“He’s Still a Jokester”: Chaz Bono Says Sonny’s Spirit Once Turned Off the TV During His Show

It seems even from beyond the grave, Sonny Bono still has a knack for perfect comedic timing. His son, Chaz Bono, 56, recently shared a lighthearted yet eerie anecdote about a moment that left him convinced his father’s playful spirit was still around — and still pulling pranks.

During an interview, Chaz revealed that while appearing on a show, his television mysteriously shut off mid-broadcast. Rather than being startled, he laughed, attributing the glitch to none other than his late father, saying, “He’s still a jokester.”

The unexpected incident, humorous rather than haunting, offered fans a touching reminder of the close — and often humorous — bond between father and son, as well as the lasting influence of Sonny Bono’s vibrant personality.

A Family Built on Humor and Harmony

The Bono family’s connection to comedy and showmanship runs deep. In the 1970s, America fell in love with “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,” the variety show that captured Sonny and Cher’s witty banter, musical duets, and undeniable chemistry.

Chaz, born Chastity Sun Bono in 1969, was often part of that television world, appearing alongside his famous parents as a child. Those early experiences on camera not only introduced him to audiences but also shaped his comfort with entertainment — a foundation that would later evolve into his own acting career.

“Television was the family business,” Chaz once said in a past interview, reflecting on his unconventional upbringing.

Sonny’s Legacy Lives On

Sonny Bono’s legacy has long outlasted his tragic passing in a skiing accident in 1998. To many, he remains the smiling, quick-witted showman who balanced humor and humility — qualities that his son now seems to channel.

So when the TV flickered off during Chaz’s show, it was easy for him to see it not as a ghostly scare but as a mischievous wink from the man who taught him timing.

The moment reportedly occurred during one of Chaz’s more recent screen appearances, likely around his performances in FX’s American Horror Story: Cult (2017) or his 2024 film Little Bites — a fitting coincidence, given that both projects deal with suspense and emotion, genres that contrast sharply with Sonny’s comedic legacy.

A Journey of Identity and Legacy

Beyond his connection to his parents’ fame, Chaz Bono’s life has been one of courage, self-discovery, and advocacy.

In 2008, he began his gender transition, publicly sharing his journey to authenticity and legally changing his name to Chaz Salvatore Bono in 2010 — the middle name chosen as a tribute to his father, Salvatore “Sonny” Bono.

His story was powerfully documented in the 2011 film Becoming Chaz, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The documentary earned a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary in 2012, marking a milestone in mainstream awareness of transgender identity.

Since then, Chaz has become a respected voice in advocacy, working with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and GLAAD, helping to create greater visibility and understanding for the LGBTQ+ community.

Laughter Beyond the Curtain

For Chaz, the story of the flickering television is more than a ghost tale — it’s a symbol of continuity.

Even as he’s built a life and career distinct from his parents, moments like these remind him that his father’s humor and warmth endure. Sonny Bono, remembered for hits like “I Got You Babe” and his quick wit onstage, seems to live on in spirit — both literally and through his son’s laughter.

“He’s still a jokester,” Chaz said with a grin, summarizing the moment perfectly.

And perhaps that’s the truest legacy of the Bono family: that even in the afterlife, the show must go on — and there’s always room for one more laugh.