While many well-known celebrities are talented at what they do, few have been able to achieve a true triple-threat status, revolutionizing popular culture through their mere existence. Cher is one of the few exceptions to this statement. Throughout her career, Cher has become an icon in the music, fashion and film industries, each of which have contributed to a massive shift in societal norms over the past few decades.

Cher has altered her musical style significantly over the years, crossing and frequently blurring the lines between pop and rock music. One thing that has remained constant, however, is her unique, contralto voice. In the 60’s, Cher’s appearance was a drastic contradiction to the blonde women with high-pitched voices who had found success in the music industry, yet it was these differences that made her so appealing to her audience. Further alienating Cher from other women during the 60s and early 70s was her “androgynous” style. Although, looking back, one may question how Cher’s look was described in this way, it is important to remember that is was not common for women to wear pants and jeans as a fashion focal point at this time. By constantly challenging the commonly held ideas of femininity and gender expression, Cher led the way for artists like David Bowie to continue redefining what is socially acceptable in fashion with regard to gender stereotypes.

In 1971, Cher made her television debut on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. The show in and of itself allowed Cher to break free of sexist stereotypes that attempted to define womanhood by presenting herself as an intelligent and independent woman who was no stranger to witty lines and bold opinions. Additionally, Cher’s time on the show further cemented her position as a fashion icon. Designer Bob Mackie was hired to create many of Cher’s costumes and NBC reportedly spent a whopping $10,000 per episode on her wardrobe! Cher’s revealing clothing worn on national television defied censorship and inspired many of the fashion trends that we now associate with the 70’s.

Eventually, Cher went on to seek opportunities on the big screen and has starred in many movies over the years including Moonstruck (which she won an Oscar for in 1988), Mamma Mia, Mermaids and The Witches of Eastwick. Cher’s ability to stay relevant in the media through her endeavors as both an actress and a singer is an incredible and rare feat.

In 1999, Cher released her chart-topping album “Believe” that led to her having a number one song in 23 countries! Despite being 62 at the time, nothing was stopping Cher from wearing whatever she wanted (or a lack thereof) as she promoted her new music and once again left an immeasurable mark on the fashion industry. Additionally, Cher’s use of auto-tune in the creation of this album largely popularized the technique and would prove to be one of the largest musical trends heading into the new millennium.

Cher has paved a path for ambitious women who refuse to conform to societal expectations and limit themselves in terms of their self-expression and aspirations. Modern pop culture would not be where it is today without the countless impacts she has made in the music, fashion and television industries.