John Paul Sarkisian was the Armenian-American father of the famous singer and actress Cher. While Cher rose to worldwide fame with her incredible talent and bold style, John Paul lived a very different life, working in blue-collar jobs and facing many personal challenges. Their relationship was complicated and often difficult, marked by long periods of distance and conflict. This article explores the lesser-known story of John Paul Sarkisian, shedding light on his background, struggles, and how his life shaped, yet contrasted with, the star he fathered.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | John Paul Sarkisian |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1926 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland/Berkeley, California, USA |
| Date of Death | January 28, 1985 |
| Place of Death | Fresno, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 58 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Armenian-American |
| Occupation | Truck Driver, Bartender, Mechanic, Hairstylist, Horse Breeder |
| Spouse | Jackie Jean Crouch (Georgia Holt) (m. 1945–1947; remarried 1965–1966) |
| Children | Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian) |
| Parents | Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian & Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian |
| Siblings | Louise B. Sarkisian, Elizabeth Sarkisian, several half-siblings |
| Legal Issues | Arrested for drugs and fraud; sued Cher for $4 million |
Early Life and Armenian Heritage
John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in the Oakland or Berkeley area of California, into a family of Armenian immigrants. His parents, Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, had come to the United States seeking a better life after facing hardships in Armenia. Growing up during the Great Depression, John Paul’s childhood was shaped by the struggles common to many immigrant families trying to build stability in a new country. This environment deeply influenced his sense of identity, blending Armenian cultural traditions with the tough realities of American life, which later affected the challenges he faced as an adult.
Current Age And Physical Appearance
John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, at the age of 58, so he would be nearly 99 years old if he were alive today. During his life, he was known to have a strong, rugged appearance typical of a hardworking man who spent much time in physical labor. Although there are few photos publicly available, descriptions suggest he had dark hair and a sturdy build, reflecting his blue-collar lifestyle.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Family Background and Siblings
John Paul Sarkisian – Cher’s Father
John Paul Sarkisian was Cher’s biological father. He was born in 1926 in California to Armenian immigrant parents. He worked many different jobs like truck driver and mechanic but faced personal struggles with addiction and legal problems. His relationship with Cher was difficult, and they became estranged when she was young. He passed away in 1985 at the age of 58.
Georgia Holt – Cher’s Mother
Georgia Holt, born Jackie Jean Crouch, was Cher’s mother. She was a singer, model, and actress who had a brief career in entertainment. Georgia married John Paul Sarkisian twice, and their daughter Cher was born during their first marriage. Georgia raised Cher mostly as a single mother and supported her career. She lived a long life and passed away in 2022.
Cher’s Stepfather
Cher’s stepfather was Gilbert LaPiere, who married Georgia Holt after her divorce from John Paul Sarkisian. Gilbert was a businessman who helped provide a more stable family life for Cher during her childhood. Although not much is publicly known about him, he played a role in supporting Cher and her mother.
Louise B. Sarkisian – Sister
Louise B. Sarkisian was John Paul Sarkisian’s older sister. She lived a long life, passing away in 2006 at the age of 92. Very little public information is available about her personal life, but she was part of the close Armenian-American family that shaped John Paul’s early years.
Elizabeth Sarkisian – Sister
Elizabeth Sarkisian was another sister of John Paul Sarkisian. She lived until 2007 and reached the age of 88. Like her sister Louise, Elizabeth kept a private life, and little is known publicly about her. She was part of the extended family that shared Armenian cultural roots.
Career and Work Life
John Paul Sarkisian had many different jobs throughout his life, including truck driver, bartender, auto mechanic, hairstylist, and even horse breeder. He tried to start his own business when his father bought him five trucks to help, and he also owned a nightclub at one point. Despite these efforts, his work life was unstable, partly because he struggled with addiction and money problems. Still, he mostly identified himself as a truck driver, which was the job he returned to most often.
Marriage to Georgia Holt and Fatherhood
John Paul Sarkisian met Jackie Jean Crouch, who later became known as Georgia Holt, in the mid-1940s. They married in 1945 but their marriage was short and troubled, ending in divorce just two years later in 1947. During this time, Georgia gave birth to their daughter Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian) in 1946. The couple briefly remarried in 1965 but separated again in 1966. Their relationship was difficult and full of ups and downs, which made family life challenging for everyone involved.
Relationship with Cher: Estrangement and Conflict
Cher did not meet her father, John Paul Sarkisian, until she was 11 years old, after which they had only a short time together before growing apart again. Their brief contact ended in estrangement, as Cher later spoke openly about her father’s struggles with addiction, gambling, and a criminal past. These problems made their relationship painful and difficult, leaving deep emotional wounds for both Cher and John. The broken bond affected Cher’s childhood and remained a source of sadness throughout their lives.
Legal Issues and Public Disputes
John Paul Sarkisian faced several legal problems during his life, including arrests related to drug offenses and fraud. In the 1970s, he shocked many by suing his daughter Cher for $4 million, claiming she had made false and harmful statements about him in interviews. This lawsuit brought their private family conflicts into the public eye and caused a lot of tension between them. The legal battles deepened the divide and helped end any chance of reconciliation, contributing to their permanent estrangement.
Addiction and Personal Struggles
John Paul struggled with heroin addiction and was also known to have a serious gambling problem. These personal challenges affected his ability to hold steady jobs and maintain healthy relationships. While there may have been attempts to change or recover, his addictions and legal troubles continued to shape much of his life. These struggles hurt not only him but also those around him, including his family.
Final Years and Death
In his later years, John Paul Sarkisian lived quietly and away from the public spotlight. He passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. Cher did not attend his funeral and kept her distance, reflecting the long-lasting estrangement between them. The exact cause of his death was never made public, and he remained mostly private until the end of his life.
Legacy and Impact
Today, John Paul Sarkisian is mostly remembered because he was Cher’s father, but his story goes deeper than that. His Armenian heritage is a part of Cher’s identity and pride, linking him to a rich cultural history. His life shows the complicated reality behind many families, especially those dealing with addiction and broken relationships. His story reflects themes of struggle, resilience, and the painful side of fame that often stays hidden.
Conclusion
John Paul Sarkisian lived a difficult life marked by personal struggles, legal battles, and a broken relationship with his famous daughter. While Cher achieved worldwide fame and success, his life remained quiet and troubled. Their story reminds us that behind every celebrity, there are real people with complex family histories, full of both pain and resilience. Understanding his life helps us see the human side behind the spotlight.
FAQs About John Paul Sarkisian
Who was John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian was the Armenian-American father of the famous singer and actress Cher. He lived a working-class life and is mostly known for his complicated relationship with his daughter. Despite his struggles, his heritage remains an important part of Cher’s identity.
What was John Paul Sarkisian’s relationship with Cher like?
Their relationship was distant and troubled. Cher didn’t meet him until she was 11, and after a short period of contact, she cut ties with him due to his addiction and legal problems. Their bond remained broken for most of their lives.
What jobs did John Paul Sarkisian have?
He worked in several blue-collar roles including truck driver, bartender, auto mechanic, hairstylist, and even tried horse breeding. Despite attempts at entrepreneurship, he struggled to find stable work.
Did John Paul Sarkisian have legal issues?
Yes, he faced arrests related to drug offenses and fraud. He also sued Cher for $4 million in the 1970s over statements she made about him in interviews, which highlighted their public family conflict.
Who was John Paul Sarkisian married to?
He was married twice to Jackie Jean Crouch, better known as Georgia Holt, who is Cher’s mother. Their first marriage lasted from 1945 to 1947, and they briefly remarried in 1965 before divorcing again in 1966.
When and where was John Paul Sarkisian born?
He was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland (or Berkeley), California, USA, into an Armenian immigrant family. His upbringing was shaped by his family’s cultural roots and the challenges of the Great Depression.
When did John Paul Sarkisian die?
He died on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. The exact cause of his death was never publicly disclosed, and he lived a private life during his final years.
Did Cher attend John Paul Sarkisian’s funeral?
No, Cher did not attend his funeral. Their relationship had been estranged for many years, and she maintained her distance even after his passing.
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