Entertainment over education

When she was 16 years old, Cher left school and moved out of her mother’s home to chase her dream of becoming a star.

She danced in small clubs and, according to a 2001 biography, she “did not hesitate to approach anyone she thought could help her get a break, make a new contact, or get an audition”.

In 1962, she met fellow performer Sonny Bono and even offered to work as his housekeeper - but her big break was just around the corner.