John Paul Sarkisian was the Armenian-American father of global superstar Cher, and although he never lived a famous or successful life, his story plays an important role in understanding her early years. He grew up facing hardship, worked unstable jobs, and struggled with addiction, legal trouble, and broken relationships, all while carrying the weight of his immigrant family’s difficult past. Learning about his life matters because it shows the sharp contrast between Cher’s rise to worldwide fame and her father’s lifelong challenges. His troubled path, cultural background, and absence during her childhood helped shape Cher’s strength, independence, and identity, making his story a meaningful part of pop culture history.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Paul Sarkisian |
| Known For | Father of Cher |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1926 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Date of Death | January 28, 1985 |
| Age at Death | 58 years old |
| Ethnicity | Armenian-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | George Sarkisian (father), Blanche Dilkian (mother) |
| Siblings | Lucy Sarkisian, Roxanne Sarkisian, plus half-siblings |
| Professions | Truck driver, bartender, mechanic, hairstylist, horse breeder |
| Marital Status | Married twice to Georgia Holt |
| Children | Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian) |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not known |
Early Life and Armenian Family Background
John Paul Sarkisian was born in Oakland, California, in 1926 to Armenian immigrant parents who had escaped hardship and violence in their homeland. Many Armenian families, including the Sarkisians, left Armenia in the early 20th century due to poverty, war, and the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, hoping for a safer and more stable life in America. His father, George Sarkisian, and his mother, Blanche Dilkian, brought with them strong cultural values, including their Armenian language, Christian faith, traditional food, and deep respect for family and community.
Growing up in a mixed Armenian-American household meant that John heard both English and Armenian spoken around him, lived with a strong cultural identity, and was taught the importance of resilience. John had two full sisters, Lucy and Roxanne, along with several half-siblings from his mother’s second marriage. Their home was busy, loud, and crowded, and although filled with culture, it came with many financial struggles. These early family challenges shaped John’s personality and the way he learned to survive in a difficult world.
Childhood During the Great Depression and WWII Era
John grew up during two of the toughest periods in American history: the Great Depression and the Second World War. Money was scarce, jobs were uncertain, and immigrant families like the Sarkisians had to work extra hard just to pay for basic needs. Armenian communities in California often took low-paying labor jobs, farm work, or small trade work simply because they had no other options.
These experiences exposed John from a young age to financial pressure, instability, and the constant need to adapt. Unemployment was high, racial tensions were common, and working-class families faced daily struggles to survive. For young men like John, the lack of opportunity pushed them toward physical jobs that required long hours, frequent travel, and little stability. This environment shaped his later work life and contributed to the restless lifestyle he carried into adulthood.
Personality, Early Traits, and Struggles
People who knew John described him as charming, bold, and confident, but also unpredictable and difficult to understand. He had a strong presence and could be exciting to be around, yet his emotions could change quickly. These early signs hinted at deeper personal struggles, possibly shaped by cultural displacement, lack of guidance, and constant financial stress. John often seemed to battle between wanting stability and being pulled toward risky behavior. His complicated personality made relationships with others challenging, especially as he grew older. These traits later played a major role in the breakdown of his marriage, his distance from Cher, and his ongoing difficulties with work and responsibility.
Career and Employment History
John Paul Sarkisian never stayed in one job for long and tried many different professions throughout his life. His main work was as a truck driver, a job that offered long hours but no long-term security. His father once bought him five trucks to help him start a trucking business, hoping it would give him a fresh start. But the business failed due to poor decisions, inconsistent work habits, and John’s growing personal issues. Over the years, he also worked as a bartender, earning quick cash when he needed it. He tried auto mechanics, fixing cars for short periods, and even worked as a hairstylist—an unusual job that showed he was willing to try anything to make money. Later in life, he attempted horse breeding in Fresno, hoping it would bring stability, but it never became successful. He also delivered seasonal fruits and vegetables when he needed extra income. His unstable employment created ongoing financial problems and put strain on his relationships, especially with his family.
Meeting Georgia Holt: The Beginning of a Complicated Love Story
John’s life took a major turn when he met 18-year-old Georgia Holt, whose real name was Jackie Jean Crouch. She was working at a donut shop when John walked in, confident and full of energy. Georgia was drawn to his charm, strength, and mysterious personality. He seemed excited compared to the life she knew, and their connection grew quickly. They soon married on June 22, 1945, in Reno, Nevada, hoping to build a future together. Their marriage began with hope and passion, but emotional highs were quickly followed by lows. John’s unpredictable moods and growing instability made their early life together difficult.
Marriage Breakdown and Emotional Turbulence
As time passed, Georgia’s excitement turned into fear and confusion. John’s temper and emotional changes became harder for her to understand or manage. She often felt unsafe and unsure about her future. The pressures of young marriage, financial problems, and John’s personal struggles made the relationship unstable. During the 1940s, it was uncommon and socially difficult for women to leave their husbands, yet Georgia found the courage to protect herself and her baby. By 1947, just two years after they married, she made the difficult decision to divorce John. Her choice was brave and necessary, reflecting her strength and the need to build a better life for her child.
The Birth of Cher and Early Years Without Her Father
In the middle of their troubled marriage, Georgia gave birth to their daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian—later known to the world as Cher—on May 20, 1946. After the divorce, John disappeared from Cher’s early life, leaving Georgia to raise her alone. Georgia worked tirelessly as a singer in bars and small venues to support them, often performing at night just to earn enough money for food and rent. Cher grew up watching her mother struggle, move from place to place, and work endlessly to create a better future. These experiences taught Cher resilience, independence, and determination at a young age. Even though John was absent, his absence became one of the strongest influences in her life.
Cher’s First Meeting with Her Father at Age 11
Cher did not meet her father until she was 11 years old. When her mother asked if she wanted to meet him, Cher agreed out of curiosity rather than emotional need. Their first meeting was filled with confusion, surprise, and quiet observation. Cher immediately noticed how much they looked alike—dark features, strong presence, and similar expressions. Despite these similarities, there was emotional distance between them. For about six months, they tried to build a connection, but John’s inconsistent behavior and personal struggles made it impossible to maintain. Just as quickly as he appeared in her life, he faded away again.
Who is Cher?
Cher is an American singer, actress, and cultural icon known for her powerful voice, bold style, and a career that has lasted more than 60 years. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, she became famous in the 1960s as part of the duo Sonny & Cher and later built a hugely successful solo career with hits in pop, rock, and dance music. She is one of the few entertainers to win a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe, showing her rare talent across music, film, and television. Known for constantly reinventing herself, she remains one of the most influential and recognizable figures in entertainment history.
Addiction, Legal Troubles, and Personal Decline
As the years passed, John’s life became even more unstable. He struggled with drug addiction and gambling, both of which led to serious financial and legal problems. He was arrested multiple times for drug-related charges and for writing bad checks. These issues damaged his ability to hold steady work or maintain healthy relationships. Addiction influenced every part of his life, creating a cycle of hope, failure, and disappointment that he could not break. His personal struggles also affected his connection with Cher, making it nearly impossible for them to rebuild a relationship.
Why John Paul Sarkisian Sued Cher
In the 1970s, John took a surprising step by suing Cher for $4 million. He claimed that her public comments about his addiction and past behavior had damaged his reputation. Cher had spoken honestly about her childhood and the impact of her father’s actions, but John felt embarrassed and attacked. The lawsuit added more distance to an already strained relationship. Instead of opening a door for healing, it created a permanent divide. The public sided with Cher, understanding the pain she had lived through, while John’s lawsuit was seen as another sign of his troubled life.
Later Life in Fresno: A Quiet, Isolated Ending
In his final years, John moved to Fresno, California, where he lived a quiet and isolated life. He tried again to stabilize himself through work, especially in horse breeding, but nothing restored the stability he hoped for. He remained distant from Cher, and they had no meaningful relationship toward the end of his life. John died on January 28, 1985, at the age of 58. The cause of his death was never publicly shared. He was buried in Fresno Memorial Gardens, and Cher did not attend his funeral—a sign of the lifelong pain and separation between them.
How John Paul Sarkisian’s Life Influenced Cher
Even though John was not present for most of Cher’s life, his absence shaped her in many powerful ways. Watching her mother struggle taught her strength, independence, and resilience. She learned to work hard, rely on herself, and push through challenges. Cher also embraced her Armenian heritage, which came from her father’s side, and often spoke of it with pride. In interviews, she has acknowledged that her early hardships made her tougher and more determined. The pain of her father’s instability became motivation to create a different life—one full of achievement, control, and personal power.
Legacy: How John Paul Sarkisian Is Remembered Today
Although John Paul Sarkisian was not famous, his story remains meaningful because it reflects the reality of many immigrant families, people battling addiction, and children growing up without support. His life serves as a striking contrast to Cher’s incredible success, showing the very different paths two connected people can take. Historians, biographers, and fans study his life to understand how childhood experiences shape future icons. His legacy is complex—marked by struggle, cultural history, and lessons that shaped one of the world’s most influential entertainers.
Conclusion
The life of John Paul Sarkisian was filled with emotional complexity, cultural history, and painful challenges. While he struggled with addiction, unstable work, and broken relationships, his daughter Cher rose to become a global legend, showing the powerful contrast between their lives. His story reminds us that even the greatest stars come from real families with real struggles, and understanding these hidden stories helps us appreciate how strength is formed. John’s journey, though troubled, played a part in shaping Cher’s identity, resilience, and success, leaving a quiet but important mark on her life story.
FAQs About John Paul Sarkisian
1: Was John Paul Sarkisian really Armenian?
Yes, John Paul Sarkisian was Armenian-American. His parents came from Armenia, bringing their traditions, language, and cultural values to the United States. This heritage became an important part of Cher’s identity, even though she did not grow up with her father.
2: Why wasn’t Cher close to her father?
Cher wasn’t close to her father because he was largely absent during her childhood and struggled with addiction, unstable work, and legal problems. They briefly reconnected when she was 11, but his behavior made it hard to build a lasting bond. Their relationship remained distant for the rest of his life.
3: What kind of work did John Paul Sarkisian do?
He worked many different jobs, including truck driver, bartender, mechanic, hairstylist, and horse breeder. His father once bought him several trucks to start a business, but it failed due to poor decisions and instability. His inconsistent work life reflected his ongoing personal struggles.
4: Why did John Paul Sarkisian sue Cher?
He sued Cher in the 1970s for $4 million, claiming she damaged his reputation by speaking publicly about his addictions and past behavior. The lawsuit showed how strained their relationship had become. Instead of repairing their bond, this action pushed them even further apart.
5: How did John Paul Sarkisian die?
John Paul Sarkisian died on January 28, 1985, at the age of 58. The exact cause of his death was never shared publicly, leaving many questions unanswered. He spent his final years living quietly in Fresno, far from the fame connected to his daughter.
