Cher, one of the most recognizable names in entertainment, has lived a life full of remarkable highs and devastating lows. Despite a tough upbringing, she managed to transform herself into an international superstar. Now 77 years old, Cher continues to stun the world with her talent, beauty, and resilience. Her story is not just about fame, but about overcoming adversity, finding strength in hardship, and building an enduring legacy.
Born in 1946 in El Centro, California, Cher entered the world as Cherilyn Sarkisian. Her mother, Georgia Holt, was a free-spirited actress, singer, and songwriter who married six times to five different men. Despite the instability in her personal life, Georgia was determined to raise her daughters on her own. Cher and her half-sister, Georganne, often saw their mother struggle to make ends meet. At one point, Georgia made the heartbreaking decision to place them in an orphanage temporarily while she searched for work.
Cher’s father, John Sarkisian, was an Armenian-American truck driver who was largely absent from her early life. She didn’t meet him until she was eleven years old. Despite his troubled past, Cher recalled him as being kind during their brief encounters.
Her childhood was far from easy. Cher battled dyslexia, which made school an uphill climb. Numbers and letters seemed to blur together, making learning a challenge. But her mother’s encouragement helped her press on. Georgia assured her daughter that she didn’t need to worry too much about academics. “When you’re older,” Georgia told her, “someone else will read the numbers for you.”
By sixteen, Cher was ready to carve her own path. She moved to Hollywood, fueled by a passion for the arts and a determination to succeed. It wasn’t long before she crossed paths with Salvatore “Sonny” Bono, a 27-year-old aspiring songwriter. Though Sonny wasn’t a gifted singer, he was a talented writer and recognized Cher’s incredible voice. They became musical partners, and soon after, romantic partners as well.
Together, Sonny and Cher became one of the most beloved duos in entertainment. Their hit song “I Got You Babe” catapulted them to international fame in 1965. They also hosted their own variety show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, charming audiences with their music and humor. Despite their success, things behind the scenes were not as harmonious. Sonny maintained tight control over their finances, taking 95% of their earnings, while Cher was left with very little after legal fees. Their marriage ended in 1975 after more than a decade together, and Cher had to pay Sonny $2 million as part of their divorce settlement.

Still, Cher refused to give up. She launched her solo career and, by 1971, she scored her first solo number-one hit with “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves.” She followed that success with chart-toppers like “Half-Breed” and “The Way of Love.” Her ability to reinvent herself kept her relevant through the decades, and her hit “Take Me Home” became another fan favorite in 1979.
But Cher wasn’t satisfied with just being a singer. In the 1980s, she turned her attention to acting. Her role in Silkwood (1983) earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe. Four years later, she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in Moonstruck. Even with her acting accolades, Cher always returned to music, releasing unforgettable tracks like “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Strong Enough,” and her groundbreaking 1998 hit “Believe,” which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
Over the years, Cher has sold more than 100 million records. She’s been honored with an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, three Golden Globes, a Billboard Icon Award, and a Cannes Film Festival Award. With 26 studio albums, three live albums, two soundtrack albums, and 10 compilation albums, Cher’s career spans over six decades. Her ability to make comebacks has solidified her as one of the most successful musicians in history.

In May 2023, Cher turned 77, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. She often jokes that she doesn’t feel old and can’t believe she’s nearing 80. “I’ll still be wearing jeans and have long hair when I’m 80,” she once said, crediting her youthful appearance to good family genes and an active lifestyle. Her signature long, dark hair remains untouched by gray, and her energy is as vibrant as ever.
Cher has two children. Her first child, Chastity Bono, was born during her marriage to Sonny Bono. Chastity later transitioned and became Chaz Bono. Cher later married musician Gregg Allman, and together they had a son, Elijah Blue Allman, born in 1976.
Even today, Cher continues to tease new music and projects on social media. She’s also working on her long-awaited memoir, reflecting on her incredible life and career. While she isn’t married at the moment, Cher remains surrounded by family and friends and has never lived a lonely life.
Cher’s journey from a troubled childhood to global superstardom is nothing short of inspiring. She’s an icon who has remained relevant, stylish, and influential for decades. At 77, Cher proves that age is just a number, and her story continues to inspire millions around the world.