15 Crazy Facts About Cher: Her Disease, the Time She Stole a Car, and More

Cher has become known as one of the most iconic American musicians and actresses of all time. Her career has spanned more than six decades and within that time she has made a huge impact on the entertainment industry.

Between the beginning of her career alongside her then-husband, Sonny Bono, and her solo music and acting career, Cher has become one of the most influential musicians of all time. It should be no surprise that many people strive to know more and more about her than just the typical news.

Are you curious about some of the more interesting facts about Cher? Keep reading to learn more!

This legendary musician and actress has had such a successful career in the entertainment industry that makes you think she is much taller than she is. The singer and actress stands at about 5 feet 7 inches tall.

What is Cher’s Real Name?

Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro California to her father, John, who was a truck driver, and mother, Jackie Jean Crouch (known as Georgia Holt), an actress, singer, and model. She officially changed her name to just Cher in 1978.

Cher Made Her Television Debut When She was 8

When she was only 8 years old, she made an appearance on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which her mother secured for her and her sister.

This Legendary Musician Moved to Los Angeles at the Age of 16

Cher reportedly dropped out of high school when she was only 16 years old and moved to Los Angeles. Shortly after she moved to the city, she met Sonny Bono who was much older than she was.

She Sang Backup Vocals for The Ronettes

Before she began performing with Sonny Bono, her first claim to fame was singing backup for The Ronettes on some of their most popular songs.

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Cher Started Out Under Another Name

At the beginning of her career, before she became Cher, she went by the name, Bonnie Jo Mason. With this moniker, she released the single, “Ringo, I Love You” which did not end up doing as well as the superstar had hoped.

It is difficult to believe that Cher may not have been the superstar performer that she has come to be if it had not been for Sonny Bono. When she first started performing, Cher had severe stage fright and convince him to come onstage and perform with her.

It is widely known that Cher has two children from two different men. Her first child, Chaz Bono, is a product of her marriage with Sonny Bono. Her other son, Elijah Blue Allman, was a product of her marriage to Gregg Allman, of the Allman Brothers.

Did You Know that Cher is Also a Successful Actress?

In addition to her singing career, Cher has also found much success in the film industry. Some of the movies she is known for include: “Silkwood,” “Mask,” “Burlesque,” and many more.

Cher Has Had Relationships with Several Celebrities

In addition to her two marriages, Cher also has been known to have dated several famous men throughout her career. Some of these men included Gene Simmons, Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, and several others.

Did You Know Cher Has Dyslexia?

Throughout her school career, Cher struggled with both reading and math to the point that her grades suffered. While the educators stated that she was not living up to her potential, the truth was that she was suffering from Dyslexia and Dyscalculia.

She Once Had a Variety Show With Sonny Bono

During the time she was married to Sonny Bono, they not only performed together, but they also started a variety show. During the show, the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour produced about six episodes in which they sang, laughed, and hosted various celebrities.

Although she did not get into trouble much as a teen, she did once steal a car belonging to a friend of hers. While he was out running errands, she decided to take the car for a spin and to the drive-in theatre without permission.

The Iconic Singer was Once a Best-Selling Doll

During the time that Sonny and Cher were doing their iconic variety show, the toy maker, Mego, chose to create a doll based on the two. When these dolls were released, the Cher doll reportedly sold more historically than the Barbie doll.

She is the Oldest Female to Have a #1 Song

Most people know Cher to have released some major hits throughout her career, which has spanned more than six decades. But, did you know that at the age of 52, the release of “Believe” hit number one on the Billboard charts? This song made her the oldest female singer to have a hit song in history.

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