Who is Emily Willis?
Emily Willis, born Litzy Lara Banuelos on December 29, 1998, in St. George, Utah, USA, is a former adult film actress, model, and social media influencer. She gained prominence in the adult entertainment industry starting in 2017, starring in over 700 films and earning multiple accolades, including the AVN Award for Female Performer of the Year in 2021. In 2019, she was named Penthouse Pet of the Month. Willis retired from adult films in 2021 to pursue mainstream acting and other entertainment ventures. She has also appeared in the sci-fi film Divinity (2022) and the music video for Slipknot’s “Hive Mind” (2023).
Early Life and Education
Emily Willis, born as Litzy Lara Banuelos on December 29, 1998, in St. George, Utah, had a humble beginning that shaped her into the multifaceted individual she is today. She grew up in a tight-knit family with a strong foundation in family values. Raised in the United States, her cultural background is rooted in Argentinian descent, which influenced her upbringing and perspective on life. From a young age, Emily was known to be an ambitious and driven individual, possessing a natural charisma that drew people to her.
Growing up in the Southwest of the United States, Emily spent much of her early childhood outdoors, exploring the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Her love for nature and adventure was cultivated through hiking, biking, and outdoor activities. She was also an active participant in sports, showcasing a love for physical activities and a strong commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle. Her athleticism and confidence translated well into her career later on, as she would become known for her energy and presence on screen.
In terms of her education, Emily attended high school in her hometown of St. George, where she excelled academically while simultaneously developing a strong interest in art and fashion. Though her academic accomplishments were notable, it was clear that she was destined for something more unconventional, which became evident after her high school years. She eventually chose to pursue modeling and entertainment rather than continuing on the traditional academic path. This decision would later lead her to a career in adult entertainment, followed by ventures into mainstream acting, modeling, and social media influence.
Emily did not attend college, opting instead to follow her passion for self-expression and creativity. This choice marked a pivotal moment in her life, one that would ultimately set her on the trajectory toward her current career. Despite her nontraditional path, Emily remains passionate about continuing her education through self-study and experiences gained throughout her career.
Childhood
Emily Willis, born Litzy Lara Banuelos, spent her early childhood in St. George, Utah, after immigrating from Argentina with her family. As a young girl, she was known to be adventurous, curious, and full of energy. Growing up in a conservative environment, Emily often felt at odds with the cultural norms around her, but this contrast fueled her independent spirit. Her upbringing was shaped by her Latin heritage, and she was raised bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English fluently. Emily has described her childhood as a blend of traditional family values and personal challenges, including adjusting to a new country and culture. These formative years played a major role in shaping her fearless attitude and willingness to pursue unconventional paths later in life. Despite financial constraints and the pressures of early adulthood, she remained determined to create a life of freedom, self-expression, and success.
Love Story
Emily Willis has largely kept her romantic life private, choosing to shield her relationships from the intense scrutiny of public life. However, she has shared glimpses into her love life over the years through interviews and social media. Known for her strong and independent personality, Emily has spoken about the importance of emotional connection and respect in a relationship. In the adult entertainment industry, navigating personal relationships can be challenging, but Emily has emphasized that honesty and communication are at the heart of any successful partnership. While she has not publicly confirmed any long-term partners or marriages, she has mentioned in interviews that she has experienced deep, meaningful connections in her life. Emily prefers to keep her love story private to protect both herself and her loved ones from public judgment and to maintain a healthy separation between her public and personal identities.
Family
Emily Willis comes from a family with a strong background of love and support. While her parents have largely remained out of the public eye, Emily has occasionally spoken about her close bond with them. Her father is of Argentinian descent, which explains some of her Latin heritage. This cultural background played a significant role in Emily’s upbringing, and she has often mentioned that it gave her a deep sense of pride in her roots.
Her mother has always been supportive of Emily’s choices, even as she navigated the nontraditional and often misunderstood career path in the adult entertainment industry. Despite the stigma that surrounds such a profession, Emily’s family maintained an unwavering support system throughout her career. This strong family foundation allowed her to take bold steps toward pursuing her passion, while also ensuring that she remained grounded and focused.
Emily has one sibling, a younger brother, and the family is known for being close-knit. Emily’s sibling has maintained a low profile, and there has been little public information about their personal life, as the focus remains on Emily’s career and personal endeavors. However, in interviews, Emily has occasionally mentioned that her brother is one of her biggest supporters and that their family dynamic is one of love and understanding.
Despite her rapid rise to fame, Emily has been able to maintain a sense of privacy when it comes to her family. This allows them to continue living their lives with relative anonymity, while Emily continues her journey in the public eye.
Personal Life
Emily Willis has always been open about her personal life and her desire to stay true to herself, both on and off screen. As someone who grew up in a small town, she embraced the challenges of leaving behind her comfort zone in order to pursue her dreams. Her personal life has been a blend of public success and private struggles, which she has been transparent about in interviews and on her social media platforms.
Known for her authenticity, Emily maintains a strong online presence across various platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. She often shares glimpses into her personal life, including her fitness journey, hobbies, and occasional travels. Her fans appreciate her honesty and relatability, as she frequently engages with them through direct messages and comments.
One notable aspect of Emily’s personal life is her commitment to fitness and well-being. She has a passion for strength training, yoga, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This passion for fitness is not only evident in her physique but also in the way she inspires her followers to prioritize their physical and mental health. Emily’s fitness routines and wellness tips are a recurring theme on her social media, where she encourages others to focus on self-care and body positivity.
In addition to her focus on fitness, Emily has been an advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken openly about her experiences with mental health challenges and how she has worked to overcome them. This openness has helped her build a strong connection with her audience, particularly those who have faced similar struggles.
Despite her career in adult entertainment, Emily has managed to maintain a level of privacy when it comes to her romantic relationships. She has been private about her dating life, opting to keep it out of the public eye. This has allowed her to maintain a sense of balance between her public persona and her personal life, enabling her to focus on her career without unnecessary distractions.
Detailed Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Litzy Lara Banuelos |
| Stage Name | Emily Willis |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1998 |
| Age | 26 (as of May 2025) |
| Birthplace | St. George, Utah, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Latin (Argentinian descent) |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 110 lbs (50 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Profession | Former adult film actress, model, influencer |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated between $1 million and $2 million |
| Social Media | Instagram: @emilywillisx3, TikTok: @realemilywillis, YouTube: @EmilyWillis |
| Awards | AVN Female Performer of the Year (2021), Penthouse Pet of the Month (2019) |
Career
Emily Willis’s career began in 2017 when she entered the adult entertainment industry. At the time, she was only 18 years old, and her decision to join the industry was driven by a desire for financial independence and the allure of exploring her sexuality in a professional capacity. She quickly gained attention for her striking beauty, athleticism, and professionalism, which led to rapid success.
Her early career was marked by an impressive number of film appearances, and she became known for her enthusiasm and commitment to her craft. Over the next few years, Emily’s career flourished, and she became one of the most sought-after performers in the industry. Her ability to connect with her audience and portray diverse characters in her films contributed to her success.
In 2019, Emily was named Penthouse Pet of the Month, a prestigious honor that recognized her status as one of the top adult film stars. She continued to build on this momentum, earning numerous award nominations and accolades, including the AVN Award for Female Performer of the Year in 2021. This recognition solidified her place among the most prominent figures in the adult entertainment industry.
Despite her success in the adult film industry, Emily made the decision to retire in 2021. This move allowed her to explore new opportunities outside of adult entertainment, including mainstream acting, modeling, and music video appearances. She starred in the 2022 sci-fi film Divinity and made an appearance in Slipknot’s 2023 music video for “Hive Mind,” marking a significant shift in her career.
In addition to her acting ventures, Emily has become a successful social media influencer, with millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. She has used her platform to promote brands, wellness products, and her own merchandise line, EmFatale. She has also established a presence in the fitness world, sharing workout routines and motivational content with her fans.
Throughout her career, Emily has managed to carve out a niche for herself, transitioning from adult entertainment to a more mainstream presence while maintaining her authenticity. Her work as a content creator and social media influencer continues to thrive, as she continues to evolve and expand her brand.
📊 Emily Willis Career Highlights Table
| Year | Milestone / Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Entered Adult Film Industry | Began career at age 18; quickly rose to prominence for performance quality. |
| 2018 | Gained Widespread Popularity | Starred in numerous high-profile scenes; began working with major studios. |
| 2019 | Penthouse Pet of the Month | Honored by Penthouse Magazine, increasing her visibility in the industry. |
| 2020 | Over 300 Films Completed | Recognized for work ethic and versatility; prolific performer. |
| 2021 | AVN Female Performer of the Year | Prestigious award from AVN; considered a top performer in adult industry. |
| 2021 | Retirement from Adult Films | Officially retired to pursue mainstream media and modeling opportunities. |
| 2022 | Mainstream Film Debut – Divinity | Appeared in experimental sci-fi film Divinity directed by Eddie Alcazar. |
| 2023 | Music Video Appearance – Slipknot’s “Hive Mind” | Featured in heavy metal band Slipknot’s music video, expanding mainstream reach. |
| 2024 | Health Crisis & Legal Battle | Suffered cardiac arrest; family filed a lawsuit against Malibu rehab center. |
| 2025 | Subject of Ongoing Legal and Media Attention | Emily remains in critical condition; her career has paused due to health. |
Would you like a visual timeline or infographic version of her career as well?
As of May 2025, former adult film star Emily Willis remains in a critical condition following a cardiac arrest she suffered in early 2024 while undergoing treatment at a Malibu rehabilitation center. Her family has filed a lawsuit against the facility, alleging negligence that led to her current state. Willis, whose real name is Litzy Lara Banuelos, was reportedly free of ketamine upon arrival at the center, and toxicology reports confirmed no drugs in her system at the time of the incident. Despite initial signs of responsiveness, including eye movement and occasional sounds, her condition has not significantly improved, and she is now under the care of her mother in Utah. The family’s lawsuit claims that the rehab center failed to provide adequate medical attention, resulting in permanent disability due to anoxic brain injury. Legal proceedings are ongoing as they seek accountability for the alleged lapses in care.
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Height and Physical Appearance
Emily Willis stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and maintains a slender physique, weighing approximately 110 lbs (50 kg). She has black hair and brown eyes, often styling her hair in various ways for her modeling and social media content. Her appearance has contributed to her popularity in both the adult entertainment industry and mainstream media.
| Platform | Username | Followers/Subscribers | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| @emilywillisx3 | 2.1 million | instagram.com/emilywillisx3 | |
| TikTok | @realemilywillis | 873.3K | tiktok.com/@realemilywillis |
| YouTube | @EmilyWillis | 945.9K | youtube.com/@EmilyWillis |
| Emily Willis | 316.4K | facebook.com/EmilyWillis |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Emily Willis’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million. Her income sources include her work in the adult film industry, brand partnerships, social media influence, and her clothing line, EmFatale. Despite her health challenges, she continues to have a significant online presence and business ventures.
Emily Willis’s journey from adult film star to mainstream media personality and entrepreneur showcases her versatility and resilience. Despite facing significant health challenges, she continues to inspire her fans and followers with her strength and determination.
FAQS
❓ What exactly happened to Emily Willis?
In early February 2024, Emily Willis suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for ketamine addiction at Summit Malibu, a rehabilitation center in California. She was found unresponsive and, despite resuscitation efforts, experienced prolonged oxygen deprivation, leading to severe brain damage. Her family has filed a lawsuit against the facility, alleging negligence and inadequate emergency care.
❓ What is the condition of Emily Willis?
As of May 2025, Emily Willis remains in a critical state, diagnosed with locked-in syndrome—a condition where she is fully conscious but unable to move or speak, except for limited eye movement. She is under the care of her family in Utah, requiring constant medical attention.
❓ Why did Emily Willis go into a coma?
Emily Willis entered a coma due to a cardiac arrest that occurred during her stay at a rehab facility. The cardiac event led to significant oxygen deprivation to her brain, resulting in a two-month coma and subsequent permanent disabilities.
❓ When did Emily Willis retire?
Emily Willis retired from the adult film industry between late 2022 and early 2023, after a prolific career spanning over 700 films since her debut in 2017. She stepped away from the industry to pursue opportunities in mainstream entertainment.
