Chaz Bono

Chaz Salvatore Bono (born Chastity Sun Bono on March 4, 1969) is an American entertainer, activist, and author who gained initial fame as the child performer on 'The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour' alongside his famous parents Sonny and Cher. As a young performer, he appeared regularly on the show from 1971 to 1974, becoming a recognizable face to millions of television viewers. Following his entertainment career, Bono pursued acting, appearing in various television shows and films. In the 2000s, Chaz became widely known as a vocal and visible transgender rights advocate, publicly documenting his transition in the 2011 documentary 'Becoming Chaz.' He has been instrumental in raising awareness about transgender issues and has served as a spokesperson for LGBTQ+ organizations. Bono competed on 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 13, which significantly increased his public visibility. Beyond activism, he has worked as an author, writing memoirs including 'Transition' that detail his personal journey. Chaz's openness about his transgender identity and his advocacy work have made him an important cultural figure in conversations about gender identity and LGBTQ+ acceptance in mainstream American culture.