Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, is an American singer, actress, and television personality. Often referred to simply as "Cher," she has become an icon in the entertainment industry, known for her distinctive contralto singing voice and her extensive career spanning over six decades.
Born in El Centro, California, Cher grew up in a family with Armenian heritage from her father's side and diverse ethnic backgrounds from her mother. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she faced numerous challenges in her childhood, including poverty and frequent relocations.
Cher's career began in the 1960s when she met Sonny Bono, who would become her musical and life partner. Together, they formed the duo Sonny & Cher, gaining fame with their hit single "I Got You Babe" in 1965. This song became emblematic of the era, and their television show, "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," further cemented their popularity.
After her split from Sonny Bono, Cher embarked on a solo career. Her transition to a solo artist was marked by the release of albums like "Take Me Home" and "I Paralyze," but her career reached new heights with the release of "Believe" in 1998. This album featured the title track, which became an international hit and introduced the world to the use of Auto-Tune in pop music.
Alongside her music career, Cher has had a prolific acting career, starring in films such as "Moonstruck" (1987), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Other notable films include "Mask" (1985) and "The Witches of Eastwick" (1987).
Cher has also made significant contributions to television, with shows like "Cher" (1975-1976) and her iconic performances at events like the MTV Video Music Awards. On stage, she starred in productions like "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean."
Cher's enduring influence in music, film, and fashion has made her a cultural icon. Her ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes, from folk to disco, rock, and dance-pop, showcases her versatility. She is often noted for her reinvention, maintaining relevance through multiple decades, and her advocacy for various causes, including AIDS research and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.