John Paul Sarkisian, born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, is best known as the father of the iconic singer and actress Cher. His life, marked by a rich Armenian heritage and a series of personal challenges, offers a compelling narrative that intertwines with the early life of his famous daughter.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Bio
| Name | John Paul Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1926 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Age | 58 years (at the time of death) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Wife | Georgia Holt (née Jackie Jean Crouch) |
| Children | Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian) |
| Father | Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian |
| Mother | Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian |
| Siblings | Louise B. Sarkisian, Elizabeth Sarkisian |
| Passion | Various professions including truck driving, bartending, auto mechanics, hairstyling, and horse breeding |
Early Life and Heritage
John Paul Sarkisian was born to Armenian immigrants who escaped the Armenian Genocide and found refuge in America. His parents, Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranoush “Blanche” Dilkian, settled in California for a new life. They taught John the importance of Armenian traditions that deeply shaped his character and sense of identity. Growing up during the Great Depression, John faced harsh economic struggles that influenced how he viewed life and family bonds.
Marriage to Georgia Holt
In 1945 John Sarkisian married Jackie Jean Crouch who would later be known as Georgia Holt to the world. Georgia had dreams of becoming a singer and actress while also pursuing songwriting during her early life. Their marriage ended quickly as they divorced in 1947 not long after Cherilyn Sarkisian was born in 1946.
In a surprising turn the couple remarried in 1965 only to separate again in 1966 just a year later. Although their relationship was troubled their union led to Cher’s birth who became a worldwide entertainment legend.
Relationship with Daughter Cher
John’s relationship with his daughter Cher was complicated and full of challenges that lasted through most of their lives. After divorcing Georgia, John was absent from Cher’s childhood and didn’t meet her until she was 11. Cher later spoke about his charm but also his struggles with gambling and substance abuse that created distance. In the 1980s John filed a defamation lawsuit against Cher for statements about him which hurt their relationship more.
Career and Professional Life
John’s career was varied, showing the economic challenges of America in the mid-20th century and its need for adaptability. He worked as a truck driver, bartender, mechanic, hairstylist, and held other jobs to make ends meet. His main job as a truck driver had him working long, grueling hours on the road delivering goods. This work was difficult but gave him independence and helped him support his family through honest labor.
Challenges of Parenthood in Post-War America
John Paul Sarkisian’s role as a father reflected struggles faced by many men in post-World War II America’s changing society. He returned to a nation adjusting to economic shifts and social changes which made life for families more complex. Sarkisian worked as a truck driver, a demanding job that kept him away from home for long periods. His constant absences led to a growing distance between him and his daughter while straining their fragile family bonds.
The cultural expectations of the 1940s and 1950s also shaped Sarkisian’s approach to being a parent at home. Fathers in that era were mainly seen as breadwinners rather than involved in everyday parenting tasks or emotions. Sarkisian’s struggles with personal challenges made it even harder to embrace his role fully as a father. His life reflects how fatherhood expectations and societal pressures evolved during those decades of significant change.
Cher’s Reflections on Her Father
Cher, now a global icon, often reflects on her father’s impact despite their distant and complicated relationship. She has acknowledged that her father’s charm and vibrant spirit left a mark on her memory and life. His Armenian heritage, though not deeply tied to her upbringing, added richness to her overall cultural identity. Cher has expressed both sorrow and understanding for his struggles with personal issues and societal challenges of his time.
Her reflections on her father reveal her strength and deep understanding of life’s complexities and the human experience. Despite their limited time together, she valued the moments they shared and learned lessons about perseverance and family bonds.
Later Years and Death
In his later years John worked as a horse breeder at Somerset Farms located in Santa Ynez, California. He eventually moved to Fresno three years before his death to spend his final days there. John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, at the young age of 58 years old. He was laid to rest at Fresno Memorial Gardens in Fresno, California where he remains to this day.
Legacy and Impact
Despite his struggles John’s legacy lives on strongly through his daughter Cher who became a cultural and global icon. His Armenian roots and his complicated relationship with Cher continue to draw interest and inspire reflection. John’s life reminds people how family dynamics can deeply shape an individual’s personal journey and their future success.
The Bottom Line
John Paul Sarkisian’s life was woven with cultural heritage, personal hardships, and the complexities of his family relationships. As Cher’s father, his story offers insight into the influences that shaped her legendary career and identity. His journey reflects the struggles faced by immigrant families balancing assimilation while holding onto their unique cultural traditions.
