Chaz Bono is an American actor, writer, musician, and LGBTQ+ activist. Born in 1969 to music icons Sonny Bono and Cher, he has built a career that spans memoir writing, documentary filmmaking, and character acting on shows such as American Horror Story and Curb Your Enthusiasm. His public transition from female to male in the late 2000s brought him widespread attention and made him one of the most visible transgender figures in entertainment.
Over the years, Bono has also spoken openly about his weight loss journey, his sobriety, and his relationships. As of 2025, he remains active in the industry with new film projects and continues to share personal updates through social media. The most recent milestone in his personal life came in March 2026, when he married Shara Blue Mathes, a longtime acquaintance he reconnected with nearly a decade earlier.
Who Is Chaz Bono? (Biography and Identity)
Chaz Salvatore Bono
March 4, 1969
Actor, Writer, Activist
LGBTQ+ Activism, American Horror Story, Transition Journey
Key Insights:
- Chaz Bono is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, known for his public transition and advocacy.
- He is the only child of celebrities Sonny Bono and Cher, giving him a unique public childhood.
- His acting career includes notable roles in American Horror Story and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
- Chaz Bono has been open about his weight loss journey and sobriety, often sharing updates with fans.
- As of 2025, he remains active in media, promoting projects like the film Big Baby and participating in documentaries.
- His legal name and gender change were completed in 2010, and he documented the process in the Emmy-nominated film Becoming Chaz.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | March 4, 1969 (Age 56 at time of writing) |
| Former Name | Chastity Sun Bono |
| Parents | Sonny Bono (Father), Cher (Mother) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Notable Roles | American Horror Story, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Disclosure |
| Partner | Married Shara Blue Mathes in 2026 |
| Sobriety | Clean and sober since 2006 |
| Weight Loss | Approximately 80–85 pounds lost through diet changes |
| Transition | Announced publicly in 2009; legal changes completed in 2010 |
What Was Chaz Bono Like as a Kid? (Early Life)
Growing up in Los Angeles as the only child of Sonny and Cher, Chaz Bono — then known as Chastity Sun Bono — was exposed to the entertainment world from a very young age. He made occasional appearances on his parents’ television shows and was frequently photographed at red‑carpet events. Despite the glamour, sources describe his childhood as marked by the pressures of public scrutiny and the eventual separation of his parents in the mid‑1970s.
Bono’s birth name, Chastity, was chosen by his parents to reflect the ideals of the late 1960s. He later changed it to Chaz, a male version of the nickname “Chas,” after beginning his transition.
In a 2011 interview with NPR, Bono described feeling uncomfortable with the gender expectations placed on him as a child. He has said that he knew from an early age that his identity did not align with the female label assigned at birth. By the 1990s, he came out as a lesbian, a step that preceded his later transition.
Who Are Sonny and Cher?
Sonny Bono and Cher were one of the most famous pop‑culture duos of the 1960s and 70s, known for hits such as “I Got You Babe” and their own variety television show. Sonny later became a U.S. congressman, while Cher continued a legendary music and acting career. Their son, Chaz, has spoken about the challenges of having such high‑profile parents, but also acknowledges the support they gave him during his transition.
What Is Chaz Bono Known For? (Acting Career and Projects)
Is Chaz Bono in American Horror Story?
Yes. According to Britannica, Chaz Bono “made his mark as an actor” when he appeared in the seventh season of American Horror Story (titled American Horror Story: Apocalypse) in 2018. He later returned for a role in the eighth season. His performance was widely praised as a breakthrough for trans representation in mainstream horror.
Other Notable Acting Roles
Beyond horror, Bono has a recurring role as a fictionalized version of himself on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. His IMDb page lists additional credits including the 2020 documentary Disclosure, which examines transgender representation in film and television. In 2024 he starred in the independent film Big Baby, and in 2025 he appeared in Little Bites. A post‑production project titled Candy Flip is also listed.
Writing and Documentary Work
Bono authored two memoirs: Family Outing (1998) and Transition: The Story of How I Became a Man (2011). The documentary Becoming Chaz (2011), which aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network, chronicles his transition and won critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination. These works remain central to his public identity as a writer and activist.
Has Chaz Bono Had Weight Loss Surgery? (Health Journey)
Chaz Bono’s weight loss has been a topic of public interest for years. In 2005 he appeared on the reality show Celebrity Fit Club, where he began addressing his weight. After his transition, he lost approximately 80 to 85 pounds, according to multiple sources including a 2024 interview with Yahoo Entertainment and a YouTube conversation with Dr. Phil. The weight loss did not involve surgery, based on available information; instead, Bono has emphasized dietary changes, particularly cutting back on grains, sugar, and dairy.
Bono has never publicly stated that he underwent bariatric surgery. Most reports attribute his transformation to lifestyle modifications. In a 2024 interview, he said he still enjoys food but has learned to manage portions and avoid trigger ingredients.
Bono has also been candid about his sobriety. He has been clean and sober since 2006, a milestone he often commemorates on social media. In 2025 he posted about reaching 19 years of sobriety.
No official medical records or detailed statements from Bono’s doctors have been published. The exact amount of weight lost and the timeline of dietary changes rely on Bono’s own accounts and media reports, which contain minor variations (80 vs. 85 pounds).
What Is Chaz Bono Doing Now? A Timeline of Key Events
- 1969 – Born Chastity Sun Bono in Los Angeles, California. (Wikipedia)
- 1995 – Came out as a lesbian. (Britannica)
- 2008–2009 – Began female-to-male transition; publicly announced it in 2009.
- 2010 – Legal name and gender changed to Chaz Salvatore Bono. (Wikipedia)
- 2011 – Documentary Becoming Chaz premieres, chronicling his transition. (IMDb)
- 2012–2015 – Achieves significant weight loss; publicly discusses health journey.
- 2018–2021 – Acts in American Horror Story: Apocalypse and Curb Your Enthusiasm. (Britannica)
- 2025 – Stars in Little Bites; promotes Big Baby; marks 19 years of sobriety.
- March 8, 2026 – Marries Shara Blue Mathes in Los Angeles. (Wikipedia)
Is Chaz Bono Married? What We Know and What’s Unclear
Established Information
- Bono married Shara Blue Mathes on March 8, 2026, in Los Angeles. The two knew each other as teenagers and reconnected in 2017. (Wikipedia)
- During his transition, his long-term partner was Jennifer Elia, with whom he experienced difficulties during the transition period.
- Bono has no children and has maintained a relatively private personal life outside of his public transition.
Information That Remains Unclear
- No further details about the wedding ceremony or Shara Blue Mathes’s professional background have been widely reported.
- It is not known whether Bono plans to have children or adopt.
- The status of his relationship with Jennifer Elia after the transition ended has not been updated publicly in recent years.
Why Does Chaz Bono’s Story Matter?
Chaz Bono’s life represents a powerful narrative of public identity transformation. Growing up as the child of two of the most famous entertainers in the world, he experienced extraordinary visibility from an early age. His decision to transition in the public eye — and to document that journey in Becoming Chaz — helped normalize transgender experiences for millions of viewers.
His career shift from writing and activism to mainstream acting also mirrors the broader evolution of trans representation in Hollywood. By landing roles in series like American Horror Story and Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bono has demonstrated that transgender actors can inhabit a wide range of characters beyond those defined by their identity. At the same time, his openness about weight loss and sobriety has made him a relatable figure for audiences grappling with similar challenges.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Chaz Bono?
“He made his mark as an actor” in American Horror Story (2016–17).
His legal name and gender change were completed in 2010.
The most authoritative sources for Bono’s biography are Wikipedia and Britannica, which provide well‑cited overviews of his life and career. For filmography, IMDb is the most comprehensive database. For recent personal updates, his official Instagram account (@therealchazbono) is the primary outlet, though editorial coverage from outlets like Yahoo Entertainment and NPR adds valuable context.
What Is the Last Thing to Know About Chaz Bono?
Chaz Bono continues to evolve both personally and professionally. With a new marriage in 2026, active film projects, and a long‑standing commitment to sobriety and advocacy, he remains a distinctive voice in American culture. For readers interested in similar stories of transformation and public life, explore the biography of T.R. Knight – Biography, Net Worth, Husband, and Latest Projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chaz Bono’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but sources suggest a net worth in the range of $2 million, largely from acting and writing.
Where does Chaz Bono live?
He resides in Los Angeles, California.
Does Chaz Bono have children?
No, Chaz Bono does not have biological children.
Why did Chaz Bono change his name?
He changed his name to Chaz (male version of “Chas”) to reflect his gender identity after transitioning.
What is the documentary ‘Becoming Chaz’ about?
It documents his gender transition process.
Has Chaz Bono had weight loss surgery?
He has not publicly confirmed any surgery. His weight loss is attributed to dietary changes, including cutting grains, sugar, and dairy.
Is Chaz Bono still acting in 2025?
Yes, he appeared in the film Little Bites in 2025 and has a post‑production project called Candy Flip.
Who is Chaz Bono’s mother?
His mother is the iconic singer and actress Cher.
How tall is Chaz Bono?
He is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) tall.
What is Chaz Bono’s sobriety anniversary?
He has been sober since 2006, celebrating 19 years in 2025.
Olivia Hartley is Business & Economy Correspondent at DailyCity.co.uk, reporting on the city economy, property, retail, hospitality and employment.