In a candid interview with The Times, Cher discussed her extensive film career while promoting her new memoir, “Cher: The Memoir Part 1.” The legendary singer and actress recounted her experiences working with directors, revealing that she had difficulties with two: Peter Bogdanovich and Frank Oz, the latter known for his work on “The Muppets.” Cher specifically mentioned, “I actually got the guy from ‘The Muppets’ fired,” illustrating the challenges she faced on the set of 1990’s “Mermaids.”
Bogdanovich directed her in the acclaimed film “Mask,” where she portrayed a mother protecting her son with a rare genetic condition. Cher described her struggles with Bogdanovich, who she regarded as difficult and arrogant, expressing her disdain by stating, “He was an asshole. He was not nice to the girls in the film and he was so fucking arrogant.” She shared a particular incident where Bogdanovich, arriving on set belligerently, undermined her input, claiming he could remove her from the film at any moment.
Providing a contrasting perspective, Cher emphasized that she generally has a reputation for being easy to work with, referencing respected directors such as Robert Altman and Mike Nichols as examples of successful collaborations. She reiterated her approach to working with directors, balancing respect for their vision while also asserting herself when necessary.
Cher’s memoir is currently available for readers interested in more insights from her remarkable career. This boldness and honesty in her reflections serve to highlight not just the challenges of the entertainment industry but also the strength required to navigate them successfully.
This article sheds light on the complexities of collaboration in filmmaking and the evolution of Cher as both an artist and an individual. Cher’s experiences can inspire others to assert their voices while maintaining professional relationships, capturing the balance needed in any creative endeavor.