American gymnast and politician who won a gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics and later served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1998 to 2013 .
As the first woman to serve California's 44th congressional district, Mary Bono made history in 1998 when she took over her late husband Sonny Bono's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. During her 15-year tenure, she became a prominent figure in American politics, championing causes ranging from energy and commerce to healthcare and the environment.
Born Mary Whitaker on October 24, 1961, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mary grew up in South Pasadena, California, after her family moved there in 1963. She graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1979 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in art history from the University of Southern California in 1984. A talented gymnast in her youth, Mary worked as a cocktail waitress during her early twenties before marrying Sonny Bono in 1986.
After Sonny Bono's tragic death in a skiing accident in 1998, Mary won the Republican nomination for the special election to fill his vacant seat. She went on to serve eight terms in Congress, becoming a respected voice on the Energy and Commerce Committee and chairing the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping national policy, including serving on the House Judiciary Committee that approved articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton in 1998.
After losing her 2012 reelection bid, Mary went on to become a senior vice president at Faegre Baker Daniels Consulting in 2013. She later founded her own political affairs consulting firm, Integritas by Bono, in 2018. Through her work, Mary continues to advocate for issues close to her heart, including energy policy, healthcare, and women's empowerment.
Throughout her career, Mary has been driven by a passion for public service and a commitment to making a difference. Her legacy as a trailblazing politician, dedicated wife, and devoted mother serves as an inspiration to women and men alike. As she continues to navigate the complexities of the political arena, Mary Bono remains an important voice in American politics.
“I'm not a politician, I'm a public servant. There's a difference.” – Mary Bono
66 Years Old
American actress known for her iconic role as Julie Cooper on the 1970s sitcom "One Day at a Time" and her tumultuous personal life. She has written about her experiences with addiction and incest in her memoirs.
58 Years Old
Member of the 1990s pop group Wilson Phillips, known for hit singles like "Hold On" and "You're in Love", and later pursued an acting career.
75 Years Old
Astronaut and captain who flew on three Space Shuttle missions, logging over 200 days in space, and conducted numerous scientific experiments. He's also known for his work on the International Space Station.
82 Years Old
A vocalist and songwriter for the 1960s folk-rock band The Mamas & the Papas, known for harmonious vocals and hits like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday".
84 Years Old
A member of the 1960s folk-pop group The Mamas & The Papas, known for their rich, soulful vocals and iconic hits like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday".
84 Years Old
A member of the iconic folk-rock group The Mamas & The Papas, known for harmonious vocals and hits like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday".
73 Years Old
American baseball player and manager who played in the major leagues from 1884 to 1890 and later managed several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is known for being one of the earliest players to transition from playing to managing.
87 Years Old
The co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors, known for his poetic lyrics and haunting organ riffs that defined the band's dark, moody sound. He was also a producer and collaborator with other notable artists.
