BY AOL EDITORS

Chaz Bono is ready for his close-up.

After a series of cameos and guest appearances on TV, the actor, who calls legendary pop icon Cher mom, became the first transgender man to play a male role in a feature film. Filmed two years ago, “Dirty” finally premiered at Cannes this year.

Bono, who started pursuing acting professionally four years ago, has wanted to be an actor since he was a young child — but he chose a different path, becoming a motivational speaker and authoring several books. Although the reason for his choice wasn’t clear then, in hindsight, it’s clear as day.

“I didn’t know at the time that I was transgender, but I knew that I wasn’t very commercial, and I didn’t play female characters very well, so I felt like I had to find something different to do,” he told AOL in an exclusive interview.

[Read the full article at AOL here.]