NEED TO KNOW
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Following the conclusion of The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, Cher had a solo show
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The Cher Show began as a one-off special and ultimately was picked up as a series from February 1975 through January 1976
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Cher’s first guests included Elton John, Bette Midler and the late Flip Wilson
Cher brought out some very special guests for a moment that still makes fans laugh 50 years later.
In February 1975, the entertainer broke out on her own for the first time onscreen with her solo variety show, The Cher Show. The pilot episode, originally airing as a standalone special, included some very special guests. The CBS series ultimately aired through January 1976.
That first episode included performances from some of the biggest names of the time, who are still revered today. Fellow singers Elton John and Bette Midler, as well as actor Flip Wilson, were among the guests.
The four appeared together in a skit called the “Final Curtain Rest Home for Aged Performers.” It begins with John thanking Cher for having him on the show and telling her, “You’re the sort of person that in 50 years time will still be going strong.”
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In a dream sequence, the entertainers each appear as themselves, just 50 years older in an old-age home, preparing to watch that very special in 2025.
Wilson ushers Cher on one arm and Midler on the other as they come down the stairs, with Cher boasting, “We made it down the stairs in record time — 2 hours and 45 minutes.”
“Well, that’s cause you cheated,” Wilson replies, deadpanning, “You fell down the last flight.”
As they debate what they can do, they say, “Wait a minute, I think I’m getting an idea.” After a pause, she says, “No, it was just a hot flash.”
The three talked about the good old days, making audiences roar as Wilson asked, “You mean these aren’t the old days?”
The “Rocket Man” singer then entered in a decked-out wheelchair with a racing flag on it. He asks the group, “Does anybody want to fool around?” To which they all enthusiastically say yes. He follows up, “Does anyone remember how?” to which they sullenly reply no.
Fan account The Cher Planet shared a clip from the episode, with fans celebrating the fact that three of the four entertainers are still alive and active.
“50 years ago, Cher, Bette Midler, Elton John, and Flip Wilson gave us a hilarious (and very exaggerated) glimpse into their futures—imagining themselves as stereotypical old folks in 2025! 😂. Sadly, Flip Wilson is no longer with us, but Cher, Bette, and Elton are still looking better than ever today!” the caption reads.
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