Celebrity Info
Growing up as the only child of music icons Sonny and Cher, Chaz Bono—originally known as Chastity Bono—was thrust into the public eye from a very young age. Born on March 4, 1969, in Los Angeles, Chaz Bono spent much of his early childhood appearing alongside his famous parents on the hit variety show The Sonny and Cher Show (CBS, 1971–74), where he quickly became a familiar face with his blonde hair and angelic smile. Named after a film produced by his father and starring his mother, Chaz Bono was truly born into fame.
As he grew older, Chaz Bono began to explore his identity more deeply. At just 18, he came out as a lesbian, and later confirmed his sexuality publicly through an interview with The Advocate in 1995. While there was some interest in following a musical path like his parents, Chaz Bono ultimately chose a different route, dedicating his life to advocacy and writing. He became a prominent voice in the LGBT community, working with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and serving as Entertainment Media Director for GLAAD.
Chaz Bono’s relationship with his father, Sonny Bono, who served as a Republican congressman, became strained over political and personal differences. Sadly, they were estranged when Sonny passed away in January 1998 due to injuries from a skiing accident. However, Chaz Bono found unwavering support from his mother, Cher, who emerged as a powerful ally for LGBT rights—a turning point that strengthened their bond.
In 2006, Chaz Bono appeared on the third season of Celebrity Fit Club (VH1, 2005–2010), where he served as a team captain and gained attention for his commitment to health and transformation. That experience, among others, contributed to a deeper journey of self-discovery. After years of therapy and reflection, Chaz Bono began transitioning socially, legally, and physically from female to male in 2009. On May 7, 2010, he officially completed his legal transition and adopted the name Chaz Salvatore Bono—a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Sonny Bono.
From that moment forward, Chaz Bono made it his mission to raise awareness and foster understanding about transgender lives. Wanting to share his story with the world, Chaz Bono co-produced the powerful documentary Becoming Chaz, which premiered on OWN in 2011 and offered an intimate look at his transition. Around the same time, he released his third memoir, Transition: The Story of How I Became a Man, adding to his earlier works—Family Outing (1998) and The End of Innocence (2003)—which had already established Chaz Bono as a thoughtful and courageous writer.
One of the most groundbreaking moments in Chaz Bono’s journey came when he joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars (ABC, 2005– ). His participation wasn’t just a personal milestone—it sparked a nationwide conversation about gender identity and visibility for the transgender community. For many, seeing Chaz Bono on such a mainstream platform was both inspiring and revolutionary.
Though Chaz Bono has always maintained a lower public profile compared to his superstar parents, his impact has been profound. Through resilience, honesty, and quiet strength, Chaz Bono has become a symbol of courage and authenticity. Today, Chaz Bono stands not only as a proud ambassador for transgender individuals but also as a hero within the broader LGBT movement—proof that true legacy isn’t just inherited, it’s forged with purpose.
When it comes to Chaz Bono’s career in film and music, there’s a clear standout in terms of critical reception. Chaz Bono’s highest rated project to date is Little Bites (2024), which has received widespread acclaim and really marked a high point in Chaz Bono’s creative journey. On the other end of the spectrum, Chaz Bono’s lowest rated work appears to be Bar Girls (1994), a much earlier effort that didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Over the years, Chaz Bono has explored various artistic avenues, but these two titles—Little Bites and Bar Girls—represent the peaks and valleys of Chaz Bono’s body of work in entertainment.
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United States
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