Buzz
Cher has achieved success across various fields, from dominating the pop music scene to hosting a popular TV show and even earning an Academy Award. Here are five fascinating details about Cherilyn Sarkisian, the legendary figure known as Cher.
1. Her Voice is Hidden in More Iconic Tracks Than You Realize
Long before her solo career and partnership with Sonny Bono, both Cher and Sonny collaborated with Phil Spector. Bono once referred to his role as "a jack-of-all-trades for Phillip." They also provided backup vocals for Spector's recording sessions, meaning Cher's voice can be found in several of Spector's legendary tracks. She lent her vocals to classics like the Crystals' "Da Do Ron Ron," the Ronettes' "Be My Baby," and the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'." Pay attention next time you listen—you might just hear her.
Spector produced Cher's debut solo single, a commercially unsuccessful track titled "Ringo, I Love You." Interestingly, it wasn't released under her real name. Instead, she used the pseudonym Bonnie Jo Mason. Give it a listen here:
2. She’s Not a Fan of Acceptance Speeches
In 1988, Cher won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Norman Jewison's Moonstruck. During her acceptance speech, she enthusiastically thanked her hair and makeup artist but accidentally overlooked Jewison, the film's director. Cher later attributed the oversight to nervousness and took bold action to rectify the mistake. The following day, she purchased a full-page ad in Variety to publicly express her gratitude to Jewison.
Cher had another opportunity to honor Jewison earlier this year. When the Academy awarded him a lifetime achievement award, Cher was chosen as the presenter. This time, she made sure to acknowledge Jewison for his work on Moonstruck.
3. She Managed to Annoy the Navy
By modern standards, it might seem mild, but Cher's 1989 music video for "If I Could Turn Back Time" sparked significant controversy. The video features Cher performing for sailors aboard the USS Missouri, which wasn't the issue. However, her outfit—a fishnet body stocking over a revealing swimsuit—was deemed too risqué. MTV even restricted the video to air only after 9 p.m. due to its provocative nature.
The Navy was also less than thrilled. They had permitted Cher to film on the Missouri, believing it would showcase the Navy positively to MTV's audience. However, they were unprepared for her wardrobe selection. Navy officials later revealed they had approved the shoot under the assumption it would depict a heartfelt story about a sailor receiving a Dear John letter. Instead, they got this:
4. She Left David Letterman Speechless
During David Letterman's early days as a late-night host, he was eager to have Cher as a guest. After multiple rejections, she finally agreed and appeared on his show in May 1986. Cher seized the moment to playfully tease the host. Watch the memorable exchange here:
Cher's deadpan delivery of the "asshole" remark completely caught Letterman off guard. Despite her handing him a note that read, "Dearest David, you're not an asshole. Love, Cher," Letterman later admitted to People magazine, "I felt like a complete idiot, especially since I often say outrageous things to others. I sat there thinking, 'Alright, Mr. Big Shot, can you handle it as well as you dish it out?'"
5. She’s Fearless When It Comes to Product Endorsements
Cher has made some of the most puzzling celebrity endorsements in history. During a quiet phase in her music career in the early 90s, she began promoting some unusually quirky products. In 1994, she introduced her own line of mail-order home decor, which Entertainment Weekly likened to "a medieval version of L.L. Bean."
She also delved into infomercials, promoting a range of hair and skincare products. These ventures highlight Cher's unique ability to thrive where others might falter, proving her versatility and resilience in the entertainment industry.
