Cher

Who Is Cher?

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, is an iconic American singer, actress, and cultural figure who rose to fame in the 1960s. She first gained widespread attention as part of the musical duo Sonny & Cher, alongside her husband Sonny Bono. Their hit single “I Got You Babe” reached No. 1 on the charts, and they later starred together on the popular TV show The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.

Beyond her partnership with Sonny, Cher established a successful solo career, producing chart-topping singles such as “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” “Half-Breed,” and “Dark Lady.” In the 1980s, she transitioned to acting, starring in critically acclaimed films like Silkwood and Mask. Her role in Moonstruck earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Cher continued her music career with notable success in the ’80s, embracing rock-influenced tracks. She later achieved global recognition with the dance anthem “Believe” in 1998, which showcased her pioneering use of auto-tune. After a successful Las Vegas concert residency at Caesars Palace, she released her first studio album in 12 years, Closer to the Truth, in 2013. In 2018, Cher made a celebrated return to film with her appearance in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Early Life

Cher was born on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California. Raised by her mother, Georgia Holt, a model and actress, Cher grew up in the San Fernando Valley with her younger half-sister, Georganne. Despite financial struggles, which at one point led Cher to briefly live in an orphanage, she was drawn to the world of entertainment from a young age. She developed her passion for the arts during her school years, participating in acting and other creative activities.

Sonny and Cher

At the age of 16, Cher left high school and moved to Hollywood. She soon met Salvatore “Sonny” Bono, who was working as a protégé of legendary producer Phil Spector. Their relationship evolved both personally and professionally. Cher contributed as a backup singer on several Spector-produced hits, including the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby.” Although Sonny initially wasn’t romantically interested, the two eventually fell in love and married on October 27, 1964. Together, they created one of the most memorable musical and television partnerships of the era.

Rise to Fame with “I Got You Babe”

Sonny and Cher, a duo with a distinctive bohemian and countercultural style, found early success after working on their act. In 1965, they achieved a monumental breakthrough with their chart-topping single “I Got You Babe” under the Atco label. The pair continued to release popular songs, including “Baby Don’t Go,” the socially-conscious “The Beat Goes On,” “Little Man,” and “What Now My Love.” Simultaneously, Cher pursued a solo career, signing with Imperial Records. She gained recognition with releases such as Bob Dylan’s “All I Really Want to Do” and her first top 5 solo single, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).”

Television Success and Financial Struggles

By the late 1960s, Sonny and Cher faced declining musical success and significant financial difficulties due to IRS debts. In response, they shifted to a cabaret act, showcasing a more mature image with comedic banter. This led to a summer replacement show on CBS, which eventually evolved into their own variety show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, in 1971. The Emmy-nominated show, which ran until 1974, revitalized their music career with hits like “All I Ever Need Is You” and “A Cowboy’s Work Is Never Done.”

Despite their on-screen chemistry, off-screen tensions grew, with Cher later describing Sonny as rigid and controlling in business matters. The couple divorced in 1975, and Cher launched her own successful, Emmy-nominated Cher show from 1975 to 1976.

Cher’s Solo Career

Cher began to carve out a solo career in the 1960s, known for provocative songs that embraced her outsider status. In 1967, she achieved a top 10 hit with “You Better Sit Down Kids,” singing from the perspective of a father explaining divorce to his children. In 1971, she released Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, which featured her first No. 1 solo hit, the title track. This song, along with others like “The Way of Love” and “Half-Breed,” addressed social themes such as family struggles and cultural identity.

Following her divorce from Sonny, Cher faced contractual limitations that temporarily hindered her performing career. However, with the help of executive David Geffen, she regained control of her finances and career. By the end of the 1970s, Cher re-emerged with the hit disco single “Take Me Home” from the 1979 album of the same name, re-establishing herself as a pop icon.

Cher’s Journey to Oscar Fame and Beyond

Cher began her serious pursuit of acting in the early 1980s, transitioning from her established music career to the silver screen. In 1982, she appeared on Broadway in Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, reprising her role in the film adaptation. She continued to gain respect for her performances, notably in Silkwood (1983), where she played Dolly Pelliker, Meryl Streep’s character’s lesbian roommate. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe. In 1985, Cher further solidified her acting credentials in Mask, where she portrayed a defiant mother of a son with a rare cranial condition, earning critical praise for her emotional performance.

A Triumphant Year: ‘The Witches of Eastwick’ and ‘Moonstruck’

1987 marked a pivotal year for Cher, as she starred in three major films. She appeared in the thriller Suspect, the supernatural comedy The Witches of Eastwick, and the romantic comedy Moonstruck. Her portrayal of Loretta Castorini in Moonstruck, a woman rediscovering her passion, won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. This role remains one of her most iconic and cemented her reputation as a versatile actress capable of deep, nuanced performances.

Return to Music: ‘Turn Back Time’ and MTV’s Controversy

Despite her film success, Cher never abandoned her music career. In 1987, she released a self-titled album that featured the hit “I Found Someone.” The following years saw even greater success with the 1989 album Heart of Stone, which included the hits “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “Just Like Jesse James.” The provocative music video for “If I Could Turn Back Time,” in which Cher performed in a sheer body stocking aboard a naval ship, caused a stir and was deemed so controversial that MTV limited its airplay to nighttime hours.

Throughout her career, Cher’s fashion choices have been as bold as her music and acting. Collaborating with designer Bob Mackie, she made headlines with her theatrical costumes, such as her famous feathered outfit at the 1986 Academy Awards, which she wore in protest over not receiving a nomination for Mask. Her daring style became a trademark, pushing the boundaries of both fashion and social norms.

Continued Success in Film and Music

Cher continued to showcase her versatility in both music and film through the 1990s and beyond. She starred in Mermaids (1990), alongside Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci, and Tea With Mussolini (1999) with an ensemble cast featuring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. Her musical success also soared, with her 1998 dance hit Believe revolutionizing the use of Auto-Tune and earning her a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. The album’s title track became a global sensation, marking Cher’s dominance in the dance music scene.

Las Vegas Residencies and Comeback Tours

Despite announcing a farewell tour in 2002, Cher returned to the stage multiple times, including a highly successful residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas starting in 2008. Her 2013 album Closer to the Truth was another critical success, featuring dance hits like “Woman’s World” and “I Walk Alone.”

Awards and Cultural Impact

Over the years, Cher has won multiple awards, including three Emmys for her 2003 live performance special Cher: The Farewell Tour. In 2017, she was honored with the Billboard Icon Award, acknowledging her remarkable influence on pop culture. That same year, she launched her Classic Cher show in Las Vegas, continuing to thrill audiences with her signature style and performances.

Cher’s Influence in the Entertainment Industry

Cher’s longevity in the entertainment industry is a testament to her adaptability and talent. From her early acting roles in Silkwood and Moonstruck to her musical hits like Believe, Cher remains a force to be reckoned with. Her bold fashion statements, trailblazing use of technology in music, and powerful performances in film have made her a cultural icon whose influence spans generations.