Cher Declines 'Hacks' Guest Role Three Times

Paul W. Downs, co-creator and actor on the HBO Max series Hacks, revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that the show invited Cher to guest star as herself in Seasons 1, 2, and 4 but she declined all three offers. To entice her, the creators incorporated Cher's ice cream brand, Cherlato, into the script, including a commercial scene featuring the character Deborah Vance visiting the Cherlato factory. Despite these efforts, Cher's manager conveyed that she simply did not want to participate, a candid refusal that has been humorously written into the show with characters repeatedly attempting to book her for Deborah's late-night talk show. Downs contrasted Cher's blunt no with more typical polite declines from other celebrities, such as Javier Bardem. The fourth season of Hacks has featured numerous famous guest stars playing themselves, including Jimmy Kimmel, Carol Burnett, Kristen Bell, and Melissa Etheridge. Downs expressed appreciation for the star appearances but highlighted Cher's refusal as a notable exception.