The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
September 10, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeEntertainmentActorChaz Bono
Entertainment • Actor

Chaz Bono

Chaz Bono is an American actor, writer, musician, and LGBTQ rights activist.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chaz Bono is an American actor, writer, musician, and LGBTQ rights activist. Born Chastity Sun Bono in 1969, he is the only child of entertainers Sonny Bono and Cher and became widely known through childhood appearances on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. He later became known for public advocacy on transgender issues and for roles in film and television.

Early life

Chaz Bono was born in Los Angeles in 1969 as Chastity Sun Bono, the child of Sonny Bono and Cher. He appeared on his parents' television program as a child and later pursued music and media work.

Career

Bono has worked as a writer, musician, and actor. His screen credits include television and film appearances, and he is also associated with documentary and reality-TV projects.

Transition and advocacy

Bono publicly discussed his gender transition and became a prominent transgender advocate. His experience was documented in Becoming Chaz, which brought wider attention to transgender issues.

Public image

Bono has been a visible figure in U.S. LGBTQ advocacy and media. His family background and public transition contributed to his prominence in entertainment and activism.

Key facts

  • Chaz Bono was born Chastity Sun Bono on March 4, 1969, in Los Angeles, California.
  • He is the only child of Sonny Bono and Cher.
  • He gained early public recognition as a child on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.
  • He is known for advocacy on LGBTQ and transgender rights.
  • His transition was publicly documented, including in the documentary Becoming Chaz.
🍁
Canadian context

Chaz Bono has relevance to Canadian readers through his visibility as an LGBTQ rights advocate and his place in North American entertainment culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Chaz Bono?
Chaz Bono is an American actor, writer, musician, and LGBTQ activist, and the child of Sonny Bono and Cher.
What is Chaz Bono's birth name?
He was born Chastity Sun Bono.
When was Chaz Bono born?
He was born on March 4, 1969.
Why is Chaz Bono well known?
He is known for being the child of Sonny Bono and Cher, for his entertainment work, and for transgender advocacy.
What is Becoming Chaz?
Becoming Chaz is a documentary about Bono's gender transition.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaz_Bono
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, occupations, parentage, and general biography.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Chaz-Bono
    Supports: Birth details, profession as actor and author, and LGBTQ activism.
  3. TV Insiderhttps://www.tvinsider.com/people/chaz-bono/
    Supports: Birth place, occupations, and parentage.
  4. SAGE Encyclopedia of Trans Studieshttps://sk.sagepub.com/ency/edvol/embed/the-sage-encyclopedia-of-trans-studies/chpt/bono-chaz
    Supports: Transgender advocacy, public transition, and cultural significance.
  5. TV Guidehttps://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/chaz-bono/bio/3030394914/
    Supports: Acting, writing, music, advocacy work, and awards/credits.