The Cher Episode
This episode of Stuff You Should Know examines the extraordinary life and career of Cher. The summary details her unconventional upbringing and early rise to fame alongside Sonny Bono, from the hit "I Got You Babe" to their popular TV variety show.
It chronicles Cher's transition to acclaimed dramatic acting in films like "Mask" and "Moonstruck" (for which she won an Oscar). The summary also explores her trailblazing fashion influence, particularly through collaborations with designer Bob Mackie that cemented her as a pop culture icon. Additionally, it highlights Cher's connection with the LGBTQ community, which embraced her son Chaz's transition, furthering her advocacy for LGBTQ rights and acceptance over the years.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 15, 2024 episode of the Stuff You Should Know
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1-Page Summary
Cher's Early Life and Rise to Fame
Cher's heritage is Armenian, with an unconventional upbringing from her divorced parents, even having encounters with Hollywood figures like Warren Beatty as a teenager (as reported). She met Sonny Bono at 16, moving in with him at 17 while pursuing music. Despite industry challenges, Sonny supported her talent and launched her solo career under a pseudonym before they rebranded as Sonny and Cher.
Their breakthrough came with the hit "I Got You Babe." Though Americans initially rejected their "hippie" style, the Rolling Stones (as mentioned) helped them gain acceptance in England. Their TV variety show made the duo a popular comedic act before their unknown-to-the-public separation in 1974.
Cher's Acting Career and Accolades
In the 1980s, Cher transitioned into dramatic acting, starring in plays like "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" (which won her a Golden Globe) and films like "Silkwood" (endearing her to the LGBTQ community as reported). Her acclaimed "Mask" performance was infamously snubbed for an Oscar nomination.
However, Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Moonstruck" in 1987, cementing her status as a successful dramatic actress after her pop career beginnings.
Cher's Fashion Influence
Cher collaborated extensively with designer Bob Mackie on iconic, revealing outfits like the pioneering "naked dress" she wore to the 1974 Met Gala. Her willingness to wear such daring, outrageous ensembles made her a fashion icon and trendsetter influencing many celebrities.
Cher as a Gay Icon
From age 12, Cher was fascinated by the energy of gay men she encountered, nurturing an early LGBTQ connection. Her Broadway show drew crucial support from gay audiences. After her son Chaz transitioned, Cher became a vocal LGBTQ advocate despite initial struggles (as mentioned), championing trans rights and acceptance. These efforts, combined with her loyal LGBTQ fanbase, solidified Cher's status as a revered gay icon.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your heritage by creating a visual family tree that includes cultural symbols and traditions unique to your ancestry, similar to how Cher's Armenian heritage influenced her. This can be a collage or digital graphic that celebrates your roots and educates others about your background.
- Partner with a friend to start a small creative project, like a YouTube channel or a podcast, drawing inspiration from Cher and Sonny's collaborative success. Choose a topic you're both passionate about and use your combined strengths to create content that resonates with an audience.
- Express your individuality through fashion by customizing an article of clothing with bold colors or unique accessories. Take inspiration from Cher's collaboration with Bob Mackie and use your creativity to make a statement piece that reflects your personality and stands out in a crowd.
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Cher's early career and rise to fame
Cher's rise to fame is a tale of unconventional upbringing, early struggles, and eventual success alongside her musical partner and husband, Sonny Bono.
Cher's Armenian heritage and unconventional upbringing
Cher was born to an Armenian father, John Paul Sarkisian, a horse breeder and truck driver with addiction issues. He divorced Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, before Cher turned a year old. Holt, an actress who married around eight times, had Cher at a very young age—reportedly when she was just 13. Despite these challenges, Cher was exposed to performing arts from an early age, even putting on her own production of "Oklahoma" as a child. An incident highlighting Cher’s early Hollywood engagement was when actor Warren Beatty nearly hit her with his car, which led to a late-night dinner between the two when Cher was only 16.
Cher's early music career and collaboration with Sonny Bono
At the age of 16, Cher met a 25-year-old Sonny Bono. The two quickly formed a personal and professional relationship, with Cher moving in with Sonny and even singing backup on Phil Spector songs at age 17. Despite her dropping out of high school and facing industry challenges, Sonny recognized Cher’s talent and became a pivotal figure in her career. Initially performing under the name Caesar and Cleo, the duo later rebranded themselves as Sonny and Cher.
Cher started singing backup for Phil Spector's big hits, such as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by the Righteous Brothers and "Be My Baby" by the Ronettes. Eventually, Sonny, who worked for Phil Spector, saw the need for Cher to develop a solo career, leading to her first single under the pseudonym Bonnie Jo Mason. In 1964, Cher signed with Imperial Records and released a successful cover of Bob Dylan's "All I Really Want to Do."
Sonny and Cher's rise to stardom and TV success
Sonny and Cher’s TV success began to solidify once they had hit singles. Despite initially being treated as outcasts in America due to their "hippie" style, they found acceptance in England, helped by the Rolling Stones. Their song "I Got You Babe" was a significant breakthrough, selling over 3 million copies and reaching number one on the charts.
They became a popular TV variety show act in the early 1970s with "The Sonny ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Cher's early career and rise to fame
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your family history to uncover potential influences on your interests by creating a simple family tree and noting any connections to your current hobbies or career choices. For example, if you discover a relative was a musician and you have a passion for music, consider how their experiences might have shaped your own interests.
- Develop your creative skills by producing a home-based show or performance, using whatever resources you have available. You could write a short play, perform it with family or friends, and record it to share with others, fostering a sense of accomplishment and honing your artistic talents.
- Reflec ...
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Cher's acting career and accolades
Cher's successful transition from pop singing to the world of acting has been marked by critical acclaim and industry accolades, including an Academy Award for her versatile and impactful performances.
Cher's transition to dramatic acting in the 1980s
Cher's journey into dramatic acting began in the 1980s, where she took to the stage and screen bringing complex characters to life and earning her acclaim in the acting world.
She starred in the Broadway play and film "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" and won a Golden Globe
Cher showcased her dramatic talents on Broadway in "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean," and continued her role in the 1982 movie adaptation. Her compelling performances won her a Golden Globe, heralding her arrival as a serious actress.
She played the lesbian roommate in the film "Silkwood," which helped establish her with the LGBTQ community
Following her success on Broadway, Cher portrayed the lesbian roommate of Meryl Streep's character in the film "Silkwood." This role endeared her to the LGBTQ community, further expanding her growing fan base.
Her performance in the film "Mask" was critically acclaimed, but she was snubbed for an Oscar nomination
Cher was highly praised for her portrayal in the film "Mask," where she won the Best Actress Award at Cannes for her performance. Despite the widespread acclaim, she was notably snubbed for an Oscar nomination that year, which was seen as a significant oversight by Hollywood.
Cher's Oscar win for "Moonstruck"
Cher's acting talents were recognized at the highest level when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1987 film "Moonstruck."
She won the Academy Award for Best Actress ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Cher's acting career and accolades
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" is a play and film directed by Robert Altman, where Cher played a key role. "Silkwood" is a 1983 film directed by Mike Nichols, starring Meryl Streep and Cher, where Cher portrayed a significant character. "Mask" is a 1985 film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, where Cher's performance as a mother dealing with a son's rare disorder received critical acclaim.
- Winning a Golden Globe or an Oscar is significant in the entertainment industry as they are prestigious awards that recognize excellence in film and television. A Golden Globe is awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, while an Oscar is awarded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Both awards are highly coveted and can elevate an actor's career, leading to increased opportunities and industry recognition.
- Cher transitioned from a succe ...
Counterarguments
- While Cher did win critical acclaim, some critics might argue that her acting range was limited and that she was often cast in roles that closely mirrored her own larger-than-life persona.
- The transition from pop singing to acting, while successful for Cher, is not always a clear indicator of acting prowess; some may see her success as partly riding on her pre-established fame as a singer.
- Winning a Golden Globe is a significant achievement, but some might point out that the Golden Globes are often seen as less prestigious than the Oscars and can be influenced by factors other than pure acting talent.
- Cher's role in "Silkwood" did endear her to the LGBTQ community, but it could be argued that one role does not necessarily make an actor an icon or a representative for a community.
- The critical acclaim for Cher's performance in "Mask" was not universally echoed, and some may have agreed with the Oscar snub, believing that other performances that year were more deserving.
- Cher's Oscar win for "Moonstruck" was a milestone, but some might argue that the Academy Awards do not always reflect t ...
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Cher's fashion and style influence
Cher's unique and daring fashion choices, many designed by Bob Mackie, solidify her as a fashion icon and trendsetter, influencing numerous other performers and celebrities.
Cher's iconic revealing outfits designed by Bob Mackie
Cher's collaboration with Bob Mackie, the Sultan of Sequins, has led to some of the most unforgettable stage costumes and public appearances in entertainment history.
Cher and Mackie collaborated extensively, with him designing her over-the-top stage costumes
Their extensive collaboration gave rise to over-the-top stage costumes that have become synonymous with Cher's public persona. Mackie's flair for the dramatic and Cher's daring nature combined to create ensembles that consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion.
Her "naked dress" worn to the 1974 Met Gala was groundbreaking and pioneered the revealing "naked dress" trend
At the 1974 Met Gala, Cher made a groundbreaking appearance in a "naked dress" designed by Mackie, which pioneered the revealing "naked dress" trend. This bold fashion choice was one of the first instances of the 'nude look' being worn in public by a celebrity, making the ensemble a significant moment in fashion history.
Cher continued wearing Mackie's bold, flamboyant designs throughout her career
Cher's decision to wear the naked dress was far from her last fashion statement in Mackie's designs. Throughout her career, she continued to choose his bold, flamboyant designs for her appearances.
Cher's influence on fashion and style
Cher’s willingness to embrace and showcase outrageous outfits not only crowned her as a fashion icon but also paved the way for future trends in celebrity and pop star fashion.
Her willingness to wear outrageous outfits made her a fashio ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Cher's fashion and style influence
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Cher is undoubtedly a fashion icon, it could be argued that her influence is primarily within the entertainment industry and may not extend as significantly into the broader fashion world where designers, rather than celebrities, are often seen as the primary trendsetters.
- The collaboration between Cher and Bob Mackie, while iconic, might be seen as one of many celebrity-designer partnerships, and not necessarily more influential than others in shaping fashion trends.
- The "naked dress" trend attributed to Cher's 1974 Met Gala appearance might be considered part of a larger movement towards body positivity and sexual liberation that was already underway in the 1970s, rather than a trend initiated by a single individual.
- Cher's continued use of Mackie's designs could be critiqued as a reliance on a singular aesthetic rather than a diverse exploration of fashion.
- The idea that Cher's outfits were always groundbreaking could be contested by noting that fashion is cyclical and often revisits past trends, which means that some of her fashion choices might have been reflective of recurring styles rather than pioneering ...
Actionables
- You can explore your personal style by creating a mood board with images that resonate with your sense of fashion, focusing on bold and unconventional looks. Start by collecting images from magazines, social media, and fashion websites that catch your eye, especially those that feel daring or outside your comfort zone. This visual collection will help you identify patterns in your taste and inspire you to experiment with new outfit combinations that reflect a more adventurous personal style.
- Host a themed dress-up event with friends where everyone designs an outfit that pushes their fashion boundaries. Encourage your friends to get creative with materials, colors, and silhouettes that they wouldn't normally wear. This fun gathering not only fosters a supportive environment for self-expression but also gives you a chance to see how different styles can influence your own fashion choices.
- Personalize an item of clothing with DIY embellishments to ...
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Cher's role as a gay icon and advocate
Cher’s unwavering support for LGBTQ and trans rights, along with her early connections to the gay community and her personal journey as the mother of a trans son, has cemented her status as a treasured gay icon.
Cher's early connection to the LGBTQ community
From the age of 12, Cher was exposed to the vibrant energy of the gay community which made a lasting impression on her.
As a young girl, Cher was fascinated by the energy and enthusiasm of gay men she encountered
Cher had her first encounter with the gay community when she met two animated, happy men talking to her mother and her mother's best friend. This experience stayed with her and nurtured a sense of connection to the LGBTQ community from a young age.
The Broadway production of "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" established her with gay audiences
Cher has credited the gay community for the success of her Broadway show "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean." In an interview with Pridesource.com, she mentioned that the gay community’s support helped the show to continue long enough to build a larger audience, implying that their backing was crucial to the show's sustainability.
Cher's advocacy for LGBTQ and trans rights
Through her public support for her son and advocacy, Cher has become a key figure in championing LGBTQ and particularly trans rights.
Cher became a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, especially after her son Chaz Bono transitioned
Cher's role as an advocate for LGBTQ rights was significantly influenced by her son Chaz Bono's transition. She became an outspoken proponent for trans acceptance and used her platform to promote transgender rights.
She used her platform to champion trans rights ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Cher's role as a gay icon and advocate
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Cher's early connections to the gay community began at a young age when she was exposed to the vibrant energy and enthusiasm of gay men, leaving a lasting impression on her. These early encounters nurtured a sense of connection and solidarity with the LGBTQ community, shaping her perspective and paving the way for her future advocacy and support for LGBTQ rights. Cher's interactions with the gay community, both personally and professionally, played a significant role in establishing her as a beloved gay icon.
- "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" is a play written by Ed Graczyk that premiered on Broadway in 1982. The play revolves around a group of women who reunite at a small-town Texas five-and-dime store to commemorate the anniversary of the death of actor James Dean. Cher starred in the play's film adaptation in 1982, reprising her role from the Broadway production. The play explores themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the impact of celebrity culture on ordinary lives. Cher's involvement in the play helped solidify her connection with the LGBTQ community, particularly gay audiences who appreciated the themes and performances in the production.
- Chaz Bono, born Chastity Bono, is the only child of Cher and Sonny Bono. Chaz publicly came out as a lesbian in the late 1990s before later transitioning to male. His transition process involved m ...
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