Cher Then & Now: Photos of the Pop Star to Celebrate Her 80th Birthday

Cher has remained a music and movie icon for more than six decades. Take a look back at her life and career in photos.

Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California. The music and film icon first rose to fame in the 1960s alongside her then-husband and musical partner Sonny Bono. Together, the pair became household names with hits like “I Got You Babe” before launching the hit variety series The Sonny & Cher Show.

In 1969, Cher and Sonny welcomed their only child, Chaz Bono. After the couple split in the 1970s, Cher built one of the most successful solo careers in entertainment history with songs including “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Believe,” and “Strong Enough.” She also became an acclaimed actress, winning an Academy Award for Moonstruck and starring in movies like Mermaids, The Witches of Eastwick, and Burlesque.

Now 80 years old, Cher remains one of pop culture’s most enduring stars. In recent years, she has continued releasing music, appearing at major fashion and entertainment events, and speaking openly about political and humanitarian causes. Her memoir, Cher: The Memoir, Part One, was released in late 2024, with a second installment expected in the future.

Scroll through our gallery to see photos of Cher over the years!

1 of 28