Chaz Bono’s Inspiring Journey
Chaz Bono, the son of legendary entertainer Cher and Sonny Bono, has lived much of his life in the public eye. Born Chastity Bono on March 4, 1969, he first appeared on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour as a child.
From an early age, Chaz felt different from other girls. At 18, he came out as a lesbian, which was initially difficult for Cher to accept. Over time, however, she became one of the strongest LGBTQ+ allies in Hollywood.
At age 39, Chaz began his transition to male. In 2010, a California court legally recognized his name and gender change, a process documented in Becoming Chaz (2011). Cher admitted the transition was hard at first but eventually came to fully embrace her son, saying, “You don’t really lose them. They just are in a different shape.”
Since then, Chaz has built a career as an actor, appearing in Dancing with the Stars, American Horror Story: Roanoke, and The Bold and the Beautiful. He also underwent a major weight transformation, losing around 85–90 pounds through a healthier lifestyle.
Chaz’s personal life has also flourished. After ending his engagement to Jennifer Elia in 2011, he found love again with former actress and social worker Shara Mathes in 2017. The couple has kept their relationship private but continue to share a strong bond.
Through all his challenges and triumphs, Chaz Bono remains an inspiration—proving the power of authenticity, courage, and self-acceptance.