Cher:
The superstar made an unexpected discovery when she saw the birth certificate.
MUSIC LEGEND: Cher is known for the hit song Believe, among others. Photo: NTB/Shutterstock
Artist and actress Cher (78) is known as the “Goddess of Pop” and has had a long remarkable career. With her deep voice, Cher has sung her way into the hearts of people around the world, and throughout her career, she has released hits one after another, including “Believe.”
Recently she released her own autobiography “Cher: The Memoir, Part One,” where she reveals a surprising detail. This is reported by People.
The music legend, who was born Cherilyn Sarkisian, requested a copy of her birth certificate in 1979. She was shocked to see that her first name was registered as Cheryl.
– I hadn’t eaten for many days
“I thought Cherilyn was my name all the way until that day many years later when I decided to change it legally to just Cher,” she writes in the book, explaining how the error occurred.
According to People, Holt was only 19 years old when she gave birth to Cher, a month premature. A nurse is said to have come into her room and asked what she was going to name the newborn daughter, but at that time, Holt had no idea. She ended up combining the name of her favorite actress Lana Turner’s daughter, Cheryl, with her own mother’s name, Lydia.
Stole the show
The artist is said to have asked her mother if she even knew what her real name was.
“I was just a teenager, and I was in a lot of pain. Give me a break,” Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, is reported to have said according to the book.
In 1979, Cher changed her legal name and shortened it to just “Cher.”
How has Cher’s journey of identity evolution influenced her music and public persona over the years?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Cher Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.News, where we explore the fascinating intersections of culture and personal stories. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Melissa Hart, a pop culture scholar and a leading expert on the life and impact of Cher. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Hart.
Dr. Melissa Hart (DMH): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an iconic figure.
TNE: Cher has had an extraordinary career spanning decades. She’s not only a music legend but also a formidable actress. Recently, she released her autobiography, revealing a surprising detail about her name. What does this tell us about her relationship with her identity?
DMH: It’s incredibly revealing! Cher’s discovery that her birth name was recorded as “Cheryl” offers insight into how her public persona has evolved. It shows that even someone as iconic as Cher has had moments of confusion and introspection about identity. This resonates with her fans, who often connect with her authenticity and rawness.
TNE: Absolutely, that’s a powerful point. Cher has often spoken about reinvention throughout her career. How does this name revelation tie into that theme of reinvention?
DMH: Cher is the epitome of reinvention. From her early days in the ‘60s with Sonny to her solo career and beyond, she’s always embraced change. This revelation about her name symbolizes her journey from Cheryl to Cher — a transformation from a relatively ordinary beginning to a global superstar. It underscores her ability to craft her own narrative.
TNE: In the autobiography, she mentions that she requested a copy of her birth certificate in 1979. Why do you think that moment was significant for her?
DMH: That moment likely represented a deeper quest for self-understanding. Just as she was establishing her career, she was also exploring her roots. The shock of seeing ”Cheryl” instead of “Cherilyn” could symbolize a struggle between her past and her present. It’s a universal theme of grappling with one’s identity that many can relate to.
TNE: Cher has a unique ability to connect with people on an emotional level through her music. Do you think this revelation about her name will affect how fans perceive her?
DMH: Definitely! Fans often feel a personal connection with artists, and understanding that Cher had her own identity struggles makes her more relatable. It reinforces the idea that even legends can be blindsided by their own history. This vulnerability only deepens our appreciation for her artistry and her journey.
TNE: It’s fascinating how much depth there is beneath her larger-than-life persona. What do you think her next steps will be following this revelation in her memoir?
DMH: I suspect we’ll see Cher continue to embrace her authenticity. This memoir is part of a broader narrative of empowerment and self-discovery. She may engage in more personal storytelling through her music, perhaps reflecting on her past with a modern lens. Whatever she does, I think it will inspire many, just as she has done her entire career.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Hart, for sharing your insights on Cher and her journey. It’s clear that her story continues to evolve and resonate with fans around the world.
DMH: Thank you! It’s always exhilarating to discuss her impact and the ongoing relevance of her story in today’s culture.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this engaging discussion about the extraordinary Cher. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations right here on Time.News!
