Early Life and Education of Cher: A Complete Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Cher. A timeline of key moments.
Cher, often called the "Goddess of Pop," is a highly successful American singer, actress, and television personality. Celebrated for her distinctive contralto voice, diverse career spanning music, film, and television, and striking visual style, Cher has built a public persona embodying strong, independent women. Her capacity for reinvention has enabled numerous career resurgences, establishing her as a lasting cultural icon.
1943: Cabin in the Sky musical film
In 1943, the musical film Cabin in the Sky was released
May 20, 1946: Cher's Birth
On May 20, 1946, Cheryl Sarkisian, known professionally as Cher, was born. She would later become a celebrated American singer, actress, and television personality, known as the "Goddess of Pop."
1961: Adoption and Enrollment in Private School
In 1961, Cher was adopted by Gilbert LaPiere, who enrolled her and her sister at Montclair College Preparatory School in Encino. This change placed Cher, previously from a modest background, into an upper-class environment.
1961: Audrey Hepburn Admiration
In 1961, Cher was fascinated by Audrey Hepburn, particularly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', and emulated her style.
November 1962: Meeting Sonny Bono
In November 1962, Cher met Sonny Bono, who was working for record producer Phil Spector, while dancing in nightclubs along Hollywood's Sunset Strip.
October 27, 1964: Unofficial Wedding Ceremony with Sonny Bono
On October 27, 1964, Cher and Sonny Bono, who had become close friends and eventual lovers, performed their own unofficial wedding ceremony in a hotel room in Tijuana, Mexico.
July 1965: Travel to England
In July 1965, following the recording of "I Got You Babe", Caesar and Cleo (Sonny & Cher) traveled to England at the advice of The Rolling Stones.
March 4, 1969: Birth of Chaz Bono
On March 4, 1969, Cher gave birth to Chaz Bono, after which she and Sonny officially married.
1972: First Tattoo
In 1972, Cher got her first tattoo, which Sonny Bono described as creating a shocking effect.
1972: "Best Dressed Women" Lists
In 1972, after being featured on the annual "Best Dressed Women" lists, Bob Mackie stated, "There hasn't been a girl like Cher since Dietrich and Garbo."
1974: Met Gala Appearance
In 1974, Cher first wore the Bob Mackie-designed beaded and feathered nude gown to the Met Gala, which Vogue's André Leon Talley stated "changed everything".
1975: Time Magazine Cover
In 1975, Cher appeared on the cover of Time magazine in a beaded and feathered nude gown designed by Bob Mackie, a look considered "one of the most recreated and monumental of all time".
July 10, 1976: Birth of Elijah Blue
On July 10, 1976, Cher and Gregg Allman had a son, Elijah Blue.
1979: Las Vegas Residency
In 1979, Cher hired two drag queens to perform with her during her Las Vegas residency, "one of the first to bring drag to the masses".
1979: Legal Mononym Adoption and Disco Comeback
In 1979, Cher legally adopted her mononym. She signed with Casablanca Records and launched a disco comeback with the single "Take Me Home" and the album of the same name, both of which became instant successes and were certified gold.
1980: Formation of Black Rose
In 1980, Cher formed the rock band Black Rose with Les Dudek, adopting a punk-inspired look.
1982: Move to New York and Broadway Debut
In 1982, Cher moved to New York to study acting and was cast in Robert Altman's Broadway production "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean".
1983: Silkwood Film
In 1983, Cher portrayed a lesbian in the film Silkwood, described as one of the first superstars to 'play gay' with compassion and without a hint of stereotyping.
1987: Reunion with Sonny on Letterman's show
In 1987, Cher returned to Late Night with David Letterman, where she reunited with Sonny for a final performance before his death to sing "I Got You Babe".
1990: Children's Craniofacial Association
Beginning in 1990, Cher served as a donor and as the National Chairperson and Honorary Spokesperson for the Children's Craniofacial Association.
1992: Support of Ross Perot
In 1992 Cher supported Ross Perot for president of the United States
1992: Madame Tussauds Statue
In 1992, Madame Tussauds wax museum honored Cher as one of the five "most beautiful women of history" by creating a life-size statue.
1993: Humanitarian Mission to Armenia
In 1993, Cher joined a humanitarian mission to Armenia, delivering food and medical supplies to the war-torn region.
1995: Film Clueless references Cher's infomercials
The 1995 film Clueless referenced Cher's infomercial appearances, with a joke about the protagonist being named after a singer who now does infomercials.
1996: amfAR Benefit
In 1996, Cher hosted the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) Benefit alongside Elizabeth Taylor at the Cannes Film Festival.
1997: Keynote Speaker at PFLAG Convention
In 1997, Cher was the keynote speaker for the national Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) convention, becoming a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community.
May 20, 1998: Sonny & Me: Cher Remembers airs
On May 20, 1998, Cher hosted the CBS special Sonny & Me: Cher Remembers, a tribute to Sonny Bono following his death. Later in May, Sonny and Cher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television
May 1999: CFDA Award
In May 1999, The Council of Fashion Designers of America recognized Cher with an award for her influence on fashion.
2000: Political Statements During US Presidential Election
During the 2000 United States presidential election, Cher voiced strong opposition to George W. Bush, urging minorities to vote against him and criticizing his character and policies.
2002: VH1's Sexiest Artists List
In 2002, Cher was ranked 26th on VH1's list of the "100 Sexiest Artists".
October 27, 2003: Anonymous Call to C-SPAN About Wounded Soldiers
On October 27, 2003, Cher anonymously called a C-SPAN phone-in program to discuss her visit to maimed soldiers and criticize the lack of media coverage.
2006: Stars and Stripes Interview on Iraq War
In a 2006 Stars and Stripes interview, Cher clarified her position as being "against the war in Iraq but for the troops."
2007: Peace Village School Supporter
In 2007, Cher became the primary supporter of the Peace Village School in Ukunda, Kenya, which "provides nutritious food, medical care, education and extracurricular activities for more than 300 orphans and vulnerable children."
2008: Supported Hillary Clinton and then Barack Obama
In 2008, Cher initially supported Hillary Clinton in her presidential campaign and later supported Barack Obama after he won the Democratic nomination.
June 11, 2009: Chaz Bono Comes Out as a Transgender Man
On June 11, 2009, Chaz Bono publicly came out as a transgender man.
May 6, 2010: Chaz Bono's Transition Legally Finalized
On May 6, 2010, Chaz Bono's transition from female to male was legally finalized.
2010: Inspiration for Mother Gothel
In 2010, Cher served as the inspiration for the character Mother Gothel in Disney's "Tangled", with the director citing her "exotic and Gothic looking" appearance as a visual basis.
2010: Expressed Preference for Hillary Clinton
In a 2010 interview with Vanity Fair, Cher commented that she "still thinks Hillary would have done a better job" as president.
2012: "Don't Let Mitt Turn Back Time on Women's Rights" PSA
During the 2012 United States presidential election, Cher and Kathy Griffin released a public service announcement criticizing Mitt Romney's stance on women's rights.
May 2013: Aired Documentary About Her Mother
In May 2013, "Dear Mom, Love Cher", a documentary Cher produced about her mother Georgia Holt, aired on Lifetime.
June 2013: Headlined Dance on the Pier
In June 2013, Cher headlined the annual Dance on the Pier benefit, celebrating LGBTQ Pride Day, and achieving the event's first full-capacity crowd in five years.
September 2013: Declined Invitation to Perform at 2014 Winter Olympics
In September 2013, Cher declined an invitation to perform at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia due to the country's anti-LGBTQ legislation.
2014: Declined Invitation to Perform at Winter Olympics
In 2014, Cher declined to perform at the Winter Olympics.
June 2015: Critical Comments on Donald Trump's Candidacy
In June 2015, after Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president, Cher made critical comments on Twitter.
2015: amfAR Award of Inspiration
In 2015, Cher received the amfAR Award of Inspiration for "her willingness and ability to use her fame for the greater good".
2016: Advocacy for Armenian Genocide Awareness
At the 2016 premiere of The Promise, Cher criticized Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide and highlighted the lack of public awareness.
2016: Flint Water Donation
In 2016, after the discovery of lead contamination in the drinking water of Flint, Michigan, Cher donated more than 180,000 bottles of water to the city.
March 2018: Headlined Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
In March 2018, Cher headlined the 40th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, with tickets selling out quickly after she hinted at her involvement on Twitter.
2018: Criticized Jair Bolsonaro
In 2018, following Jair Bolsonaro's victory in Brazil's presidential election, Cher called him a "pig" and "a politician from hell".
September 2020: Fundraiser for Biden's Presidential Campaign
In September 2020, Cher raised nearly $2 million for Joe Biden's presidential campaign at a virtual, LGBTQ-themed fundraiser.
2021: Congratulated Joe Biden for Acknowledging Armenian Genocide
In 2021, Cher congratulated Joe Biden on Twitter for being the first US President to formally acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.
June 2022: Partnership with Versace for "Chersace" Collection
For Pride Month in June 2022, Cher partnered with Versace to launch the "Chersace" capsule collection, with proceeds benefiting Gender Spectrum.
2022: Support for Ukraine and Criticism of Putin
In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cher expressed support for Ukraine, criticized Vladimir Putin, and announced plans to provide shelter for Ukrainian refugees.
November 2024: Publication of First Memoir
In November 2024, Cher published "Cher: The Memoir, Part One", which debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list. The autobiography covers her childhood, early career, and marriages.
2025: Release set for second part of her memoir
The second part of Cher's memoir is set for release in 2025.
