Chas Bono
Child star of 'Sonny & Cher,' LGBTQ+ advocate, transgender pioneer
Chas Bono (born Chastity Sun Bono, March 4, 1969) is an American television personality, actor, musician, and advocate who achieved fame as the child star of 'The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,' the iconic variety show starring his parents Cher and Sonny Bono. Bono appeared regularly on the show during its run in the early 1970s, becoming one of television's most recognized child performers. Beyond his early show business success, Chas Bono became an important cultural figure as a transgender man, publicly coming out and transitioning in 2010. His visibility as a prominent transgender person in mainstream media helped advance LGBTQ+ representation during a period when such visibility was rare. Bono has appeared on numerous television shows including 'American Horror Story: Cult,' hosted reality television programs, and continued work as an entertainer and speaker. Through his activism and public presence, Chas Bono has contributed significantly to broader cultural conversations about gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform from childhood fame to advocate for acceptance and understanding. His career trajectory spans entertainment, activism, and personal authenticity.
Entertainment
American
1969
Thinking about the name
Chas
Germanic origin
“A short form of Charles, derived from Germanic 'Karl' meaning 'man' or 'warrior,' or occasionally from Charles/Chase. Chas is a crisp, efficient name that feels both vintage (evoking British nicknames) and contemporary, working equally well as a standalone name or nickname. It carries an understated charm and directness.”