John Paul Sarkisian: The Life, Legacy, and Untold Story of Cher’s Father

Early Life and Birth

John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California. Growing up during the Great Depression, he was part of an Armenian-American family trying to establish itself in a new country. This background played an important role in shaping his identity, values, and outlook on life. Though details about his childhood are limited, we know he grew up with two sisters and experienced the challenges common to immigrant families in the United States during the early 20th century.

Family Roots and Parents

John Paul’s parents were Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, both of Armenian descent. His family maintained strong ties to their Armenian heritage, which influenced the upbringing of John Paul and his siblings. Though not much is widely known about his parents beyond their names and Armenian roots, their immigrant story is an important part of the family’s history and legacy.

Siblings

John Paul had two sisters: Louise B. Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian. Louise was born in 1914 and lived until 2006, passing away at the age of 92. She married John Yssaian in 1934. Elizabeth was born in 1919 and passed away in 2007 at the age of 88. These siblings formed part of John Paul’s immediate family, providing the foundation of his early family life, though not much is publicly known about their personal stories.

Marriage and Relationships

In 1945, John Paul married Jackie Jean Crouch, who later became known as Georgia Holt. She was an American singer, actress, and model, and the mother of their daughter Cher. Their marriage lasted only two years, ending in divorce in 1947. Despite the short marriage, it produced a child who would become one of the most famous entertainers in the world. The relationship between John Paul and Georgia Holt was reportedly difficult and unstable, contributing to the complex family dynamics that followed.

Who Is Jackie Jean Crouch (Georgia Holt)?

Jackie Jean Crouch, later known as Georgia Holt, was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model, born on June 9, 1926, in Kensett, Arkansas. She was the mother of Cherilyn Sarkisian (Cher), born in 1946. Her early life was marked by frequent relocations and a challenging upbringing, including attending 17 different junior high schools. Despite these challenges, she pursued a career in entertainment, appearing in television shows like I Love Lucy and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and releasing a country album titled Honky Tonk Woman in 2013. Holt was married and divorced six times and had two daughters, Cher and Georganne LaPiere. She passed away on December 10, 2022, at the age of 96.

Daughter: Cherilyn Sarkisian (Cher)

John Paul Sarkisian’s only child is Cherilyn Sarkisian, better known as Cher. Born on May 20, 1946, Cher went on to become a global icon as a singer, actress, and television personality. Despite their biological connection, John Paul and Cher’s relationship was distant and troubled. Cher did not meet her father until she was 11 years old, and their interactions over the years were marked by tension and difficulties, including legal disputes. Still, John Paul’s role as her father remains a significant part of her story.

Career and Work

John Paul worked primarily as a truck driver, a profession that required hard work and long hours. Truck driving was a respectable, blue-collar job, especially common during the mid-1900s. Beyond this, he also tried his hand at entrepreneurship, including owning a nightclub in Los Angeles. These ventures show a man who was willing to work hard and try different opportunities to support himself and his family, despite the challenges he faced.

Personal Challenges

Throughout his life, John Paul faced several personal difficulties. He struggled with gambling and addiction issues, including narcotics, which complicated his life and relationships. He also had brushes with the law, including arrests related to larceny and writing bad checks. These problems contributed to the troubled relationship he had with Cher and added layers of hardship to his personal life. His past was publicly known due to these issues, and they played a role in the legal battles between him and his daughter.

Legal Battles with Cher

One of the most publicized events involving John Paul Sarkisian was his lawsuit against Cher and two tabloids, seeking $4 million for what he claimed were defamatory statements made about him. Cher had described her father in harsh terms, citing his gambling and drug addiction. The legal dispute brought their personal conflicts into the public eye and showed just how strained their father-daughter relationship had become. Despite their shared history, reconciliation was never fully achieved.

Death and Final Years

John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. His death closed a life marked by many struggles and complicated family ties. He was buried in Fresno Memorial Gardens. His passing was relatively quiet compared to the public life of his daughter, but it left behind a story of resilience and hardship that reflects the experiences of many families dealing with personal difficulties.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

John Paul Sarkisian’s net worth at the time of his death is not publicly documented. Unlike his daughter Cher, whose net worth is estimated to be around $360 million as of 2024, John Paul led a modest life working as a truck driver and entrepreneur. His financial situation reflected the working-class realities of many Americans in his era, rather than the wealth associated with the entertainment industry.

Legacy and Impact

Although John Paul Sarkisian’s life was overshadowed by his daughter’s fame, his story is a powerful example of the complexities behind family relationships, especially in the public eye. His Armenian-American roots, struggles with addiction, and efforts to provide for his family paint a picture of a man shaped by both culture and circumstance. His troubled relationship with Cher shaped her childhood and helped influence the strong, independent woman she became. His life, with all its ups and downs, is a reminder of the human stories behind celebrity families and the impact of personal history on future generations.

FAQs About John Paul Sarkisian

1. Who was John Paul Sarkisian?

John Paul Sarkisian was the father of the famous singer and actress Cher. He was an Armenian-American truck driver who had a complicated relationship with his daughter.

2. When and where was John Paul Sarkisian born?

He was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, United States.

3. What was John Paul Sarkisian’s profession?

John Paul worked mainly as a truck driver and also had some business ventures, like owning a nightclub.

4. What was his relationship with Cher like?

Their relationship was difficult and strained. Cher did not meet him until she was 11 years old, and they later had legal disputes and personal conflicts.

5. When did John Paul Sarkisian die?

He passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58.