Chaz Bono...book signing @ GLBT Community Center tonight!

Cher following in son's footsteps?

 

Chaz Bono – who made a big splash this week unveiling a documentary on the OWN Network which chronicles her highly-publicized sex change – is slated to appear for a book signing tonight in Hollywood at the Gay & Lesbian Center in Hollywood.

Mr. Bono has been making the rounds of the TV talk-show circuit over the past few days to celebrate his new persona and now appears to be comfortable in his skin.

See 'ya there!

Time: 7 p.m.

Renberg Theater
Gay & Lesbian Center
1125 N. McCadden Pl.,
Los Angeles

Cost: $30 (includes book)

http://www.thetattler.biz

 

Chaz Bono...fesses up he's a man inside woman's body! Gender Bender show ground-breaking!

Dave Letterman focused on a gender bender, the audience sat riveted in their seats stunned by the revelations, and Chaz Bono accused her body of betrayal.


OMG!

You had doubts about your sexuality identity, too?

For those of you Dudes who swear that you have been a man trapped in a woman’s body – for half your life – there is hope!

And, a little sexual satisfaction on the horizon, too.

More importantly, it’s okay to be a girly man.

Just ask former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Heh, is that why the terminator split with his wife this past week?

Just kidding.

Not!

All kidding aside, congrats to Dave for offering up a golden opportunity for Chaz Bono to openly discuss his side of things, from a distinct male point of view.

Say what?

In case you were kidnapped by aliens, and out of the loop for the past week or two, I’ll bring you up to speed.

Although Cher’s former daughter Chastity legally-changed her name to reflect a sexual identity change many moons ago, it wasn’t until just recently that Chaz elected to take the final plunge.

Uh-huh!

After a bit of psychological counseling, a lethal dose of hormones, and a smidgen of precise body sculpting, Chaz transitioned from a healthy female specimen to that of a cocky young stud on the sexual prowl.

“Did you mother suspect anything was going on,” Dave quipped, to gales of laughter from the studio audience.

The subject was a delicate one, so a levity (a truckload of it) went a long way to bolster Mr. Bono’s swagger – and ultimately engender - a confident turn down a road less travelled to the delight of Dave who was intrigued to say the least.

In fact, if Dave was confused about sexual relationship issues before the lights went up in the Ed Sullivan Theatre, he was probably less so today in spades, thanks to Chaz Bono’s man-to-man shock jock talk.

After all, the candid spot was not only a revelation - but – an educational one also.

According to statistics at least ten percent of the population is homosexual.

At a minimum, the ratings must have reflected that many hits at least at the witching hour last night (just betcha).

I expect that a curious America also tuned in, as well, if only to take a gander at “what’s become” of the lone daughter of a popular U.S. Music brand by the name of Cher.

For starters, Chaz has become a poster-child for the gay community.

“There are two components to contend with,” Chad underscored to Dave.

“The issues are sexuality and gender.”

Physical body and mind are at the forefront of the issue Bono stated matter-of-fact from the offset of the in-depth thought-provoking chat fest.

Dave sat up and took notice, for sure.

“Transgender individuals are lumped under the Gay & Lesbian Umbrella. Is it a good fit,” Dave probed from his easy chair on the podium.

For now,” Chaz acknowledged in so many words.

Aren’t they one and the same?

No.

And, that was the problem that Chaz was forced to grapple with from an early age.

“I was born in a boy’s body,” Bono asserted without blinking-an-eye as the audience tuned in all ears.

“Up until age twelve or thirteen, since there wasn’t much difference between boys and girls, it didn’t really pose a problem. But, when puberty came along, I became painfully aware that the feeling I was experiencing was not normal.”

When Dave quizzed Chaz further about the yearning to transition from unfilled woman into sexually satisfied male animal, Cher’s son was pretty upfront and responded with rapid-fire no-holds-barred insights that resonated.

I half-expected Chaz to crack open a brewski, loosen his tie, and bark out his opinion man-style.

“Fuck ‘em!”

But, the transition wasn’t easy, and certainly nothing to crow about early on.

Surprisingly, when the interview headed in a highly-personal direction, there weren't any pregnant moments prompting Dave to hide under the carpet for putting one heel in his mouth.

For example, in a bold-faced effort to turn the issues inside out to better shed light and understand them from within, Dave took a curious line of questioning to ferret out answers to nagging questions viewers must have been asking at home.

“If I was a man attracted solely to women sexually, and felt like I was a woman trapped in a man’s body one day out-of-the-blue, would I suddenly be labeled a lesbian?”

In response, Chaz noted that whatever sex an individual was attracted to before a physical body transformation takes place, their preference would remain the same.

That was a crisis that Chaz had to deal with - which eventually prompted Chaz to undergo surgery - to become a man physically (mind, body, and soul).

“I was attracted to women. Because I was a woman physically, I was perceived as a lesbian. In fact, I was a male trapped in a woman’s body who preferred to experience women in a heterosexual way,” Chaz struggled to explain to Dave.

Got that?

Now Chaz is a hot-blooded heterosexual, if you’re to believe his theories and back-up arguments, in support of a highly controversial (provocative) sexual identity issue.

For me, Chaz’s current incarnation epitomizes the persona of a gay male – physically and in mannerisms, for starters– so unlike the dyke image I once held in my mind’s eye until recently.

The fact that Chaz’s current girlfriend is bisexual – tosses an intriguing monkey wrench - into the scenario.

There were moments when Chaz also attempted to transform Dave a tad.

“Homosexual is an old term. The community refers to same-sex relationships and transgender ones as gay,” Chaz chastised Dave who was in the dark until now.

Bono referred to her situation as a "condition" which prompted Dave to probe further with a gleam in his eye.

If you took a magic pill, is it possible to be cured, he quizzed half-jokingly?

Chaz responded emphatically in the negative.

To me, an individual – either male or female – is cured when at long last they are comfortable in their own skin.

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Cher...dinner & show @ Caesars Palace in Vegas! Sweet Deal kicks off September 19th

The unsinkable, non-stoppable, songbird - Cher - returns to the Colosseum (Caesars Palace) tomorrow night after a brief hiatus from the stage.

For a limited time only, ticket-holders can snap up tickets for a special discounted price which includes dinner.

Expect all the old hits ( such as "I got your Babe") to send toes tapping, hearts racing, and headlong down memory lane.

Undoubtedly, a few of the more recent chart-stoppers (Believe), will wow the audiences and die-hard fans, too.

The publicity still for the live! stage performances underscore just how "timeless" (and firmly entrenched in the hearts and minds of the American people) her persona and beauty have become!

Undoubtedly, there will be a number of dazzling costume changes for the Pop chanteuse - and a dizzying array of fabulous hairpieces to match up with 'em - sure to make any drag Queen envious!


I remember the early days when Cher and Sonny starred on their CBS Variety show.

At the top of the show, Cher usually sashayed out; then, a gasp would erupt from the rapt audience - followed by uproarious applause - at the sight of Mrs."B" in the latest outrageous Bob Mackie designer gown.

At this juncture, Cher would maneuver a little turn and joyously scream,

"Let's hear it for the dress!"

In fact, in those heady days when censorship was a tad tighter on the airwaves, each week there was a big brouhaha over racy outfits that often caused a multitude of migraines for the CBS execs. Indeed, on occasion, a dress appeared to be nothing more than a skimpy band-aid pasted on here and there about her tanned slender body.

Throughout the opening number, Cher was inclined to flip her long silky strands to one side, as she ceremoniously licked her lips.

Yes, the perceptible personality quirks stuck, and were great fodder for impersonators to take a poke at ever after.

Once the top brass at CBS got a gander at "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" on its debut in August of 1971 as a five-week summer replacement series, their collective gut instinct was that this was the hot ticket the network was searching for.

So, when "Sonny and Cher" skyrocketed to dizzying heights within weeks on the old boob tube, a pact was signed to return in December to replace "Chicago Teddy Bears" - on Friday nights.

By 1973, the slot became a consistent top-ten winner - due to the fact it was a high-caliber show which featured talented popular regulars such as - Terri Garr, Freeman King, Peter Cullen, The Unknown Comic, Ted Zeigler, and Chastity Bono (the couple's tot).

By 1973, however, the tabloids were rife with stories of wild scream fests, missed gigs (including one subbed by Johnny Carson) and reports of Cher trying with a black eye. When the show finished eighth in the 73-74 season, Sonny filed for divorce - and on the heels of the decree - the final episode of the 'Sonny & Cher' was taped.

In the aftermath, CBS signed Cher to star in her own variety series.

Not to be outdone by his ex, Sonny proceeded to sign a deal with ABC for his own shot on the airwaves backed by the same producers, writing staff, and regular players from the previous weekly variety show.

In a jab at Cher, Sonny joked,

"We'll have all the same players," then clucked, "We'll be missing one, actually".

Sonny’s shot at the big-time was a dismal failure, mostly due to the fact Cher - the cog that kept the wheels spinning - was out of the picture and unable to bolster his morale and the ratings. In sum, the writing was uneven and the guest stars were run-of-the-mill. In short order, Sonny's solo stretch limped into the sunset.

In contrast, the Cher show debuted on Sunday February 16, 1975 with popular guest-stars (and close buds)Elton John, Bette Midler and Flip Wilson.

"I'm scared to death,” Cher said at the time about her own humble offering.

"I'm so afraid of that first walk-out. Here I am alone, naked to the world (huh?). What do you think world? Do you forgive me?"

The series was produced by a long-time writer for "Laugh-In" - George Schlatter - and always started with Cher draped in a dark cape crooning inaudibly at a lone piano in a lackluster start-up.

Then, without warning, Cher suddenly threw off  the veil - and as the music thumped up tempo - the little whirlwind proceeded to strut onto the front of the stage revealing her latest navel-exposing Mackie gem.

The first-nighter was thrilling, but the show quickly slumped in the weeks that followed as the shtick failed to stick. At this juncture, Cher opted to go back to "square one” and team up with Sonny for a follow-up show.

But new problems surfaced in her life.

A quickie marriage to Greg Allman turned into a nightmarish fiasco.

What was the lady to do, with a bundle of joy on the way?

In view of the unusual events unfolding, the CBS censors were inclined to look closer at the new spot which was now slotted into the "family hour". With that foremost in their mind, the network complained to the star that her clothes and image were not appropriate for a recent divorcee.

"Suddenly I should start coming off like Julie Andrews?" Cher asked incredulously.

Over the next few weeks, the show's ratings fell steadily, as did the quality of the writing.

"Sonny and Cher" hovered near the bottom of the ratings for most of the second year before limping off the air without so much as a bang. In fact, Sonny and Cher were now a total write-off to the Network, and canceled for good after hosting four different variety series between them in just six years.

Amen!

But, Cher hung in there!

One night I was at the Backlot in West Hollywood a number of years ago when she arrived with Elton John in tow. The idea is laughable now, but back then, the gossip-mongers wagged their tongues about a potential sizzlin' hot affair between the dynamic pop twosome. Well, maybe the clothes-horses talked about frocks and wigs into the wee hours of dawn.

Not much else was goin' down, I betcha.

Like the energizer rabbit, Cher has gone on and on and on.

There have been so many "final curtains under her belt", I can't count!

Her return to the Colosseum on Saturday should be a hoot.

Bob Mackie designed all her outfits, so that's worth the price of admission, 'fer sure!
Prior to the start-up of  her last gig at Caesar's a few months ago, it was revealed that Cher had a novelty "john" installed in her high-end dressing room.

Imagine that, a potty that actually opens its lid automatically and blows up a waft of fresh air into the nether - um - regions.

I've heard of bl**-jobs, but this is taking it to the max, don't 'ya think?

Did you know that Cher used to practice signing her signature for hours on end when she was a pimply-faced teenager because she knew she would be famous one day.
Amazing confidence, when you consider her humble beginnings.

Born in El Centro in California in 1946, Cher was a sad fatherless child. And, her mother was an eight-times-married failed show-biz performer who struggled by on occasional singing gigs and brief movie roles.

According to biographers, Cher delightfully watched her mother’s nervy career pursuits from the sidelines and pined to be in the spotlight, as well.

For personal reasons, the starry-eyed youth ended up dropping out to take acting lessons in Tinsel town.

She stumbled along her new path without a lot of to-do until she met an intriguing man - Sonny - who would change her life at the age of seventeen.

The moment was a turning point for the shy teen.

Cher met her future husband at Aldo's Coffee Shop, the place where celebrities used to hang out. Since Cher was basically a nobody with fantasies about pop stardom - Sonny, a bit of a celebrity at the time - swept her off her feet.

In fact, shortly after their first encounter, Cher became attached to the homely - but engaging character - and moved in with him. In those early days, they both swore up-and-down that their relationship was platonic. In spite of the fact they shared an apartment, Cher alleged they slept in separate beds. (!)

Cher's mother tried to separate them, but to no avail.

Curiously, one day out-of-the-blue, they did an about-face and professed their love for each other!

In spite of their long drawn-out break-up years later, Cher noted in one biography - "The First Time" - that Bono was the ultimate love of her life and that the two remained amicable despite their personal differences and subsequent hardships.

Cher confessed in one intimate moment,

"What you saw on TV with Sonny and Cher was a good representation of our personal life, always laughing and having fun".

Perhaps the solid footing between the two is the reason why Sonny and Cher hit gold with their single - "I've got you Babe" - when it first hit the charts.

For some inexplicable reason, the song - and the curious couple - resonated in the hearts of teenagers and parents alike, around the nation in those innocent days.

"The Beat goes on" and "Baby Don't Go" followed, boosting their image in the industry somewhat, too.

Sonny's off-beat attire and Cher's far-out fashion schematics - featuring festive blousy pants that hugged the hip, skimpy tops, shaggy hair and fur vests - appealed greatly to the hipsters and fans who wanted to emulate them.

Life turned in a different direction after their daughter Chastity was born in 1969, though.

The intense spotlight caused problems; consequently, the home life of the winsome threesome became hectic and unstable.

On stage Cher was calm, but she noted to the press that - "backstage was turbulent" - and that she felt trapped.

Cher stated in her biography,

"The only way I could continue life happily was to split with Sonny and bring our show to a premature end." She continued, "This devastated our fans, as well as CBS executives, but it had to be done, I was simply, unhappy with my life."

In the end, stardom pulled Cher's marriage down; but, the media attention on Cher propelled her into the super stratosphere as she dated new beaus. Usually, quite young!

The brief marriage to Allman ended up in divorce due to the musician's addictions to booze and heroin.

When that sad scenario ended, it appeared that at 33 - the unemployed single mother was all washed-up - career-wise.

But then, as if by a miracle, Cher was cast in a movie called 'Silkwood', opposite film great Meryl Streep.

Cher recalls poignantly,

"I will never forget the time Silkwood premiered in New York. As soon as my name was mentioned, the audience laughed. I felt bad, but you can't argue with these things, it's just a natural organic response from the audience."

However, Cher had the last laugh when she was nominated for an Oscar!

In fact, by 1987, Cher was in such demand that she found herself in three important feature films at once, "The Witches of Eastwick", "Suspect" and "Moonstruck".


At 41, after twenty-five years in show biz, Cher was on top again.

To her surprise, she sauntered back into the music arena in a stupendous way with a surprise hit - "If I could turn back time" - in which she flaunted her sexy appeal - in an enticing risqué outfit as she wantonly pranced around on a ship full of young soldiers.

The result?

She garnered a big buzz in headlines around the globe, once again.

In the nineties, Cher re-invented her music persona, in fact.

But, as she was riding the crest of a wave of success, tragic news struck.

Sonny was killed in a skiing accident.

"I was in London in January 1998 when I heard the dreaded news. Chastity rang me and brought the news of Sonny's death. I dropped everything and fled to Heathrow Airport and the media watched my every move. Even though we'd been apart for 24 years I couldn't ignore the fact I spent a quarter of my life with this guy."

Full of remorse during her reconciliatory eulogy at his funeral, Cher praised the man who had been father, partner, friend, and foe - displaying a side of herself the world had never seen. Though hurt by endless criticism that her appearance at the funeral was an attention-seeking devise (they didn’t look like crocodile tears to me) Cher continued to mourn openly and pay tribute to Bono in a sentimental CBS documentary.

By March 1999 - looking as glamorous as ever - Cher was ruling the Top 40 charts and holding the number one spot four consecutive weeks with her new title song, "Believe".

How to define Cher?

Well - she's a survivor - first and foremost. Then, a pop singer, TV Star, Academy Award-Winning Actress, Disco Diva, home decorator, fleeting expletive tosser at Awards Shows, and a fashion icon.

Although Cher's been written off countless times in the past, she just springs back and conquers anew each year, each decade.

For an original ugly duckling, you've come a long way, Babe!

Now, for more glorious moments in the sun in Las Vegas.

See 'ya there!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Chastity Bono...pursues sex change! A man in a woman's body?

Even revellers at the weekend Gay Pride celebration in West Hollywood were surprised when the startling news flash zig zagged around the globe.

Chastity Bono announced her decision to have a sex change operation to become a man.

The sexual identity scenario faced by Cher's daughter raises a couple of intriguing questions.

Did Ms. Bono encounter mental and emotional (even physical difficulties) when she tried to pursue a loving lesbian relationship with another woman in her current sexual persona?

Once Chastity goes under the knife - and ultimately transforms into a man - will any relationship she pursues with a woman in the future be considered a heterosexual one?

I applaud her courage in "coming out" on the issue.

When I was a teenager, anyone who declared themselves "gay" (we didn't use that term in those days") was considered "queer" and ripe for therapy.

One doctor, if I recall correctly, asserted that he could "treat" homosexuals and cure them of their "affliction" so that they could go on to live happy (normal) lives in nurturing straight relationships.

Personally, I've always felt that the individual (and society) should go along with the natural inclination (sexual instinct) instead of fighting it (oftentimes with disastrous heartbreaking results).

I recall the wild musings that rumbled around the world when the Christine Jorgensen story broke a few decades ago.

In the "dark ages" of sexual identity - and gender-bending - it was quite a mind-blower.

According to Ms. Jorgensen, it was simply a case of a man being born in the wrong body at birth.

I'm sure glad there weren't any slip-ups like that when I arrived in the world a bundle of joy!

To this day, when Jorgensen's name pops up on the news or in a conversation, it triggers an image of her stepping off an airplane waving happily to reporters and curious onlookers after the transformation was complete.

Many more have paved the way since - so, I expect the journey will be easier for Ms. Bono - who appears to be bent on resolving her sexual identity crisis.

Well, she's got ba**s, that's for sure!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Palm Springs International Film Festival...cultural waste in the desert. Writer Susan King clueless...

I laughed out loud when I read the caption for Susan King's feature in the Los Angeles Times for the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

"The world flocks to indie oasis."

Hardly.

If she thinks so, she's deluding herself.

To paraphrase Samuel Goldwyn:

"They'll probably stay away in droves."

Ms. King must have lost her artistic sensibilities.

Either that - or she's on "the take" - maybe even friends with festival organizers and filmmakers screening their projects out in the boonies.

Come to think of it - in view of recent features she's penned - I'd have to conjecture she never had any worthwhile sensibilities to begin with.

Surely - she doesn't expect that on her "say so" - filmgoers are going to flock to the 9th Hole in Palm Springs to plunk down hard-earned cash for the piffle they're offering up in that cultural wasteland?

I expect that there is a self-serving motive behind King's gushing report.

Like the Richard Raddon /Los Angeles Film Festival fiasco - I expect a closer behind-the-scenes investigation just might ferret out Los Angeles Times newspaper ties to the annual event - politically, socially, financially.

Whatever!

After all, they're a scurrilous lot at the morning daily.

Ms. King started off by enticing readers with "Last Chance Harry" bait.

Ho Hum!

Dustin Hoffman's new release was premiered at the AFI Film Festival last month to tepid reviews.

And a scant few weeks later is - um - savoring less-than-full houses.

Who wants to drive down to P.S. to nibble at crumbs left-over from more prestigious film festivals around the country?

Unless up-close vistas of commercial buildings that hug a highway are your cup of tea - the ninety-minute trek down a bumpy two-lane highway sounds a tad pointless - don't you think?

Of course, if a fest enthusiast hankers for images of dizzying (!) tiers of highway overpasses (like those scraping the sky at the turnpike in San Bernardino) or getting their rocks off in truck-stop johns along the route- then, this jaunt is for you - Bud!

King proceeded to gush - like some infernal groupie or school-girl with a first crush - that the desert oasis horse & pony show was drawing "star" power this year.

Whoa nellie!

Excuse me, Ms. King, but the cast of "Revolutionary Road" doesn't fit the bill.

Isn't that little stinker languishing in movie houses currently and on its way to bombing big time?

Sean Penn, a draw?

Although many will concede Mr. Penn is a fine actor, I don't recall anyone ever chomping at the bit to catch a glimpse of him in person at a premiere, in the men's room, or acting naughty on the street.

If anything, the cautious are more inclined to avoid the man in person - and his political tirades - sure to put a blight on any upbeat social, cultural, or newsworthy event.

And - here's is a chance to catch a handful of indie films you won't encounter elsewhere on the circuit - she teases.

Frankly, my dear, the obscure ditties you referred to aren't of much interest to any discerning film buff.

In this instant case, in the event of a curiosity factor, I just betcha they'll wait until the celluloid oddities end up on their last legs at a $4 matinee screening at the Regency in West Hollywood.

King was also inclined to rave about a "Black Tie" gala event scheduled to kick off the festival first night.

Golly, nothing sounds more exciting than a function filled to the rafters with a gaggle of puffed-up Lounge Lizards in stuffy formal attire waxing incoherently about a medium they know nothing about.

Speaking of desert creatures, they left no stone unturned in this regard.

King and the Festival folks - cross my heart - dragged out the ghost of Sonny Bono to hammer home the point that the festival erupted on the circuit initially with a smattering of glitz and glamour.

Why, an opening night celebration was once held at Bono's fancy digs, by golly!

What happened???

Truth of the matter is, the venue is downright creaky.

Laid-back, Ms. King?

How about sleepy and out-of-touch?

I give it a two "liver-warted" thumbs down".

Dinosaur exhibit down the highway has more appeal!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Cher...Diva returns to Vegas August 30th!

The unstoppable flawless Cher will explode onto the Las Vegas stage on the evening of August 30th.


Undoubtedly, there will be a number of dazzling costume changes for the Pop chanteuse - and a dizzying array of fabulous hairpieces to match up with 'em - sure to make any drag Queen envious!

In fact, I understand that the last time Cher was performing during her stint in Sin City, a well-known female impersonator was on stage elsewhere in town, with her best impressions of the mega star.

Gosh - who knows - maybe a handful of the out-of-towners jotted down the wrong reservation number and end up in a swirl of falsies, hair extensions, and tucked-away d**k.

Sounds like a scene out of LA CAUX AUX FOLLES, doesn't it?

I remember the early days when Cher and Sonny starred on their CBS Variety show.

At the top of the show, Cher usually sashayed out; then, a gasp would erupt from the rapt audience - followed by uproarious applause - at the sight of Mrs."B" in the latest outrageous Bob Mackie designer gown.

At this juncture, Cher would maneuver a little turn and joyously scream,

"Let's hear it for the dress!"

In fact, in those heady days when censorship was a tad tighter on the airwaves, each week there was a big brouhaha over racy outfits that often caused a multitude of migraines for the CBS execs. Indeed, on occasion, a dress appeared to be nothing more than a skimpy band-aid pasted on here and there about her tanned slender body.

Throughout the opening number, Cher was inclined to flip her long silky strands to one side, as she ceremoniously licked her lips.

Yes, the perceptible personality quirks stuck, and were great fodder for impersonators to take a poke at ever after.

Once the top brass at CBS got a gander at "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" on its debut in August of 1971 as a five-week summer replacement series, their collective gut instinct was that this was the hot ticket the network was searching for.

So, when "Sonny and Cher" skyrocketed to dizzying heights within weeks on the old boob tube, a pact was signed to return in December to replace "Chicago Teddy Bears" - on Friday nights.

By 1973, the slot became a consistent top-ten winner - due to the fact it was a high-caliber show which featured talented popular regulars such as - Terri Garr, Freeman King, Peter Cullen, The Unknown Comic, Ted Zeigler, and Chastity Bono (the couple's tot).

By 1973, however, the tabloids were rife with stories of wild scream fests, missed gigs (including one subbed by Johnny Carson) and reports of Cher trying with a black eye. When the show finished eighth in the 73-74 season, Sonny filed for divorce - and on the heels of the decree - the final episode of the 'Sonny & Cher' was taped.

In the aftermath, CBS signed Cher to star in her own variety series.

Not to be outdone by his ex, Sonny proceeded to sign a deal with ABC for his own shot on the airwaves backed by the same producers, writing staff, and regular players from the previous weekly variety show.

In a jab at Cher, Sonny joked,

"We'll have all the same players," then clucked, "We'll be missing one, actually".

Sonny’s shot at the big-time was a dismal failure, mostly due to the fact Cher - the cog that kept the wheels spinning - was out of the picture and unable to bolster his morale and the ratings. In sum, the writing was uneven and the guest stars were run-of-the-mill. In short order, Sonny's solo stretch limped into the sunset.

In contrast, the Cher show debuted on Sunday February 16, 1975 with popular guest-stars (and close buds) Elton John, Bette Midler and Flip Wilson.

"I'm scared to death,” Cher said at the time about her own humble offering.

"I'm so afraid of that first walk-out. Here I am alone, naked to the world (huh?). What do you think world? Do you forgive me?"

The series was produced by a long-time writer for "Laugh-In" - George Schlatter - and always started with Cher draped in a dark cape crooning inaudibly at a lone piano in a lackluster start-up. Then, without warning, Cher suddenly threw off the veil - and as the music thumped up tempo - the little whirlwind proceeded to strut onto the front of the stage revealing her latest navel-exposing Mackie gem.

The first-nighter was thrilling, but the show quickly slumped in the weeks that followed as the shtick failed to stick. At this juncture, Cher opted to go back to "square one” and team up with Sonny for a follow-up show.

But new problems surfaced in her life.

A quickie marriage to Greg Allman turned into a nightmarish fiasco.

What was the lady to do, with a bundle of joy on the way?

In view of the unusual events unfolding, the CBS censors were inclined to look closer at the new spot which was now slotted into the "family hour". With that foremost in their mind, the network complained to the star that her clothes and image were not appropriate for a recent divorcee.

"Suddenly I should start coming off like Julie Andrews?" Cher asked incredulously.

Over the next few weeks, the show's ratings fell steadily, as did the quality of the writing.

"Sonny and Cher" hovered near the bottom of the ratings for most of the second year before limping off the air without so much as a bang. In fact, Sonny and Cher were now a total write-off to the Network, and canceled for good after hosting four different variety series between them in just six years.

Amen!

But, Cher hung in there!

One night I was at the Backlot in West Hollywood a number of years ago when she arrived with Elton John in tow. The idea is laughable now, but back then, the gossip-mongers wagged their tongues about a potential sizzlin' hot affair between the dynamic pop twosome. Well, maybe the clothes-horses talked about frocks and wigs into the wee hours of dawn.

Not much else was goin' down, I betcha.

Like the energizer rabbit, Cher has gone on and on and on.

There have been so many "final curtains under her belt", I can't count!

The Las Vegas extravaganza should be a hoot, though.

Curiously, in recent days, it was revealed that Cher had a novelty "john" installed in her high-end dressing room in Vegas for the upcoming gig. Imagine that, a potty that actually opens its lid automatically and blows up a waft of fresh air into the nether - um - regions.

I've heard of bl**-jobs, but this is taking it to the max, don't 'ya think?

Cher will wail - "Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves" - this time around and any outfit inclined to conjure up the theme.

Yeah, she'll excite the crowd with "Half Breed", too

Did you know that Cher used to practice signing her signature for hours on end when she was a pimply-faced teenager because she knew she would be famous one day?

Amazing confidence, when you consider her humble beginnings.

Born in El Centro in California in 1946, Cher was a sad fatherless child. And, her mother was an eight-times-married failed show-biz performer who struggled by on occasional singing gigs and brief movie roles.

According to biographers, Cher delightfully watched her mother’s nervy career pursuits from the sidelines and pined to be in the spotlight, as well.

For personal reasons, the starry-eyed youth ended up dropping out to take acting lessons in Tinsel town.

She stumbled along her new path without a lot of to-do until she met an intriguing man - Sonny - who would change her life at the age of seventeen.

The moment was a turning point for the shy teen.

Cher met her future husband at Aldo's Coffee Shop, the place where celebrities used to hang out. Since Cher was basically a nobody with fantasies about pop stardom - Sonny, a bit of a celebrity at the time - swept her off her feet.

In fact, shortly after their first encounter, Cher became attached to the homely - but engaging character - and moved in with him. In those early days, they both swore up-and-down that their relationship was platonic. In spite of the fact they shared an apartment, Cher alleged they slept in separate beds. (!)

Cher's mother tried to separate them, but to no avail.

Curiously, one day out-of-the-blue, they did an about-face and professed their love for each other!

In spite of their long drawn-out break-up years later, Cher noted in one biography - "The First Time" - that Bono was the ultimate love of her life and that the two remained amicable despite their personal differences and subsequent hardships.

Cher confessed in one intimate moment,

"What you saw on TV with Sonny and Cher was a good representation of our personal life, always laughing and having fun".

Perhaps the solid footing between the two is the reason why Sonny and Cher hit gold with their single - "I've got you Babe" - when it first hit the charts.

For some inexplicable reason, the song - and the curious couple - resonated in the hearts of teenagers and parents alike, around the nation in those innocent days.

"The Beat goes on" and "Baby Don't Go" followed, boosting their image in the industry somewhat, too.

Sonny's off-beat attire and Cher's far-out fashion schematics - featuring festive blousy pants that hugged the hip, skimpy tops, shaggy hair and fur vests - appealed greatly to the hipsters and fans who wanted to emulate them.

Life turned in a different direction after their daughter Chastity was born in 1969, though.

The intense spotlight caused problems; consequently, the home life of the winsome threesome became hectic and unstable.

On stage Cher was calm, but she noted to the press that - "backstage was turbulent" - and that she felt trapped.

Cher stated in her biography,

"The only way I could continue life happily was to split with Sonny and bring our show to a premature end." She continued, "This devastated our fans, as well as CBS executives, but it had to be done, I was simply, unhappy with my life."

In the end, stardom pulled Cher's marriage down; but, the media attention on Cher propelled her into the super stratosphere as she dated new beaus. Usually, quite young!

The brief marriage to Allman ended up in divorce due to the musician's addictions to booze and heroin.

When that sad scenario ended, it appeared that at 33 - the unemployed single mother was all washed-up - career-wise.

But then, as if by a miracle, Cher was cast in a movie called 'Silkwood', opposite film great Meryl Streep.

Cher recalls poignantly,

"I will never forget the time Silkwood premiered in New York. As soon as my name was mentioned, the audience laughed. I felt bad, but you can't argue with these things, it's just a natural organic response from the audience."

However, Cher had the last laugh when she was nominated for an Oscar!

In fact, by 1987, Cher was in such demand that she found herself in three important feature films at once, "The Witches of Eastwick", "Suspect" and "Moonstruck".

At 41, after twenty-five years in show biz, Cher was on top again.

To her surprise, she sauntered back into the music arena in a stupendous way with a surprise hit - "If I could turn back time" - in which she flaunted her sexy appeal - in an enticing risqué outfit as she wantonly pranced around on a ship full of young soldiers.

The result?

She garnered a big buzz in headlines around the globe, once again.

In the nineties, Cher re-invented her music persona, in fact.

But, as she was riding the crest of a wave of success, tragic news struck.

Sonny was killed in a skiing accident.

"I was in London in January 1998 when I heard the dreaded news. Chastity rang me and brought the news of Sonny's death. I dropped everything and fled to Heathrow Airport and the media watched my every move. Even though we'd been apart for 24 years I couldn't ignore the fact I spent a quarter of my life with this guy."

Full of remorse during her reconciliatory eulogy at his funeral, Cher praised the man who had been father, partner, friend, and foe - displaying a side of herself the world had never seen. Though hurt by endless criticism that her appearance at the funeral was an attention-seeking devise (they didn’t look like crocodile tears to me) Cher continued to mourn openly and pay tribute to Bono in a sentimental CBS documentary.

By March 1999 - looking as glamorous as ever - Cher was ruling the Top 40 charts and holding the number one spot four consecutive weeks with her new title song, "Believe".

How to define Cher?

Well - she's a survivor - first and foremost. Then, a pop singer, TV Star, Academy Award-Winning Actress, Disco Diva, home decorator, fleeting expletive tosser at Awards Shows, and a fashion icon.

Although Cher's been written off countless times in the past, she just springs back and conquers anew each year, each decade.

For an original ugly duckling, you've come a long way, Babe!

Now, for more glorious moments in the sun in Las Vegas.

See 'ya there!