John Paul Sarkisian may not be a household name, but his connection to one of the most famous women in the world makes his story intriguing. He was the father of Cher, the legendary singer and actress, often called the “Goddess of Pop.” While Cher became a global icon, her relationship with her father was anything but smooth.
Born in 1926 in California, John Paul Sarkisian had a complex life. He worked as a truck driver, had a troubled relationship with his daughter, and even found himself in a legal battle with her. Despite his struggles, his name remains tied to pop culture because of Cher’s incredible success.
Although he stayed out of the spotlight for most of his life, his story is still of interest to many. People want to know: Who was John Paul Sarkisian? What was his role in Cher’s life? And why was their relationship so troubled? Let’s dive into his life to understand more.
His Early Life & Armenian Roots
John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California. He was of Armenian-American descent, which was an important part of his family history. His parents, Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, were both of Armenian heritage, a culture known for its deep traditions and strong family values.
Growing up, Sarkisian had two sisters, Louise B. Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian. Family records don’t reveal much about his childhood, but being raised in an Armenian-American household likely played a big role in shaping his identity.
Unfortunately, details about his education and early years remain scarce. However, like many working-class men of his time, he eventually found his way into a hands-on job—working as a truck driver, which provided him with a steady income but also kept him away from home for long periods.
His Job as a Truck Driver
John Paul Sarkisian spent most of his working life as a truck driver. This job required long hours on the road, transporting goods across different states. In the 1940s and 1950s, truck driving was a demanding job that kept drivers away from their families for extended periods.
This profession might have contributed to his absence in Cher’s early life. Truck drivers often work unpredictable schedules, making it difficult to maintain strong family connections. While it was an honest living, it may have also played a role in his limited presence in Cher’s childhood.
There is no record of him switching careers or seeking other opportunities. His work as a truck driver remained a significant part of his life until his later years.
Marriage to Georgia Holt
In 1945, John Paul Sarkisian married Georgia Holt (born Jackie Jean Crouch), a talented singer, actress, and model. Their marriage seemed promising at first, but things quickly took a turn for the worse.
The couple had one child together, Cher, born on May 20, 1946. However, their marriage didn’t last long, and by 1947, they were divorced. While the exact reasons for their separation remain unclear, it is believed that financial struggles and Sarkisian’s lifestyle played a role in the split.
After their divorce, Georgia Holt took on the responsibility of raising Cher mostly on her own. She later remarried multiple times, giving Cher different father figures throughout her life. Meanwhile, John Paul Sarkisian remained distant for much of Cher’s upbringing.
His Role as Cher’s Father
Despite being Cher’s biological father, John Paul Sarkisian was absent for most of her childhood. Cher didn’t even meet him until she was 11 years old, and by then, she had already grown up with different father figures from her mother’s later marriages.
Cher has openly spoken about her father, describing him as charming but troubled. She acknowledged that he had a criminal past, which made it difficult for them to form a strong bond. While he was in and out of her life, he never truly played the role of a present and supportive father.
This lack of connection deeply affected Cher, shaping her views on family and relationships. Despite her massive success, she carried the pain of an estranged relationship with her biological father.
A Troubled Relationship
As Cher became famous in the 1960s and 70s, her relationship with her father remained strained. While he occasionally tried to reconnect with her, they never built a strong bond.
Cher has hinted in interviews that her father had problems with gambling and drugs, which created further distance between them. She reportedly struggled with trusting him due to his past actions.
Over time, their relationship became so toxic that Cher eventually disowned him. While this wasn’t an easy decision, she felt that cutting ties was the best option for her emotional well-being.
The $4 Million Lawsuit Against Cher
One of the most shocking moments in their relationship was when John Paul Sarkisian sued Cher for $4 million. This legal battle stemmed from magazine articles in which Cher described her father as a “compulsive gambler and heroin addict”.
Sarkisian filed a lawsuit claiming that these statements were false and damaging to his reputation. However, court records show that he had been arrested multiple times in the past for narcotics and bad checks, which complicated his case.
In the end, the lawsuit did nothing to repair their relationship. It only widened the gap between father and daughter, making reconciliation nearly impossible.
Did They Ever Reconcile?
Many fans wonder if Cher and her father ever made peace before his death. Unfortunately, there is no public record of them reconciling. Their relationship remained distant, and Cher focused on her career and personal life.
John Paul Sarkisian’s later years were mostly spent away from the spotlight. Without any strong connection to his famous daughter, he lived a quiet life before passing away.
While he may not have been present in Cher’s life, his absence still had a lasting impact on her, shaping the person she became.
His Death & Legacy
John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, at the age of 58 in Fresno, California. He was buried at Fresno Memorial Gardens. Despite his troubled past, his legacy lives on through his daughter, Cher, who remains one of the most successful entertainers in history.
Even though his life wasn’t glamorous, his name is forever tied to pop culture history because of Cher’s fame. People continue to be curious about him, not because of his own achievements, but because of the role he played in Cher’s life.
Final Thoughts
John Paul Sarkisian’s story is one of missed opportunities and broken relationships. While he had the potential to be a loving father, his troubled past and choices created a deep divide between him and Cher.
His life serves as a reminder that family relationships can be complicated, especially when fame and personal struggles get in the way. While Cher moved on and became a global superstar, her childhood and relationship with her father shaped many aspects of her journey.
Even though he is gone, his story continues to be a point of interest—not because of what he accomplished, but because of the daughter he left behind.
Would Cher’s life have been different if her father had been more present? That’s a question only she can answer. But one thing is certain—John Paul Sarkisian’s legacy will always be linked to one of the greatest pop icons of all time.
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