Cherilyn Sarkisian (May 20, 1946) is an American singer, actress, and television personality. Often referred to by the media as the “Goddess of Pop“, she has been described as embodying female autonomy in a male-dominated industry. Known for her distinctive contralto singing voice and for having worked in numerous areas of entertainment, as well as adopting a variety of styles and appearances, Cher rose to fame in 1965 as one half of the folk rock husband-wife duo Sonny & Cher before launching a successful six-decade-long solo career.
Top Ten Facts You Didn’t Know About Cher
Cher’s done a little bit of everything. She’s blown up the pop charts, hosted a hit variety show, and even won an Oscar. Let’s take a look at five things you might not know about the woman who was born Cherilyn Sarkisian. Cher, a name synonymous with timeless talent and a career spanning decades, has captured the hearts of millions. In this article, we uncover the lesser-known facets of her life with the Top Ten Facts You Didn’t Know About Cher.
1. Oscar winner at 71
Forget “Believe,” Cher made us believe in second acts when she snatched the Best Actress Oscar at a remarkable 71 for “Moonstruck.” Not just a pop icon, she transformed into a heart-wrenching widow caught between duty and desire, proving age is just a number when it comes to raw talent and unforgettable performances.
This win wasn’t just a cherry on top; it was a juicy peach, showcasing Cher’s incredible range and defying Hollywood’s outdated narratives about aging actresses. So raise a glass of milk to Cher, the Oscar winner who proved once again that you can’t keep a good (and fiercely talented) woman down.
2. Dyslexia Queen
Crowned the “Dyslexia Queen,” Cher’s story isn’t just about music, movies, and feathers. Diagnosed at 30, dyslexia didn’t hold her back. Instead, she transformed it into a crown, advocating for learning differences while defying them. From Oscar wins to chart-topping hits across six decades, she proved brilliance comes in all forms. Cher, the Dyslexia Queen, rewrote the narrative, not just for herself but for every struggling kid, proving that sometimes the unexpected letters form the most powerful story.
3. Talk Show Trailblazer
Before Beyonce dominated with “Lemonade” and Oprah redefined daytime, Cher carved out a revolutionary space in the 1970s with “The Cher Show.” This groundbreaking variety show was a kaleidoscope of sequins, wit, and social awareness, featuring everything from drag queens and feminist icons to Sonny Bono duets and political parodies.
It was a platform for diverse voices, shattering expectations of “feminine” entertainment and proving that a talk show could be both outrageous and intellectually stimulating. With Cher’s infectious energy and fearless humor as the guide, “The Cher Show” blazed a trail for future generations of female hosts, proving that conversation could be as dazzling as a costume change.
4. Broadway Baby
Forget Sonny, Sonny! When it comes to Cher’s theatrical sidekicks, let’s give a standing ovation to fashion legend Bob Mackie. Together, they conquered Broadway in 2012, with Cher taking on the iconic role of Mama Morton in “Chicago.” Picture this: Cher, dripping in Mackie’s signature sequins and feathers, delivering side-eye like it’s a Grammy and belting out “If You Could See Her” with enough sass to silence Roxie Hart herself.
It was a match made in showbiz heaven, proving that Cher’s talent shines no matter the stage and that Mackie’s gowns are practically characters in themselves. This unexpected Broadway stint reminded the world that Cher was a triple threat—singer, actress, and fashion icon—and solidified her place as a true entertainment powerhouse. Who needs diamonds when you have Bob Mackie on your side?
Also, read: Top 10 Grammys of All-Time
5. Chart-Topping Chameleon
Cher defies the limitations of labels and genres. This musical chameleon has sashayed across the charts for six decades, leaving a trail of chart-topping hits in her wake. From the sun-kissed pop of the 60s with Sonny & Cher, to the disco inferno of the 70s with “Believe,” to the dancefloor anthems of the 90s with “If I Could Turn Back Time,” Cher has effortlessly reinvented herself with each era, captivating audiences with her ever-evolving sound.
Whether belting out power ballads or cooing over infectious dance grooves, Cher’s undeniable vocal prowess and fearless approach to music solidify her place as a true pop icon.
6. Political Prowess
While Cher’s dazzling career in music and film dominates her public image, her involvement in the political world runs deep. She’s not just a celebrity lending her voice, but a passionate advocate who tackles LGBTQ+ rights head-on. From lobbying for marriage equality to challenging discriminatory legislation, Cher consistently utilizes her platform to push for inclusivity and social justice.
Her 2003 mayoral run in San Francisco, though unsuccessful, cemented her commitment to public service and sparked further political engagement. Whether rallying alongside activists or speaking out on social media, Cher proves that her political prowess adds another powerful layer to her multifaceted legacy.
7. Behind the Beads
Behind the sequins and soaring ballads, Cher unveils another hidden talent: a passionate and meticulous jewelry artist. Her world thrives beyond the stage, adorned with vibrant beads woven into intricate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. These aren’t mere accessories; they’re bold splashes of color and texture, meticulously crafted one bead at a time, each showcasing Cher’s creativity and love for self-expression. From playful pom-poms to intricately woven gems, these beaded creations stand as a testament to her boundless artistry, adding a captivating facet to the ever-evolving legend of Cher.
8. Animal Activist
Beyond the sequined gowns and iconic hits, Cher’s heart beats for a different kind of spotlight: animal welfare. Though her love for creatures big and small has always been present, her journey as an activist truly took flight in 2016 when she encountered Kaavan, the “world’s loneliest elephant,” confined to a Pakistani zoo.
Fueled by empathy and indignation, Cher co-founded Free the Wild, a non-profit dedicated to animal liberation. For years, she tirelessly campaigned for Kaavan’s release, raising awareness through social media, interviews, and even composing the song “Walls” to amplify his plight. Finally, in 2020, her efforts bore fruit: Kaavan was airlifted to a Cambodian sanctuary, where he now frolics in lush greenery with other rescued elephants.
9. Business Savvy
Beyond the boas and belting voice, Cher’s a shrewd businesswoman. She’s amassed an empire through savvy investments, fragrance lines like the iconic “Uninhibited,” and even her own Las Vegas casino! Her early experiences managing Sonny and Cher’s finances honed her instincts, leading her to become a brand unto herself, licensing everything from wigs to slot machines. From owning perfume companies to negotiating lucrative Las Vegas residencies, Cher proved that behind the glitter and glamour, there’s a sharp mind always calculating her next move.
10. Forever Evolving
From teenage pop star with Sonny to solo disco diva, Broadway belter to Oscar-winning actress, Cher’s artistry has defied definition for over six decades. A queen of reinvention, she’s danced through genres like sequins for decades, embracing new sounds and styles with boundless energy. Her meteoric rise, fearless reinvention, and unwavering social conscience cement her place as an icon—not just of pop music but of relentless evolution, proving that age is just a number and a fabulous costume change away. So, keep your eyes peeled, world, because who knows what dazzling persona Cher will unveil next?
FAQs
Q: For how many decades did Cher have a No. 1 song?
Cher is the only artist in history to have a No. 1 song on a Billboard chart in six consecutive decades, from the 1960s to the 2010s!
Q: What awards did Cher win for her acting?
Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1988 for “Moonstruck” and has been nominated numerous other times for both film and television roles.
Q: Was Cher ever diagnosed with dyslexia?
Yes, Cher was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 30. She became a vocal advocate for learning disabilities and even starred in a PSA about it.
Q: Has Cher hosted any television shows?
Cher hosted her variety show, “The Cher Show,” from 1975 to 1978. It was known for its outrageous costumes, diverse guests, and Cher’s signature humor.
Q: Is Cher involved in any charities or activism?
Cher is a passionate advocate for many social causes, particularly LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare. She has worked with numerous organizations and even ran for mayor of San Francisco in 2003.
Q: What’s Cher like in real life?
Cher is known for her wit, humor, and down-to-earth personality. She’s also incredibly generous with her time and resources, supporting various causes she believes in.
