Incomparable singer and actress Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian La Pierre (1946–) on this day in El Centro, California. Nothing—not loneliness, love, or aging—has stopped this talented diva from consistently reaching the top in her decades-long career.

“When I hit 50, I thought, ‘Well, this is it. It’s over.’ But it isn’t,” said the enduring star.

She married Salvatore “Sonny” Bono in 1964 and the duo hit fame fast with I Got You Babe (1965), the first of many hits.

She dazzled television viewers in 1971 with the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, which featured Bob Mackie gowns, music, and humor. She conquered Hollywood, winning the Oscar for Best Actress in Moonstruck (1987, with Nicolas Cage).

“Romance and work are great diversions to keep you from dealing with yourself,” she said.

She battled Epstein-Barr syndrome, explored fitness and vitamin options, rested, then returned with vengeance in 1998’s Believe. “I’ve never compromised who I am—not ever. If I’ve gotten anywhere in my life it’s been on my own merits.”

In 2002, Cher began her “final” tour, celebrating her then-new album Living Proof. By 2004, she had performed over 200 shows for a record-breaking 2.2 million fans.

“Every night I go out there expecting to see an empty seat and there never is,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean the show can go on indefinitely.”

She told Rolling Stone in October 2002 that after this tour, she would retire from touring. She planned to focus on directing and acting… and headlining Caesars Palace in Vegas.

Her advice to women: “Don’t be so interested in having people like you that you have to pay a price for being liked — which is not standing up for yourself.”