Cher (singer) Biography: Husband, Kids, Age, Height, Net Worth, Songs, Albums, Movies, Costume

Biography

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, is a legendary American singer, actress, and television personality, widely known as the “Goddess of Pop.”

She rose to prominence in the 1960s as one half of the duo Sonny & Cher, gaining widespread acclaim with the hit I Got You Babe. Following her early success, she forged a dynamic solo career, delivering chart-topping singles like Believe and If I Could Turn Back Time.

Cher has become one of the most enduring figures in popular culture, renowned for her rich contralto voice, daring fashion choices, and remarkable ability to reinvent herself. Her accolades include a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and multiple Golden Globe wins—a testament to her versatility and talent across multiple forms of entertainment.

For over six decades, Cher’s career is a blueprint for longevity and artistic evolution, solidifying her status as a cultural icon and trailblazer in music, film, and television.

American singer and actress
Cher
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Cherilyn Sarkisian
Stage Name:	Cher
Born:	20 May 1946 (age 78 years old)
Place of Birth:	El Centro, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Montclair College Preparatory School
Height:	174 cm
Parents:	Georgia Holt, John Paul Sarkisian, Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere
Siblings:	Georganne LaPiere
Spouse:	Gregg Allman (m. 1975–1979), Sonny Bono (m. 1964–1975)
Boyfriend • Partner:	Gregg Allman (1975–1979), Sonny Bono (1964–1975), Ron Zimmerman (2010–2012), Tim Medvetz (2009–2013), Richie Sambora (1989–1990), Rob Camilletti (1986–1989), Tom Cruise (1985), Joshua Donen (1984–1986), Eric Stoltz (1984–1985), Val Kilmer (1982–1984), Les Dudek (1980–1982), Gene Simmons (1977–1980), David Geffen (1974–1975), Jeff Verilli (1961–1962), Eric Clapton (1995), Ron Duguay (1982), Paul Michael Glaser (1977), Anthony Kiedis (year unspecified), Warren Beatty (1963), Jon Peters (year unspecified), Tommy Lee (1988, rumored), Michael Bolton (1986, rumored).
Children:	Chaz Bono, Elijah Blue Allman
Occupation:	Actress • Singer
Net Worth:	$360 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, USA. Her heritage is richly diverse: her mother, Georgia Holt, was of English, German, Irish, and Cherokee ancestry, while her father, John Paul Sarkisian, was Armenian-American.

Cher was raised in a Christian household influenced by her mother’s Baptist faith. As an adult, she later embraced elements of Buddhism and New Age spirituality.

Georgia Holt (1926–2022) was a model, actress, and singer, while John Paul Sarkisian (1926–1985) worked as a truck driver and struggled with gambling and substance issues. Following their early divorce, Cher’s mother married banker Gilbert LaPiere, who adopted Cher and gave her the surname Sarkisian LaPiere. Cher also has a younger half-sister, Georganne LaPiere (born in 1951), the daughter of Georgia and Gilbert, who later pursued a career in acting.

Cher’s upbringing was marked by financial hardship and frequent relocations, which often disrupted her education. She attended schools such as Montclair College Preparatory School in Los Angeles but faced learning challenges, including undiagnosed dyslexia. At 16, she dropped out of high school to chase her dream of becoming an entertainer, enrolling in acting and dance classes in Hollywood while taking various odd jobs to support herself.

Growing up in a working-class environment, Cher was deeply influenced by her mother’s own aspirations in show business. Despite a turbulent childhood, her exposure to the entertainment world at an early age sparked a strong ambition to perform. By her mid-teens, she was singing in small clubs and eventually met Sonny Bono at age 16—an encounter that would catapult her into stardom.

Career

Cher’s illustrious career, spanning more than six decades, is a testament to her unparalleled versatility, reinvention, and enduring influence as a singer, actress, and television icon—earning her the title “Goddess of Pop.”

Her rise began in 1962 at age 16 when she met Sonny Bono in Los Angeles. The pair formed the folk-pop duo Sonny & Cher, blending bohemian style with chart-topping success.

Their 1965 breakout hit I Got You Babe reached No. 1 in both the U.S. and U.K., catapulting them to counterculture stardom. They followed up with albums like Look at Us and memorable tracks such as The Beat Goes On. Around the same time, Cher launched her solo career with early hits like Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) (1966), showcasing her signature contralto voice.

Although Sonny & Cher‘s popularity waned by the late 1960s, Cher’s solo efforts—such as You Better Sit Down Kids—helped sustain her relevance. Facing financial difficulties, the duo rebranded as television stars with The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1971–1974), an Emmy-winning CBS variety show highlighting Cher’s comedic timing, vocal talent, and iconic Bob Mackie-designed wardrobe. After their divorce in 1975, Cher headlined Cher (1975–1976) and reunited with Sonny briefly for The Sonny & Cher Show (1976–1977).

In her solo music career during the 1970s, Cher achieved massive success with hits like Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves (1971), Half-Breed (1973), and Dark Lady (1974), blending storytelling with pop and rock elements. By the early 1980s, she transitioned into film, earning acclaim in Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982) and Silkwood (1983), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.

Her performance in Mask (1985) earned her both a Golden Globe and the Best Actress award at Cannes, while her iconic role in Moonstruck (1987) won her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Cher’s musical resurgence continued with Heart of Stone (1989), which featured hits like If I Could Turn Back Time and Just Like Jesse James. She leaned further into dance-pop with Love Hurts (1991), but her 1998 album Believe marked a career-defining moment.

Its title track, famous for pioneering the use of Auto-Tune as a vocal effect, became a global No. 1 hit, earning her a Grammy Award and making her, at age 52, the oldest woman to top the Billboard Hot 100. The success of Believe fueled massive world tours, including Do You Believe?, renowned for its theatrical staging and elaborate costumes.

She followed with Living Proof (2001) and embarked on the Farewell Tour (2002–2005), which grossed over $250 million across 325 shows. From 2008 to 2011, she headlined Cher at the Colosseum, a Las Vegas residency blending music, dance, and spectacle. On screen, she returned in Burlesque (2010), earning a Golden Globe nomination for the ballad You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me. Her 2013 album Closer to the Truth featured Woman’s World and was supported by the Dressed to Kill Tour.

In 2023, Cher released Christmas, her first holiday album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart. Even in her later years, she performs selectively and remains active in advocacy, particularly for animal rights and veterans.

In 2024, Cher was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a milestone that coincided with the release of her memoir Cher: The Memoir, Part One. A second volume and a biopic are currently being developed.

With over 100 million records sold, Cher remains the only artist to have a No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 in six consecutive decades (1960s–2010s). Her accolades include an Oscar, a Grammy, an Emmy, three Golden Globes, and the Billboard Icon Award—cementing her as one of the most decorated and enduring figures in entertainment history.

Social Media

• Instagram: Cher (@cher)
• Facebook: Cher
• IMDb: Cher
• YouTube: Cher
• Twitter: Cher (@cher)
• Wikipedia: Cher

Personal Life

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, has long fascinated the world—not only with her legendary career but also with a vibrant personal life filled with high-profile relationships, two marriages, and a deep family connection.

Cher is 78 years old and remains a striking presence in pop culture. Standing at 5 feet 8½ inches (174 cm), her statuesque figure has contributed to her commanding stage presence and distinctive style, often brought to life by designer Bob Mackie.

Cher has been married twice, leaving both unions lasting in her life and career. Her first marriage was to Sonny Bono—her musical partner in Sonny & Cher—from October 27, 1964, to June 26, 1975. Together, they achieved fame with hits like I Got You Babe, but their marriage was strained by Bono’s controlling behavior and infidelity. Despite their eventual divorce, the pair remained professionally connected for a time.

Her second marriage was to Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band, from June 30, 1975, to January 16, 1979. Though their relationship was turbulent—largely due to Allman’s substance abuse—they collaborated musically on the 1977 album Two the Hard Way and remained on amicable terms until his passing in 2017.

Cher is the mother of two sons, one from each marriage. With Sonny Bono, she welcomed Chaz Bono (born Chastity Sun Bono) on March 4, 1969. Chaz came out as transgender in 2008 and transitioned to male, becoming a prominent actor, writer, and LGBTQ+ advocate.

With Gregg Allman, she had Elijah Blue Allman, born July 10, 1976, who leads the industrial rock band Deadsy. Cher has spoken candidly about her relationships with her sons—deeply loving, though at times complex. She notably supported Chaz through his gender transition and has remained involved in Elijah’s life through his personal challenges.

Over the decades, Cher’s love life has included a string of high-profile relationships, reflecting her magnetic personality and fearless approach to love. Early in her life, she dated Jeff Verilli (1961–1962), followed by David Geffen (1974–1975), who supported her through her divorce from Bono. Other relationships include Gene Simmons (1977–1980), Les Dudek (1980–1982), Val Kilmer (1982–1984), Eric Stoltz (1984–1985), Joshua Donen (1984–1986), and Tom Cruise (1985).

In 1986, she began a much-publicized relationship with Rob Camilletti, an actor and baker 18 years her junior, whom she met during Moonstruck filming. She later dated Richie Sambora (1989–1990), Tim Medvetz (2009–2013), and Ron Zimmerman (2010–2012).

Since 2022, Cher has been in a relationship with music executive Alexander “AE” Edwards, who is 40 years her junior. Due to the age gap, their romance has drawn public interest, but Cher has openly defended the relationship, emphasizing their mutual happiness and creative synergy. Although they were reported to have split in 2023, as of 2025, they appear to have reconciled or maintained a close connection, including musical collaborations.

Cher has also been linked—confirmed or rumored—to Warren Beatty (1963), Paul Michael Glaser (1977), Ron Duguay (1982), Eric Clapton (1995), Anthony Kiedis, and Jon Peters. Rumored flings include Tommy Lee (1988) and Michael Bolton (1986), though these remain unverified.

Net Worth

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, has an estimated net worth of $360 million, reflecting her six-decade career as a singer, actress, and television personality.

Her wealth stems from selling over 100 million records, with hits like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and her Oscar-winning role in Moonstruck. Additional income sources include Las Vegas residencies, tours like the $250 million-grossing Living Proof: The Farewell Tour, real estate investments, and ventures such as her 1988 fragrance Uninhibited.

Notable properties include a Malibu villa valued at $50–70 million. Despite financial setbacks, including losing millions from not securing songwriting credits for “Believe,” Cher’s savvy business decisions and relentless reinvention have solidified her fortune, though it trails peers like Madonna ($850 million) and Celine Dion ($800 million).

Discography

Studio Albums (Solo)

• All I Really Want to Do (1965)
• The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1966)
• Chér (1966)
• With Love, Chér (1967)
• Backstage (1968)
• 3614 Jackson Highway (1969)
• Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves (1971)
• Foxy Lady (1972)
• Bittersweet White Light (1973)
• Half-Breed (1973)
• Dark Lady (1974)
• Stars (1975)
• I’d Rather Believe in You (1976)
• Cherished (1977)
• Take Me Home (1979)
• Prisoner (1979)
• I Paralyze (1982)
• Cher (1987)
• Heart of Stone (1989)
• Love Hurts (1991)
• It’s a Man’s World (1995)
• Believe (1998)
• Not.com.mercial (2000)
• Living Proof (2001)
• Closer to the Truth (2013)
• Dancing Queen (2018)
• Christmas (2023)

Studio Albums (with Sonny & Cher)

• Look at Us (1965)
• The Wondrous World of Sonny & Chér (1966)
• In Case You’re in Love (1967)
• All I Ever Need Is You (1972)
• Mama Was a Rock and Roll Singer, Papa Used to Write All Her Songs (1973)

Studio Album (with Gregg Allman as Allman and Woman)

• Two the Hard Way (1977)

Compilation Albums (Selected)

• Cher’s Greatest Hits (1968)
• Golden Greats (1972)
• Greatest Hits (1974)
• The Very Best of Cher (2003)
• Gold (2005)

Notable Singles (Selected)

• “All I Really Want to Do” (1965)
• “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” (1966)
• “You Better Sit Down Kids” (1967)
• “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” (1971)
• “Half-Breed” (1973)
• “Dark Lady” (1974)
• “Take Me Home” (1979)
• “I Found Someone” (1987)
• “If I Could Turn Back Time” (1989)
• “Just Like Jesse James” (1989)
• “Believe” (1998)
• “Strong Enough” (1999)
• “Woman’s World” (2013)
• “I Hope You Find It” (2013)
• “DJ Play a Christmas Song” (2023)

Tours and Residencies

• Take Me Home Tour (1979–1982)
• Heart of Stone Tour (1989–1990)
• Love Hurts Tour (1991–1992)
• Do You Believe? Tour (1999–2000)
• Living Proof: The Farewell Tour (2002–2005)
• Cher at the Colosseum (Las Vegas residency, 2008–2011)
• Dressed to Kill Tour (2014)
• Classic Cher (Las Vegas residency, 2017–2020)
• Here We Go Again Tour (2018–2020)

Filmography

Movies

• Wild on the Beach (1965) – Herself (uncredited)
• Good Times (1967) – Herself/Chér
• Chastity (1969) – Chastity
• Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982) – Sissy
• Silkwood (1983) – Dolly Pelliker
• Mask (1985) – Rusty Dennis
• Suspect (1987) – Kathleen Riley
• The Witches of Eastwick (1987) – Alexandra Medford
• Moonstruck (1987) – Loretta Castorini
• Mermaids (1990) – Rachel Flax
• The Player (1992) – Herself (cameo)
• Prêt-à-Porter (1994) – Herself (cameo)
• Faithful (1996) – Margaret
• If These Walls Could Talk (1996) – Dr. Beth Thompson (segment director)
• Tea with Mussolini (1999) – Elsa Strauss
• Stuck on You (2003) – Herself
• Burlesque (2010) – Tess Scali
• Zookeeper (2011) – Janet the Lioness (voice)
• Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) – Ruby Sheridan

TV Shows

• The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1971–1974) – Co-host
• Cher (1975–1976) – Host
• The Sonny & Cher Show (1976–1977) – Co-host
• Cher… Special (1978) – Star
• Cher… and Other Fantasies (1979) – Star

Notable TV Appearances (Selected)

• The Ed Sullivan Show (1965–1969) – Performer
• The Merv Griffin Show (1967–1975) – Guest
• Laugh-In (1970–1972) – Guest
• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1968–1989) – Guest
• Saturday Night Live (1987, 1997) – Guest Host/Musical Guest
• Will & Grace (2000–2002) – Guest Star (as herself)
• Dancing with the Stars (2013) – Guest Performer
• The Voice (2013) – Guest Mentor

Television Films

• If These Walls Could Talk (1996) – Dr. Beth Thompson (also directed segment)

Other Works

Broadway and Theater

• Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982) – Sissy (Broadway debut)
• The Cher Show (2018–2019) – Producer (musical based on her life)

Books

• The First Time (1998) – Autobiography
• Cher: The Memoir, Part One (2024) – Memoir

Fragrance

• Uninhibited (1988) – Perfume line

Production and Directing

• If These Walls Could Talk (1996) – Co-director (HBO film segment)
• The Cher Show (2018–2019) – Co-producer (Broadway musical)

Awards and Honors (Selected)

• Academy Award: Best Actress for Moonstruck (1987)
• Grammy Award: Best Dance Recording for “Believe” (2000)
• Emmy Award: Outstanding Variety Special for Cher… Special (1978)
• Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Silkwood (1983), Best Actress for Moonstruck (1987), Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy Series for The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1974)
• Cannes Film Festival: Best Actress for Mask (1985)
• Billboard Music Award: Icon Award (2017)
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame