Chaz Bono has lived much of his life in the public eye. Born the only child of music legends Sonny Bono and Cher, he first appeared on television as a cherubic child on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. Today, at 57, he is known as a transgender activist, writer, and working actor with a steady career in film and television.
Bono’s journey from child star to advocate has been marked by major public milestones, including his gender transition, a best-selling memoir, and appearances on Dancing with the Stars. More recently, he married Shara Blue Mathes in March 2026 and continues to take on new acting roles. This profile covers his early life, his transition, his personal relationships, his career trajectory, and his financial standing, drawing on the most recent available information.
Who is Chaz Bono? Early Life and Childhood on The Sonny & Cher Show
Chaz Salvatore Bono
March 4, 1969 (age 57)
Actor, activist, child on Sonny & Cher
Little Bites
- Chaz Bono was born Chastity Sun Bono, named after his mother’s 1969 film Chastity.
- He was a “weekly fixture” on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour from 1971 to 1974.
- His parents divorced in 1975, and he split his time between their homes.
- At 13, he realized he was “different,” coming out as a lesbian at 18.
- He began his gender transition in 2008, publicly confirming it in June 2009.
- He legally changed his name to Chaz Salvatore Bono in May 2010.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Chastity Sun Bono |
| Parents | Sonny Bono and Cher |
| Born | March 4, 1969, Los Angeles, California |
| Ethnicity | Armenian, Irish, Cherokee ancestry |
| Transition | Publicly announced in June 2009 |
| Legal Name Change | Chaz Salvatore Bono (May 7, 2010) |
| Height | 5′ 5″ (1.65 m) |
A California court formally granted Chaz Bono’s request for a gender and name change to Chaz Salvatore Bono on May 7, 2010.
Chaz Bono’s Personal Life: Partner, Marriage, and Relationships
Regarding his personal life, a major development occurred in March 2026. Bono married Shara Blue Mathes in a ceremony at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. This event confirmed his current marital status, answering a question that had been the subject of public curiosity.
Before this marriage, Bono’s most notable long-term relationship was with Jennifer Elia, which lasted from 2002 to 2011. He has generally kept details of his romantic life private, allowing his work and advocacy to take center stage.
Chaz Bono married Shara Blue Mathes on March 8, 2026, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. This is his first marriage.
Chaz Bono’s Weight Loss Journey: How Did He Do It?
Public interest in Chaz Bono’s weight loss has persisted for years. He appeared as a team captain on Celebrity Fit Club in 2006, indicating an early commitment to health and fitness.
While photographs show a clear physical transformation over the years, Bono has not publicly detailed a specific diet or exercise regimen in recent times. The exact method behind his weight loss remains a matter of public curiosity rather than public record.
Chaz Bono’s Net Worth and Career in 2025/2026
Chaz Bono’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million. No official financial disclosure exists, and this figure is an estimate based on his known acting credits, book sales, and advocacy work.
His income stems from multiple sources. He is a New York Times Best Selling author (Family Outing, 1998), a musician (band Ceremony), and a working actor with roles in American Horror Story, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and the 2024 horror film Little Bites, which he also executive produced.
Specific net worth figures for 2025 or 2026 are not publicly confirmed. Estimates vary significantly across sources and should be treated as speculative.
For more on actors and advocates, see our profile on Alyssa Milano – Net Worth, Husband, and 2025 Projects.
Key Milestones in Chaz Bono’s Life
- 1969: Born in Los Angeles, California, to Sonny Bono and Cher.
- 1971-1977: Appeared as a child on The Sonny & Cher Show.
- 1990s: Worked as a writer and activist; came out as lesbian in 1995.
- 2009: Announced transition from female to male.
- 2010: Documentary Becoming Chaz premiered at Sundance.
- 2011: Published memoir Transition: The Story of How I Became a Man.
- 2017: Appeared in American Horror Story: Cult.
- 2024: Premiered Little Bites.
- 2026: Married Shara Blue Mathes.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Unconfirmed / Private Details |
|---|---|
| Bono legally and socially transitioned in the late 2000s. | The specific details of his recent weight loss method have not been publicly disclosed. |
| He married Shara Blue Mathes in March 2026. | Exact net worth figures for 2025/2026 are not officially published. |
| He is the only child of Sonny Bono and Cher. | Details of his private life before his 2026 marriage were largely kept out of the spotlight. |
Why Does Chaz Bono’s Story Matter?
Chaz Bono’s life story represents a significant public narrative in the context of transgender visibility. As one of the first highly visible transgender celebrities, his journey from child TV star to transgender activist and actor has contributed to mainstream understanding of gender transition.
His continued work in film and advocacy cements his place in both entertainment and LGBTQ+ history. The public’s enduring interest in his childhood, his transition, and his recent projects drives the ongoing search for information about him.
Key Sources and Quotes
“Chaz Bono is an American writer, musician and actor… became widely known in appearances as a child on their variety show.” — Wikipedia
“The only child born to music legends Sonny & Cher, Chastity Bono became a weekly fixture as a blonde, cherubic child on The Sonny and Cher Show.” — Rotten Tomatoes
“Chaz Salvatore Bono was born on March 4, 1969 in Los Angeles, California to Cher & Sonny Bono.” — IMDB
What’s Next for Chaz Bono?
Chaz Bono remains an active figure in the entertainment industry. With the release of Little Bites in 2024 and his marriage in 2026, his public profile continues to evolve. Future projects may be announced through his official channels, and his work in both acting and LGBTQ+ advocacy is expected to continue. For more on children of famous entertainers, see our profile on Dakota Johnson – Full Biography, Movies, Net Worth, Partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Chaz Bono’s name before transitioning?
Chaz Bono was originally named Chastity Sun Bono at birth.
When did Chaz Bono transition?
He publicly announced his transition from female to male in June 2009.
Is Chaz Bono related to Cher?
Yes, Cher is his mother.
Is Chaz Bono married?
Yes, he married Shara Blue Mathes on March 8, 2026.
What is Chaz Bono’s most recent film?
His most recent film is Little Bites (2024), in which he also served as an executive producer.
How old is Chaz Bono?
Born on March 4, 1969, he is 57 years old as of July 2026.
What is Chaz Bono’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but his net worth is generally thought to be between $500,000 and $1 million.
Sophie Larkin is Music News Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering artist announcements, releases, charts, labels, streaming platforms and the UK music industry.