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Cher biography

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As famous for her unusual outfits as she is for her musical talent, Cher is an American singer and actress who got her start as half of Sonny and Cher in the 1960s.

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Synopsis

Born on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, Cher rose to stardom as part of a singing act with husband Sonny Bono in the 1960s. The couple later starred on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. Cher pursued acting in the 1980s, earning an Academy Award for her performance in Moonstruck. From 2008 to 2011, Cher performed a concert series entitled Cher at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Quotes

"Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have the possibility of being great."
– Cher

"I think that the longer I look good, the better gay men feel."
– Cher

"Don't take your toys inside just because it's raining."
– Cher

Early Life and Music Career

Born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, Cher rose to stardom as part of a singing act with her husband, Salvatore "Sonny" Bono. Known as Sonny and Cher, the duo scored a hit in 1965 with "I Got You Babe." They also had their own television series, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, from 1971 to 1974.

After the couple divorced in 1975, Cher went out on her own. She continued to sing, recording several solo albums and reaching the top of the charts with songs like "Half Breed" and "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves." Over the years, she would become as famous for her daring costumes and unusual outfits as for her musical talent.

Acting Career

In the 1980s, Cher pursued an acting career. She appeared on Broadway in Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean in 1982, and reprised the role of Sissy in the film adaptation of the play. She continued to earn the respect of movie critics and fans alike thereafter by turning in a number of strong film performances, including in Silkwood (1983), Mask (1985) and Moonstruck (1987). Cher received her first Academy Award nomination for her performance in Silkwood and won her first Oscar (best actress) for her performance in Moonstuck.

Later Career

Cher released her last studio album, entitled Living Proof, in the United States in 2002 (it was released in Europe in 2001). The album features the single "(This Is) A Song for the Lonely," which did well on the dance charts and was written in honor to those affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Other tracks on the album include "Alive Again" and "A Different Kind of Love Song." Following Living Proof's release, Cher said "so long" to performing live with a 325-date farewell tour, entitled "The Living Proof: The Farewell Tour," which ran from 2002 to 2005.

In 2003, NBC aired one of Cher's live performances as Cher: The Farewell Tour. The program was nominated for six 2003 Emmy Awards and won three, for outstanding variety, music or comedy special; outstanding camerawork, video for a miniseries, movie or a special; and outstanding costumes for a variety or music program.

In Recent Years

In 2006, Cher auctioned off furniture, paintings and decorative objects from her home in Malibu, California, as well as a number of personal items, including memorabilia, jewelry and stage costumes. The auction brought in $3.5 million, with a portion of proceeds going to the Cher Charitable Foundation.

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Documentary

Included In These Groups

    Sonny and Cher

    Cher met Sonny Bono when she was 16 and he was 27. The two began dating, and Sonny got his girlfriend gigs as a backup singer on songs like the Ronettes' "Be My Baby" and Darlene Love's "A Fine, Fine Boy." The two formed their own musical duo, and in 1965 they released their biggest hit, "I Got You Babe." The couple had their only child, Chaz Bono, in 1969. In 1971 Sonny and Cher launched their own TV show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. The variety show was a success, but the couple's marriage fell apart, ending in a bitter 1975 divorce. When Bono died in a ski accident in 1998, Cher delivered a tearful eulogy.

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    Hair Dos and Don'ts

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    Bewitching Women

    In the past, witches—or those alleged to be witches—were burned at the stake. They are a Halloween staple, portrayed as cackling, cauldron-stirring evil-doers. Far from such eerie depictions are the portrayals of witches in film and on television. Played by glamorous actresses, these witches have no warts on their faces, but rather ordinary lives and good intentions—with some supernatural powers to contend with. Here are some of the witches who have brought witchcraft into today's pop culture, on the big and small screens.

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    Bewitching Women 28 people in this group

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