Cher (real name - Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPierre) is an American singer, actress, songwriter, author and entertainer. She was born on May 20, 1946.

Among her many accomplishments in music, television and film, she has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, a Cannes Film Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and several Billboard Music Awards, among others.

Cher first rose to prominence in 1965 as one half of the pop/rock duo Sonny & Cher. She also established herself as a solo recording artist, releasing 25 albums, contributing to numerous compilations, and tallying 34 Billboard Top 40 entries over her career, both solo and with Sonny. These include eighteen Top 10 singles and five number one singles (four solo). Cher has had 16 top ten hits in the UK between 1965 and 2003, four of which reached number one (two solo, one with Sonny, one as part of a charity single).

She became a television star in the 1970s and a film actress in the 1980s. In 1987, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the romantic comedy Moonstruck.

In a career surpassing 40 years, Cher has been described as an enduring pop icon and one of the most popular female artists in music history. Since her debut in 1964, Cher has sold as a solo artist over 100 million records worldwide and an estimated 70 million singles, and a combined total of over 250 million records & singles (including with Sonny ) becoming one of the biggest-selling artists of all time.

Cher has a very large and devoted fanbase that has transcended generations. Their devotion is evidenced through the biennial Cher Convention which began in Chicago in 2000 as a tribute by fans when her song "Believe" reached number one. With all proceeds going to the Children's Craniofacial Association, a 501(c)3. The event is held every other year, and has included Las Vegas in 2002 and 2004, and Los Angeles in 2006. And, will be held in Las Vegas in 2008.

The Cher Expo is a biennial event set in the odd year, which began in 2007. Where Cher fans come together for a two night, one day event. All the monies raised goes to a non-profit charity. The Cher Expo in 2009 will be in Atlanta Georgia, and its beneficiary is Keep A Child Alive.

www.Cher.com