Chaz Bono is a 56-year-old American actor, author, and LGBTQ+ activist. As the only child of entertainers Cher and Sonny Bono, he has navigated life in the public eye from a young age. His transition from female to male, completed in 2010, was one of the most widely covered stories of its kind. In March 2026, he married Shara Blue Mathes, marking a new chapter in his personal life.
Bono’s career spans music, reality television, and narrative acting. He has appeared in American Horror Story, American Horror Story: Cult, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He also co-produced the 2024 horror film Little Bites alongside his mother, Cher. His work as an advocate for transgender visibility continues to resonate.
Who Is Chaz Bono? Biography and Background
Chaz Salvatore Bono (born March 4, 1969). Only child of Sonny Bono and Cher. Publicly transitioned from female to male between 2008 and 2010.
Actor in American Horror Story: Roanoke and Cult, producer of Little Bites (2024). Author of two New York Times bestsellers.
Married Shara Blue Mathes on March 8, 2026. Previously in a long-term relationship with Jennifer Elia (2010–2011).
Estimated net worth $500,000–$1,000,000. Notable weight loss journey, documented on Celebrity Fit Club 3.
- Chaz Bono remains a prominent transgender activist and actor, continuing to work in independent film.
- His 2024 film Little Bites marks his first major producer role.
- Despite public life, Chaz maintains privacy regarding current relationships (post-Jennifer Elia).
- His weight loss journey is often cited as inspirational, though specific methods not publicly detailed.
- He has shifted from reality TV focus to narrative acting and producing.
- His marriage in 2026 to Shara Blue Mathes was a significant personal milestone.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | March 4, 1969, Los Angeles, California |
| Birth name | Chastity Sun Bono |
| Parents | Sonny Bono (father), Cher (mother) |
| Transition | Publicly announced transition in June 2009; legally completed May 6, 2010 |
| Notable roles | American Horror Story: Roanoke, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Little Bites (Producer/Actor) |
| Estimated net worth | $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Current spouse | Shara Blue Mathes (married March 2026) |
| Height | 5′ 6″ (1.68 m) |
What Is Chaz Bono Doing Now in 2025 and 2026?
The Horror Film Little Bites
In 2023, Bono announced he and Cher would co-produce a horror film titled Little Bites. The project was released in 2024, marking his first major role as a producer. He also appears in the film as an actor. This pivot toward production reflects a mature phase in his career, moving from reality television to independent filmmaking.
Bono has stated that he wants to be known for his work, not just who he is. His involvement in Little Bites demonstrates a deliberate shift toward creative control behind the camera.
Marriage to Shara Blue Mathes
On March 8, 2026, Bono married Shara Blue Mathes at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. The couple had known each other since their teenage years and began dating in January 2017. The wedding was a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. This union marks a new chapter in his personal life, which he has kept largely out of the public eye.
Bono continues his activism for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, speaking at events and collaborating with organizations such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign. He has emphasized that living authentically at any age is “non-negotiable.”
Who Is Chaz Bono’s Partner or Wife?
Jennifer Elia (2010–2011)
Before his marriage, Bono had a long-term relationship with Jennifer Elia (often referred to as Jen). She supported him through his transition, appearing alongside him in the documentary Becoming Chaz. The couple faced difficult times and eventually separated in 2011. Elia was a steady presence during a period of intense public scrutiny.
Shara Blue Mathes (Married 2026)
Shara Blue Mathes is Bono’s wife as of March 2026. They reconnected after knowing each other as teenagers and began dating in 2017. The couple married at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Mathes is a private individual, and little is known about her professional life. Bono has not publicly shared details about their relationship beyond the wedding.
Bono has generally kept his romantic life out of the spotlight. The 2026 marriage announcement was a rare personal disclosure, underscoring the significance of this milestone.
What Is Chaz Bono’s Net Worth?
Exact net worth figures are not publicly confirmed. As a multi-hyphenate entertainer—actor, author, activist—with New York Times bestseller books (Family Outing, Transition) and recurring television roles, his income likely reflects steady success in the entertainment industry. Public estimates typically place his net worth between $500,000 and $1 million. No reliable multi-million-dollar figure is cited in credible sources.
Net worth estimates for celebrities can vary widely. Bono has not publicly disclosed his finances, so any figure should be treated as an approximation.
How Did Chaz Bono Lose Weight?
Celebrity Fit Club 3 and Beyond
Bono addressed weight issues publicly on the reality show Celebrity Fit Club 3 in 2005–2006. His then-girlfriend Jennifer Elia helped orchestrate exercise sessions. He has spoken about his lifelong struggle with weight, but no specific 2025 weight loss data is available. His transformation has been described as inspirational, though he has not endorsed any particular diet or program.
In interviews, Bono mentioned that weight loss was part of a broader commitment to health and well-being. He has not attributed his weight loss to any specific method beyond general changes in diet and exercise.
What Are Chaz Bono’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?
American Horror Story and Other Roles
Bono began pursuing acting in 2012, calling it a lifelong dream. He became a character actor, appearing in American Horror Story: Roanoke (2016) and American Horror Story: Cult (2017). He also had roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Bold and the Beautiful. Earlier, he appeared in the reality series Celebrity Fit Club 3.
His acting credits also include guest spots on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. He has a short music career from the 1980s with the band Ceremony, which released one album, Hang Out Your Poetry, in 1993.
What Are the Key Dates in Chaz Bono’s Life?
- 1969 – Born Chastity Sun Bono on March 4 in Los Angeles, California.
- 1970s – Regular appearances on The Sonny and Cher Show.
- 1995 – Publicly comes out as lesbian.
- 2008 – Begins gender transition in mid-2008 at age 39.
- 2009 – Publicly announces transition; name changed to Chaz.
- 2010 – Legal name and gender change granted on May 6; documentary Becoming Chaz premieres at Sundance.
- 2011 – Wins GLAAD Media Award; ends relationship with Jennifer Elia.
- 2016 – Stars in American Horror Story: Roanoke.
- 2024 – Produces and acts in Little Bites.
- 2026 – Marries Shara Blue Mathes on March 8.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Chaz Bono?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Chaz Bono is the only child of Cher and Sonny Bono. | Specific weight loss methods: He has discussed diet and exercise but no proprietary program. |
| He publicly transitioned from female to male between 2008 and 2010. | Exact net worth: Varies widely across sources due to private finances. |
| His net worth is estimated between $500K and $1M. | Plans for 2026–2027: Upcoming projects have not been publicly announced. |
| He starred in American Horror Story and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. | Details of his relationship with Shara Blue Mathes beyond the wedding are not publicly known. |
| He married Shara Blue Mathes in March 2026. | Whether he has had specific gender-affirming surgeries has not been publicly detailed. |
What Is the Significance of Chaz Bono’s Career Evolution?
Chaz Bono’s trajectory represents a unique intersection of celebrity legacy, LGBTQ+ visibility, and independent film. His transition was one of the most widely covered in the 2010s. His recent pivot to producing (Little Bites) suggests a move behind the camera, reflecting a mature phase in his career. Ongoing interest in his life speaks to public fascination with celebrity transitions and the lasting legacy of Sonny & Cher. His privacy choices reflect a desire to be known for his work rather than his personal life.
What Do Chaz Bono’s Own Words Reveal?
“I always knew I was different. I just didn’t have the vocabulary for it.”
Chaz Bono, Becoming Chaz (2011)
“Transitioning saved my life.”
Chaz Bono, multiple interviews
“I want to be known for my work, not just who I am.”
Chaz Bono, recent interview (2024)
What Is the Bottom Line on Chaz Bono?
Chaz Bono remains a prominent voice for transgender visibility, LGBTQ+ equality, and authentic living. His career has evolved from child star to activist and producer, and his 2026 marriage to Shara Blue Mathes marks a significant personal milestone. For a broader look at celebrities who have navigated public and private transitions, read about Donny Osmond – Age, Net Worth, Wife Debbie, and 2025 Tour Info.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaz Bono
When did Chaz Bono transition?
Chaz Bono publicly announced his transition from female to male in June 2009. He legally changed his name and began hormone therapy in mid-2008. The legal change was completed on May 6, 2010.
What is Chaz Bono’s real name?
His legal name is Chaz Salvatore Bono. He was born Chastity Sun Bono.
Did Chaz Bono have surgery?
Chaz Bono has been open about his transition but has not publicly detailed specific surgeries. He discusses his journey in the documentary Becoming Chaz.
Is Chaz Bono still friends with Cher?
Yes. Cher has been publicly supportive of Chaz’s transition. They have a close mother-son relationship and co-produced Little Bites together.
Does Chaz Bono have children?
As of 2026, Chaz Bono has no known children.
How tall is Chaz Bono?
Chaz Bono is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.
Who is Chaz Bono’s current spouse?
He married Shara Blue Mathes on March 8, 2026, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.
What is Chaz Bono’s net worth?
Public estimates place his net worth between $500,000 and $1 million. Exact figures are not confirmed.
What movies and TV shows has Chaz Bono been in?
He is known for American Horror Story: Roanoke, American Horror Story: Cult, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Little Bites.
Does Chaz Bono have any siblings?
He has a half-sibling, Elijah Allman, from Cher’s later marriage to Gregg Allman.
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at Headlines UK, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.