Emily Willis is an Argentine-American actress whose remarkable journey took her from a small town in Argentina to the heights of entertainment industry recognition. Born in 1998, she moved to the United States at age seven and eventually became one of the most awarded performers of her generation, winning Female Performer of the Year in 2021
. Her career spanned five transformative years before she transitioned toward mainstream cinema, appearing in the Sundance Film Festival film “Divinity.” Today, her story encompasses not just professional triumph but also personal resilience as she faces ongoing health challenges that began in 2024.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Litzy Lara Banulos |
| Known As | Emily Willis |
| Born | December 29, 1998 |
| Birthplace | Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine-American |
| Occupation | Actress, Model |
| Years Active | 2017 – 2022 |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Notable Work | Divinity (2023) |
Who Is Emily Willis?
Emily Willis is an Argentine-American actress and model who became one of the most recognized performers in the entertainment industry during her active years. Born in Argentina and raised in the United States, she built a remarkable career that spanned five years before transitioning toward mainstream entertainment projects.
Her journey from a small town in Utah to becoming an award-winning performer showcases a story of ambition, resilience, and transformation. Today, she’s remembered not just for her professional achievements but also for her courage in facing personal challenges.
This comprehensive biography explores every aspect of Emily Willis’s life—from her childhood in Argentina to her career milestones, awards, personal interests, and recent health struggles that have brought her story to global attention.
Early Life and Childhood in Argentina
Emily Willis was born on December 29, 1998, in Argentina. Her birth name is Litzy Lara Banulos, though she would later adopt her professional name. Growing up in Argentina, she experienced a childhood shaped by Latin American culture and Spanish language, which she continues to speak fluently.
Family Background
Emily’s early years were marked by significant family changes. Her parents separated when she was young, and her mother eventually married an American citizen. This marriage would prove to be a turning point in Emily’s life, setting the stage for her eventual move to the United States.
The family dynamics during this period were complex, with Emily navigating the challenges of a blended family while adjusting to the idea of leaving her homeland.
The Move to America
When Emily was just seven years old, her mother relocated the family to the United States. They settled in St. George, Utah—a small, conservative town in the southwestern corner of the state. This dramatic change from Argentina to a small American town represented a complete cultural shift for young Emily.
St. George, with its population of around 90,000 people, offered a vastly different environment from her birthplace. The town is known for its red rock landscapes, warm climate, and close-knit community. For Emily, adapting to American culture, learning English, and fitting into a new school system presented considerable challenges.
Growing Up in St. George, Utah
Emily’s childhood and teenage years in St. George shaped much of her personality and future ambitions. Despite the cultural differences, she gradually adapted to American life while maintaining her Argentine roots and Spanish language skills.
Childhood Activities
During her time in Utah, Emily developed a love for outdoor activities. She often went hunting and fishing with her father, experiences that gave her an appreciation for nature and adventure. These activities were typical of life in Utah, where outdoor recreation is deeply embedded in the culture.
These early experiences also taught her resilience and independence—qualities that would serve her well in her future career decisions.
Education and Early Work
Emily was an ambitious student who graduated from high school a year early, demonstrating her drive and determination. Her first job was at a local burger joint in St. George, where she learned the basics of work ethic and customer service.
After graduating early, Emily took on a door-to-door sales position with DirecTV in St. George. This role required confidence, communication skills, and the ability to handle rejection—all traits that would prove valuable in her future entertainment career.
The Decision to Leave Utah
After completing high school ahead of schedule, Emily made the bold decision to leave St. George and move to San Diego, California. She was seeking more opportunities and a different environment from the small-town atmosphere of Utah. San Diego offered the excitement and possibilities she craved as a young adult ready to explore the world.
In San Diego, she continued working in door-to-door sales while exploring what direction her life might take. It was during this period that she would encounter the opportunity that would change her life trajectory completely.
Career Beginnings: The Breakthrough Moment
Emily’s entry into the entertainment industry happened somewhat unexpectedly in 2017, when she was 18 years old. Living in San Diego and working in sales, she was actively dating and exploring the social scene through dating apps.
The Turning Point
Emily met someone named Andre Garcia (also known as Dre) through the dating app Tinder. Andre was involved with the company GirlsDoPorn, and after they began dating, he introduced her to the possibility of working in the film industry.
In her own words from interviews, Emily recalled the moment: “He had a site, Girls Do Porn and he asked if I wanted to do a film with him. I was so starstruck and I said, ‘Yeah, whatever, let’s do it!'”
First Experiences
Emily filmed her first two scenes in October 2017. She later admitted that while she was initially uncomfortable, she quickly discovered a passion for performance work. “I was really uncomfortable with it and after that, I fell in love with it,” she explained in an interview. “After my first 2 scenes with them, I decided I needed to do more. This needs to be in my life.”
This candid admission shows how Emily found her calling, despite the unconventional circumstances of her introduction to the industry.
Rising to Prominence: The Peak Years (2018-2022)
After her initial experiences in late 2017, Emily took a brief break from filming. However, she returned in February 2018 with renewed focus and ambition, moving to Las Vegas to fully commit to building her career.
Move to Las Vegas and Los Angeles
In early 2018, Emily relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada—a city with a significant entertainment industry presence. The move represented her full commitment to pursuing this career path. She later moved to Los Angeles, California, the heart of the entertainment industry, where she would spend her most productive professional years.
Los Angeles offered Emily the opportunity to work with major production companies, connect with industry professionals, and establish herself as a serious performer committed to her craft.
Professional Growth and Recognition
Between 2018 and 2022, Emily became one of the most sought-after performers in her field. Her professionalism, work ethic, and on-screen presence earned her respect from colleagues and industry professionals. She appeared in over 700 productions during her career, showcasing her dedication and popularity.
Her performances were characterized by authenticity and energy, qualities that helped her stand out in a competitive industry. Emily approached her work with professionalism, viewing it as a legitimate career rather than a temporary venture.
Penthouse Pet Recognition
In May 2019, Emily achieved a significant milestone when she was named Penthouse Pet of the Month. This prestigious recognition from Penthouse magazine marked her arrival as a major figure in the industry. The title came with photo spreads, interviews, and increased visibility that elevated her profile considerably.
Being selected as a Penthouse Pet represented validation of her appeal and marketability, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Transition to Mainstream Entertainment
As Emily’s career progressed, she began exploring opportunities beyond her established work. She expressed interest in transitioning to mainstream entertainment, including Hollywood films and television.
The Divinity Film Project
In April 2022, Emily was cast in her first mainstream role in the science fiction thriller film Divinity. Directed by Eddie Alcazar and produced by Steven Soderbergh, this represented a significant opportunity to showcase her acting abilities in a different context.
Emily played the character “Lynx” in the film, which also starred Scott Bakula and Bella Thorne. The movie explores themes of immortality, technology, and human nature through a stylized, visually striking narrative.
Sundance Film Festival Premiere
Divinity premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023—one of the most important events in independent cinema. Having a film premiere at Sundance is a major accomplishment, and Emily’s participation marked her entry into legitimate independent filmmaking circles.
The film received theatrical release in the United States on October 13, 2023, giving Emily her first major mainstream credit.
Critical Reception
Reviews of the film were mixed, but several critics specifically mentioned Emily’s performance:
- Writing for Paste magazine, Jacob Oller offered a critical view, mentioning Emily’s extended scene as “exhaustingly dull”
- However, Nadir Samara of Screen Rant praised the film and noted that performances by Emily and other actors “gave the film the tone that sets it apart from anything else you will see this year”
Regardless of the varied reviews, the role demonstrated Emily’s willingness to take risks and explore different aspects of her talents.
Music Video Appearance
In 2023, Emily expanded her portfolio further by appearing in the music video for “Hive Mind” by the Grammy-nominated heavy metal band Slipknot. This collaboration with one of rock’s most famous bands showed Emily’s appeal across different entertainment sectors and audiences.
The music video received significant attention and views, introducing Emily to Slipknot’s massive fanbase and showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Career Retirement Plans
According to her brother Michael, Emily left the industry in 2022 with plans to pursue mainstream entertainment opportunities in Hollywood and other fields. She expressed aspirations to continue acting in traditional films and television, leveraging the fame and recognition she had built.
This transition reflected Emily’s ambition and desire to evolve professionally, following a path similar to other performers who successfully moved into mainstream entertainment.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond her professional achievements, Emily Willis is a multifaceted individual with diverse interests and talents.
Family Relationships
Emily maintains a close relationship with her family, particularly her brother Michael, who has been vocal in supporting her, especially during difficult times. Her family members have appeared in her social media posts and have been important sources of emotional support throughout her career.
Her mother’s influence has been significant, having supported Emily’s decision to move to the United States and later respecting her career choices, even when they were unconventional.
Hobbies and Creative Pursuits
Emily has numerous interests outside of her professional work:
Ballet Dancing: Emily trained in ballet for 15 years, demonstrating serious commitment to the art form. Ballet training requires discipline, physical fitness, and artistic expression—skills that translated well to her performance career.
Writing and Journaling: Emily is an avid journal writer and has filled many diaries over the years. This introspective practice suggests a thoughtful, reflective personality that processes experiences through writing.
Reading: She maintains an impressive collection of books and novels, showing her intellectual curiosity and love of literature.
Outdoor Activities: Emily enjoys hiking, connecting with her childhood love of outdoor activities developed in Utah. She also practices yoga regularly and goes running to maintain physical fitness.
Painting: She has explored visual arts through painting, expressing creativity in yet another medium.
Languages and Skills
Emily is fluent in Spanish, maintaining her connection to her Argentine heritage. This bilingual ability has helped her connect with Spanish-speaking fans and maintain ties to her cultural roots.
She also has a unique talent for mathematics and remembering numbers, which she considers one of her “secret talents.” This analytical skill set might surprise those who only know her entertainment work.
Personal Habits
Emily has been open about certain personal habits:
- She consumes alcohol occasionally, in social settings
- She has acknowledged smoking
- She has mentioned being claustrophobic, which affects her comfort in enclosed spaces
These candid admissions show Emily’s willingness to be authentic about her life, avoiding the carefully curated persona that some public figures maintain.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
Like many public figures, Emily faced legal challenges during her career.
2021 Defamation Lawsuit
On October 12, 2021, Emily filed a $5 million defamation lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against fellow performers Gianna Dior and Adria Rae, along with 10 unnamed defendants.
The lawsuit stemmed from Twitter posts that Emily claimed contained false accusations against her. These posts allegedly accused her of inappropriate behavior with animals, claims that Emily vehemently denied as completely fabricated and damaging to her reputation.
Settlement and Resolution
In 2022, one of the defendants, Adria Rae, publicly apologized to Emily for the accusations. Following this apology, the lawsuit was settled privately between the parties, and Emily dropped the legal action.
The entire situation highlighted the challenges of maintaining reputation in the age of social media, where false claims can spread rapidly and cause significant harm to careers and personal lives.
Health Challenges and Medical Emergency (2024)
The most dramatic chapter of Emily’s life began in early 2024, when she faced a medical crisis that would change her life forever.
Seeking Treatment
In February 2024, Emily checked herself into Summit Malibu, a celebrity rehabilitation center in Malibu, California. She was seeking treatment for addiction to ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that she had been using.
Emily’s decision to seek professional help demonstrated courage and self-awareness, recognizing she needed support to overcome her addiction. Many people close to her supported this decision, hoping it would lead to recovery and a fresh start.
The Medical Emergency
On February 5, 2024, approximately one week after being admitted to the rehabilitation facility, Emily was found unconscious and unresponsive. She had suffered a cardiac arrest—a sudden stoppage of the heart.
Emergency services immediately transported her to a hospital in Thousand Oaks, California, where she was admitted for critical care. The cardiac arrest had deprived her brain of oxygen for a period of time, leading to serious complications.
Media Reports and Family Response
Initial media reports suggested Emily had suffered an overdose. However, her family publicly denied these reports, stating that the situation was more complex and that the circumstances surrounding her cardiac arrest were under investigation.
The family’s denial of overdose claims has become particularly relevant given their subsequent legal action against the rehabilitation facility.
Coma and Critical Condition
Following the cardiac arrest, Emily entered a vegetative coma. For weeks, she remained in critical condition, with doctors uncertain about her prognosis. Her family released updates describing her as “fighting for her life” and asking for prayers and support.
The medical situation was grave, with family members reportedly “bracing for the worst” according to Complex magazine’s reporting in March 2024.
GoFundMe Campaign
To help cover the extensive medical costs, Emily’s family launched a GoFundMe fundraiser. The campaign received support from fans, industry colleagues, and members of the public who were moved by her story.
Medical care for someone in a vegetative state is extraordinarily expensive, potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars for extended hospitalization, rehabilitation attempts, and ongoing care.
Recovery and Current Status (2024-2025)
Awakening from Coma
On April 15, 2024, Emily’s family shared hopeful news: after more than two months in a coma, Emily had awakened. She was showing signs of consciousness and was able to express some emotions, representing significant progress from her critical condition.
This update brought relief to many who had been following her situation, though the family was careful to note that the road to recovery would be long and challenging.
The Permanent Impact
Despite waking from the coma, the consequences of the cardiac arrest and oxygen deprivation proved severe. In January 2025, Emily’s family filed a lawsuit revealing the full extent of her injuries.
According to the lawsuit against Summit Malibu, the cardiac arrest and resulting lack of oxygen led to irreversible and debilitating brain damage. The legal documents describe Emily as “permanently disabled” due to the injuries sustained while under the facility’s care.
Current Communication
Recent reports indicate that Emily is now communicating primarily through eye movements. She remains paralyzed and uses her eyes to express thoughts and feelings—a heartbreaking change for someone who was so physically active and vibrant.
Spanish-language media reported in July 2025 that Emily “ended up paralyzed and communicating only through her eyes,” describing her current state and the dramatic change from her previous life.
Family’s Legal Action
In January 2025, Emily’s family filed a lawsuit for fraud and negligence against Summit Malibu. The lawsuit alleges that the rehabilitation center failed to provide adequate care and supervision, directly leading to Emily’s cardiac arrest and subsequent brain damage.
The family is seeking accountability and compensation for what they describe as preventable injuries caused by the facility’s negligence. The lawsuit remains ongoing as of October 2025.
Legacy and Impact on the Industry
Despite her career being cut short by medical challenges, Emily Willis left a significant mark on the entertainment industry.
Professional Achievements
Emily’s career accomplishments speak for themselves:
- Over 700 film appearances in five years
- Female Performer of the Year (2021)
- Multiple Performer of the Year awards from major organizations
- Successfully transitioned to mainstream entertainment with a Sundance Film Festival feature
- Collaborated with Grammy-nominated musicians
These achievements represent excellence in a highly competitive field where longevity and recognition are difficult to achieve.
Breaking Stereotypes
Emily’s story also challenged stereotypes. Her intelligence (mathematical talent, love of reading), artistic pursuits (15 years of ballet training), and multilingual abilities demonstrated that performers in her industry are complex individuals with diverse talents and interests.
Her transition plans toward mainstream entertainment showed that career evolution is possible, and that performers shouldn’t be defined solely by one aspect of their professional lives.
Inspiring Conversation
Emily’s medical crisis in 2024 sparked important conversations about:
- Addiction and the importance of seeking treatment
- Safety standards in rehabilitation facilities
- The challenges of recovery from brain injuries
- The importance of family support during medical crises
Her story has touched thousands of people who have followed her journey through news coverage and social media updates.
Public Reaction and Support
Throughout her medical crisis, Emily has received overwhelming support from various communities.
Industry Support
Many colleagues and industry professionals expressed support for Emily during her hospitalization. The entertainment community rallied around her, with performers, directors, and companies publicly offering prayers and financial support.
This response demonstrated the genuine connections and friendships Emily had built during her career, relationships that extended beyond professional interactions.
Fan Community
Emily’s fans created support groups on social media, shared updates about her condition, and contributed to her GoFundMe campaign. The outpouring of concern showed how her work had resonated with audiences who appreciated her authenticity and talent.
Mainstream Media Coverage
Major publications including Complex, TMZ, The Mirror, and numerous others covered Emily’s medical situation, bringing her story to audiences who might not have been familiar with her work. This coverage helped raise awareness about rehabilitation facility standards and addiction treatment challenges.
What We Can Learn from Emily’s Story
Emily Willis’s life journey offers several important lessons:
The Importance of Following Your Path
Emily’s decision to pursue an unconventional career despite growing up in a conservative small town shows the importance of following your authentic path, even when it differs from societal expectations.
Resilience and Adaptation
From immigrating to the US at age seven, to adapting to life in a small Utah town, to building a successful career, Emily demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout her life.
The Value of Seeking Help
Emily’s decision to seek treatment for addiction in early 2024 showed courage and self-awareness. While the outcome was tragic, her willingness to acknowledge she needed help remains an important example.
Family Support Matters
Throughout Emily’s medical crisis, her family—particularly her brother Michael—has been steadfast in supporting her, managing her care, seeking legal accountability, and keeping supporters updated. This family support has been crucial during the most difficult period of her life.
The Fragility of Life
Emily’s sudden medical emergency serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. At just 25 years old, she went from being healthy and planning her future to facing permanent disabilities. Her story emphasizes the importance of living fully and cherishing each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Emily Willis born?
Emily Willis was born on December 29, 1998, in Argentina. Her birth name is Litzy Lara Banulos.
How did Emily Willis come to the United States?
Emily moved to the United States at age seven when her mother married an American citizen. The family relocated to St. George, Utah, where she spent her childhood and teenage years.
What happened to Emily Willis in 2024?
In February 2024, Emily suffered a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment at a rehabilitation facility in Malibu. The cardiac arrest led to brain damage from oxygen deprivation, leaving her permanently disabled. She was in a coma for over two months before awakening.
What is Emily Willis nationality?
Emily is Argentine-American. She was born in Argentina but became an American resident when her family moved to the United States when she was seven years old.
Conclusion
Emily Willis biography is a story of remarkable transformation, professional excellence, and personal courage. From her beginnings in Argentina to her childhood in small-town Utah, from her unexpected career breakthrough to becoming an award-winning performer, Emily’s journey has been anything but conventional.
Her five-year career saw her reach the highest levels of recognition in her field, earning the respect of colleagues and the admiration of fans worldwide. Her willingness to pursue mainstream entertainment opportunities showed her ambition and desire for continued growth.