mabel’s death in 2021 deeply affected Jason, who shared memories of her laughter and their close relationship.
Coni has occasionally joined Jason at star-studded events, including the Aquaman Los Angeles premiere and a taping of The Late Late Show with James Corden, where she met Julia Roberts.
In 2024, Jason and Coni appeared together in a Guinness commercial ahead of St. Patrick’s Day. The ad, highlighting Jason’s 2% Irish heritage, showcased the actor’s discovery and featured Coni waiting at a bar to give her son a warm Irish kiss.
Overall, Joseph and Coni Momoa have been influential figures in Jason’s life, contributing to his upbringing, values, and connection to his diverse cultural heritage.