Cher claims she dates younger men because older guys have never been interested in her.

The 64-year-old actress-and-singer is known for her penchant for toy boys but insists she never had much of a choice when it comes to who she romances.

Cher - who is currently in a relationship with comedian-and-writer Ron Zimmerman - said: "Older men were never interested in me. It's a misconception that I had a big choice in men and only pursued really young men."

The Oscar-winning actress believes her relationships with younger men - which have included romances with Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora - prevented some directors from giving her work as they were worried about her reputation.

In an interview with German TV station Tele 5, she explained: "For years I was approaching and pestering a lot of different directors. But they always said, 'She might be talented, but her lovers are too young and she doesn't dress like an actress.'"

However, Cher claims winning the Academy Award for 'Moonstruck' in 1988 was one of the "most beautiful moments" of her life and changed people's perceptions of her.

She said: "I was so happy to receive the Oscar. It saved my honour. Meryl Streep was happy for me and my whole family was there. It was the most beautiful moment of my life.

"Audrey Hepburn - who I had always adored but never met - approached me and said, 'I'm so happy you won!' That almost wowed me even more than the Oscar. We started talking and became pen pals."