Cher’s world was turned upside down when she discovered her birth certificate held a shocking secret.
At a Glance
- Cher’s birth certificate reveals her legal name is “Cheryl,” not “Cherilyn”
- Her mother named her under pressure, inspired by Lana Turner’s daughter
- Cher legally changed her name to just “Cher” in 1979
- Her memoir explores personal relationships and pivotal life experiences
- The book includes revelations about her first sexual encounter
The Name That Wasn’t
In a startling revelation, iconic singer and actress Cher has uncovered a truth about her identity that she never knew. The star, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, recently discovered that her legal name on her birth certificate is actually “Cheryl.” This shocking discovery came to light as Cher was working on legally becoming known by her famous mononym.
The confusion stems from a decision made by her mother, Georgia Holt, in the pressure-filled moments after Cher’s birth. Holt, who was only a teenager at the time, was influenced by a nurse to choose a name quickly.
Cher Says She Was 'Shocked' to Find Out Her Legal Name After Birth Certificate Mix-Uphttps://t.co/tTsg493bLZ
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A Mother’s Choice Under Pressure
Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, found herself in a difficult situation when naming her daughter. As Cher recounts in her memoir, the circumstances were far from ideal for such an important decision.
Holt, inspired by actress Lana Turner’s daughter, hastily chose the name “Cheryl” when pressured by a nurse. This split-second decision would remain unknown to Cher herself for decades, as she grew up believing her name was “Cherilyn,” a creative blend of family and Hollywood influences.
The Legal Name Game
In 1979, Cher took control of her identity by legally changing her name to simply “Cher.” This decision came after accumulating multiple surnames from her father, stepfather, and ex-husbands. The change was practical as much as it was personal, aimed at avoiding confusion about her marital status.
“It’s better for me than having people wonder if they should call me Mrs. Allman or Mrs. Bono or Mrs. Bono Allman or Miss Cher or whatever,” she said.
The singer explained her decision on “The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson,” demonstrating her characteristic straightforwardness and practicality. This move solidified her status as a one-name wonder in the entertainment world.
Beyond the Name: Cher’s Personal Revelations
Cher’s memoir, “Cher: The Memoir, Part One,” delves deep into her personal life, offering fans an intimate look at her relationships and experiences. The book doesn’t shy away from controversial topics, including her first sexual encounter, which she describes in brutally honest terms.
The memoir also touches on her high-profile relationships, including those with Sonny Bono and Gregg Allman. In a surprising twist, Cher reveals that actor Val Kilmer was the only partner to ever break up with her, adding another layer to her complex romantic history.
The Impact of a Name
Cher’s discovery about her birth name serves as a reminder of the complexities of identity and the power of self-definition. Despite the surprise, Cher’s impact on popular culture remains undeniable. Her ability to reinvent herself, from her name to her career, has been a hallmark of her enduring success.
