5 Surprising Facts About Chaz Bono In 2025: Engaged, New Roles, And His Tumultuous Relationship With Cher
Chaz Bono remains one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the LGBTQ+ community, a status cemented not only by his famous parentage but by his powerful and public gender transition journey. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the author, actor, and activist continues to make headlines with new professional projects and a significant personal milestone: his long-awaited wedding.
The only child of music legends Sonny Bono and Cher, Chaz Bono has leveraged his platform to become a leading voice for transgender rights, mental health awareness, and substance abuse recovery. His life is a testament to resilience, a narrative chronicled in his books and the Emmy-nominated documentary about his transition. This article delves into the most current and essential facts about Chaz Bono, highlighting his recent career moves, his engagement, and the complex family dynamics that continue to capture public attention.
Chaz Bono: Complete Biography and Profile
Chaz Salvatore Bono is an American writer, musician, and actor, best known for his advocacy work and for being the only child of the iconic musical duo Sonny & Cher. His journey, particularly his public transition from female to male, has made him a pivotal figure in the modern transgender movement.
- Full Name: Chaz Salvatore Bono
- Birth Name: Chastity Sun Bono
- Date of Birth: March 4, 1969
- Age (in 2025): 56
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Parents: Sonny Bono (Father) and Cher (Mother)
- Occupation: Actor, Author, Musician, LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate
- Notable Works (Books): Family Outing (1996), The End of Innocence (2003), Transition: Becoming Who I Was Always Meant to Be (2011)
- Notable Works (Film/TV): Becoming Chaz (Documentary), Dancing with the Stars, American Horror Story: Cult, The Bell Keeper
- Gender Transition: Began his female-to-male transition in 2008 and legally changed his gender and name in May 2010.
- Current Partner: Engaged to Shara Blue Mathes
- Net Worth: Approximately $800,000 (Varies widely by source)
1. His Major New Acting Roles in 2023 and 2024
After finding renewed confidence in acting following his groundbreaking run on *Dancing with the Stars* in 2011, Chaz Bono has steadily built a respectable filmography, moving beyond his celebrity status to take on serious roles. His recent work demonstrates a commitment to his craft and a desire to be recognized as a versatile performer.
In 2023, Bono took on a significant role in the horror film *The Bell Keeper*, where he played the character of Sheriff. This appearance showcases his ability to handle genre work and adds a notable entry to his list of film credits. Furthermore, 2024 saw him appear in the movie *Little Bits*, directed by Spider One, continuing his active presence in the independent film scene.
These roles follow his critically acclaimed work in the television series *American Horror Story: Cult* and his participation in the powerful 2020 documentary *Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen*, which explores the history of transgender representation in film and television. His consistent work in Hollywood, often playing diverse characters, is a quiet but powerful form of transgender visibility in the entertainment industry.
2. The Latest on His Engagement to Shara Blue Mathes
A major focus of Chaz Bono’s personal life in 2025 is his long-term relationship and upcoming wedding to his fiancée, Shara Blue Mathes. The couple has been together since 2017, and their relationship has been a source of stability and joy for Bono.
Shara Blue Mathes, a former child actor known for her appearance in the 1984 series *It's Your Move*, has maintained a relatively private life but has been open about her relationship with Bono on social media. Their engagement marks a significant milestone, and news outlets have reported on the highly anticipated wedding ceremony.
The relationship has also highlighted the complex family dynamics that often surround celebrity unions. Reports surfaced in May 2025 suggesting that Bono’s mother, the legendary Cher, may have been disinvited from the wedding, or that their relationship remains strained. While the details of the reported family rift are private, it underscores the ongoing public scrutiny of the relationship between Chaz and his mother, which has historically been tumultuous but loving.
3. His Unwavering Role as a Key LGBTQ+ and Mental Health Advocate
Beyond the spotlight of Hollywood, Chaz Bono’s most enduring legacy is his tireless work as an LGBTQ+ rights advocate. His book, *Transition: Becoming Who I Was Always Meant to Be*, and the documentary *Becoming Chaz*, remain essential resources for understanding the transgender experience.
In the current climate, Bono’s advocacy has a strong focus on mental health awareness and substance abuse recovery, issues he has spoken about candidly from his own experience. He works closely with organizations like Transforming Family, which is dedicated to supporting gender-diverse teenagers and their families through education and community building.
His influence is also recognized by major organizations such as GLAAD, which frequently features his insights and work. His public visibility in the media, whether through acting or interviews, consistently serves to normalize and educate the public about transgender issues, making him a crucial figure in the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
4. The Complex Relationship with His Mother, Cher, and Brother
The family life of Chaz Bono is often as public and dramatic as his mother’s career. His relationship with Cher has been a central theme of his life, marked by periods of estrangement and reconciliation. Cher has been vocal about her journey to acceptance, expressing unconditional love while admitting to the challenges of understanding her son’s transition.
In recent years, the family has faced other public challenges, particularly surrounding his half-brother, Elijah Blue Allman (Cher’s son with Gregg Allman). In late 2023, Cher filed for a conservatorship over Elijah, citing substance abuse issues, a case that was later dismissed. While Chaz Bono’s direct involvement in this specific legal matter was not primary, the events highlighted the continued complexity and stress within the famous family unit.
Despite the public scrutiny and reported issues—including the potential disinvitation from his wedding—the bond between mother and son remains a powerful, if complicated, narrative. Chaz’s ability to maintain his personal path while navigating the world of celebrity parentage is a testament to his strength and independence.
5. Chaz Bono’s Net Worth and Financial Success
While his early career was often overshadowed by his parents, Chaz Bono has established his own financial success through a multi-faceted career as an author, actor, and public speaker. While net worth estimates vary widely, the most commonly cited figure places his net worth around $800,000.
His income streams are diverse, including royalties from his three published books, fees from his speaking engagements as a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate, and his consistent work in film and television. Key projects like his appearances on *Dancing with the Stars* and his recurring roles in major series like *American Horror Story* have significantly contributed to his financial stability and overall career visibility. His continued work in the independent film world, as seen with his 2023 and 2024 projects, ensures a steady stream of professional income as he heads into a new chapter of his personal life with his fiancée, Shara Blue Mathes.
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