Chaz Bono: From Cher’s Child to Accomplished Transgender Actor

Chaz Bono, originally born Chastity Bono on March 4, 1969, is the child of the iconic Cher and her former husband, Sonny Bono. Growing up in the spotlight due to his celebrity parents, Chaz became famous at an early age, and his presence on television was notable.

His name, Chaz, was derived from the movie “Chastity,” a film produced by Sonny, where Cher played the lead role as a young, bisexual hippie runaway. Chastity Bono was conceived during the production of this film.

Chaz made frequent appearances on “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” as a child. Typically appearing at the end of each episode when Sonny and Cher performed “I Got You Babe,” Chaz became a familiar face to the American audience.

Behind the scenes, Chaz struggled with his identity, feeling disconnected from typical girls’ interests during his childhood. In a 2011 interview with Daily Mail, he expressed confusion about the fascination with fashion and boys that other girls his age exhibited.

At the age of 18, Chaz came out to both of his parents as a lesbian, marking the beginning of his journey to self-discovery.

Chaz Bono, originally known as Chastity Bono, is the child of legendary entertainer Cher and her former husband, Sonny Bono. Chaz, born on March 4, 1969, came into the public eye early on due to his parents’ fame.

Growing up, Chaz faced inner struggles with his identity. In his book “Family Outing: A Guide to the Coming Out Process for Gays, Lesbians, and Their Families,” he revealed his realization of being gay at the age of 13. This marked the beginning of his journey towards self-discovery.

Chaz’s journey continued when he came out as a lesbian at the age of 18. His mother, Cher, admitted to finding it challenging to accept this revelation initially. However, Chaz later underwent a significant transformation by transitioning to male.

The process of transitioning into a man began in 2010, culminating in a California court granting his request for a gender and name change. The documentary “Becoming Chaz” provided an intimate look at Chaz’s transition, including emotional moments and Cher’s struggles with the changes.

Chaz made history in 2011 as the first transgender man to participate in “Dancing with the Stars.” Following this, he continued to make appearances in Hollywood, starring in projects such as “American Horror Story: Roanoke” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Chaz’s journey also included a remarkable 85-pound weight loss, initiated by his commitment to a healthier lifestyle during and after his gender transition. This transformation involved a shift in diet and increased physical activity, notably showcased during his participation in “Dancing with the Stars.”

Despite the challenges, Chaz’s weight loss journey received praise from his mother, Cher, who commended his courage and determination.