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 40-year career.

"When I hit 50, I thought, 'Well, this is it. It's over.' But it isn't," said the enduring star.

For Cher, the beat goes on and on... 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 peekaboo gowns, music, and humor. She conquered Hollywood, winning the Oscar for Best Actress in Moonstruck (1987, w/ Nicolas Cage)

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

She battled Epstein-Barr syndrome, exploring fitness and vitamin options, resting, then coming back with remarkable vengeance with 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, with blonde wig and passion, Cher begun her "final" tour, which celebrated her then-new album Living Proof. By May 2004, she had played 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."

The diva told Rolling Stone in October 2002 that once this tour was done, she would never tour again. She plans to just concentrate on directing and acting...

...And Vegas, headlining Ceasars Palace...

Her advice to women is a keeper: "Don't be so interested in having people like you so that you have to pay a price for being liked -- which is not standing up for yourself."

Celebrate solitude.