Do You Believe These 14 Facts About Cher?

Cher, the legendary singer and actress, has captivated audiences for decades with her unique voice, bold fashion, and larger-than-life personality. Despite her long-standing fame, there are still many surprising and little-known facts about her life. Here are 14 facts that will deepen your appreciation for the one and only Cher.

1. Her Name Has Changed Several Times

Born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, Cher has gone through multiple name changes throughout her career. She started with the stage name Bonnie Jo Mason before becoming famous as part of Sonny & Cher. Eventually, she simplified her name to just Cher, making it as iconic as the star herself.

2. A Difficult Childhood

Cher's early life was marked by significant hardship. Growing up in poverty, her family struggled so much that she used rubber bands to hold her shoes together. At one point, her mother had to leave Cher and her sister at a Catholic orphanage due to financial difficulties, an experience that left a lasting impact.

3. She Was a Child Star

Before she became a music icon, Cher appeared on television as a kid. Thanks to her mother's connections, she and her sister landed roles as extras on shows like "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet."

4. An Oscar-Winning Actress

Not content with just dominating the music world, Cher also conquered Hollywood. Her role in "Moonstruck" earned her an Academy Award^® for Best Actress in 1988, making her one of the few entertainers to achieve success in both music and film.

5. Turned Down Elvis Presley

After her divorce from Sonny Bono, Elvis Presley invited Cher to join him in Las Vegas. Surprisingly, she turned down the invitation, a decision she later admitted she regretted.

6. She Helped Redefine Pop Fashion

Cher's bold and often controversial fashion choices have made her a style icon. In the 1970s, her partnership with designer Bob Mackie resulted in some of the most memorable red carpet looks in history, including the infamous feathered headdress she wore to the 1986 Oscars.

7. She Has Faced Health Challenges

In the mid-1980s, Cher was diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr virus, which left her unable to work for two years. During this time, she turned to infomercials to make ends meet, a move that was misunderstood by the public and led to a temporary dip in her popularity.

8. A Rocky Relationship With Her Son

Cher has had a tumultuous relationship with her son Elijah Blue, who struggled with substance abuse from a young age. Their relationship became especially strained after Elijah eloped without Cher's initial support, leading to periods of estrangement.

9. She Overcame Dyslexia

Cher struggled academically as a child and eventually dropped out of high school at age 16. It wasn't until she was 30 years old that she was diagnosed with severe dyslexia, which helped explain her difficulties in school.

10. She Has an Unmatched Billboard Record

Cher holds the unique record of being the only artist to have a No. 1 hit on a Billboard chart in six consecutive decades. Her chart-topping hits span from the 1960s to the 2010s, showcasing her incredible longevity in the music industry.

11. Rejected a Role in 'Thelma & Louise'

Cher was offered the role of Thelma in the iconic film "Thelma & Louise" but turned it down to star in "Mermaids" instead. While "Mermaids" was well-received, fans still wonder what "Thelma & Louise" might have been like with Cher in the driver's seat.

12. She's Not Just a Diva — She's a Philanthropist

Beyond her entertainment career, Cher has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly focusing on veterans' issues. She has supported organizations like Operation Helmet, which provides safety equipment to soldiers, and has even testified before Congress on behalf of veterans.

13. Created the Autotune Craze

Cher's hit song "Believe" not only redefined her career but also brought autotune into the mainstream. The vocal effects were revolutionary at the time, and its influence can still be felt in pop music today.

14. Her Relationship With Sonny Was Not What It Seemed

While Sonny & Cher appeared to be the perfect couple on screen, their off-screen relationship was fraught with tension. After their split, Cher revealed that Sonny was controlling and manipulative, often restricting her access to their shared earnings.

From her humble beginnings to her status as a music and film icon, Cher's life is filled with surprising twists and turns. These 14 facts only begin to scratch the surface of what makes her one of the most fascinating and enduring figures in entertainment history.

References: Divalicious Facts About Cher | 11 Iconic Facts About Cher