John Paul Sarkisian is known mainly as the father of Cher, one of the most famous singers and actresses in the world. But his own life story is very different from the glamorous life his daughter leads. John lived a difficult and often troubled life far from the public eye. He struggled with personal problems, had a complicated relationship with his family, and faced many hardships that shaped the man behind the name. Learning about his life helps us understand the family background of a star like Cher and reminds us that every famous person has a complex story behind the scenes.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Paul Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1926 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, Alameda, California, USA |
| Date of Death | January 28, 1985 |
| Place of Death | Fresno, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 58 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Armenian-American |
| Parents | Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian |
| Siblings | 2 sisters (Louise B. Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Jackie Jean Crouch (also known as Georgia Holt) |
| Children | Cherilyn Sarkisian (popularly known as Cher) |
| Profession | Truck Driver |
| Famous For | Being the father of Cher, the “Goddess of Pop” |
Early Life and Heritage
John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, to Armenian immigrant parents who had fled hardship in their homeland. His father, George Sarkisian, and mother, Blanche Dilkian, worked hard to keep their culture alive while adjusting to life in America. John grew up during the Great Depression, a time of great struggle for many families. His home life was rich with Armenian traditions, language, and customs, giving him a strong sense of identity, but the economic struggles made life very hard. This mix of cultural pride and hardship shaped his early years and taught him lessons about endurance and survival.
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Career and Work Life
John never had a steady or lasting career. Over time, he worked many different jobs, including being a truck driver, bartender, mechanic, hairstylist, and even trying horse breeding. His father once helped him start a trucking business by buying five trucks, but the business failed. John’s life was marked by instability and financial struggles that made it hard for him to keep steady employment. These challenges affected his ability to build a secure life and contributed to the difficulties he faced in his personal relationships and family life.
John’s Marriage to Georgia Holt
In 1945, John married Jackie Jean Crouch, who later became known as Georgia Holt and was Cher’s mother. She was only 18 when they met, working at a donut shop, and John’s charm and confidence caught her attention. They married in Reno, Nevada, on June 22, 1945. Their marriage was troubled early on as John’s moods changed, becoming distant and sometimes rough with Georgia. Despite her efforts, their relationship quickly fell apart. Georgia became pregnant, and their daughter Cher was born in May 1946, but the marriage lasted only two years before they divorced in 1947. This brief marriage set the foundation for a difficult family dynamic that would follow.
About Jackie Jean Crouch (Georgia Holt)
Jackie Jean Crouch, better known as Georgia Holt, is an American singer, actress, and model born in 1926. She gained some fame for her own career in entertainment but is most widely known as the mother of Cher. Georgia worked in music and acting for many years and appeared in movies and TV shows. Her life story is closely linked to her daughter’s, and she has shared many memories about their family in interviews and documentaries.
John’s Relationship with Cher
Cher did not meet her father until she was 11 years old, and even then, their relationship was complicated and short-lived. Cher described John as charming but troubled, with a history of drug addiction, gambling, and criminal behavior. She said he had “some larceny in him” and was not a stable presence in her life. Their bond lasted about six months before Cher decided to cut ties with him completely. The emotional pain and broken trust between them affected Cher deeply and played a role in shaping her strong, independent character.
Legal Troubles and Lawsuit
John Paul Sarkisian’s life included serious legal problems, including arrests for drug possession and fraud. He spent time in prison and struggled with addiction for many years. The most public conflict between John and Cher came when he sued her for $4 million in the 1970s. He claimed that Cher had made false and damaging statements about him in interviews, especially about his drug addiction and gambling. John said these comments harmed his reputation and personal life. The lawsuit highlighted the deep divide in their relationship and brought private family struggles into the public spotlight.
Addiction and Personal Struggles
John battled addiction to heroin and other drugs, as well as compulsive gambling, throughout much of his adult life. These addictions made it difficult for him to keep a job, maintain relationships, or build a stable life. His behavior often caused pain to those around him, especially his family. Despite some attempts at change, he repeatedly fell back into destructive patterns. These struggles are part of why Cher chose to distance herself from him and why their relationship remained fractured for many years.
Later Years and Death
In his later years, John lived quietly and away from the public eye. There are no records of him reconnecting with Cher or attending any public events. He died on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at just 58 years old. Cher did not attend his funeral, which shows how distant their relationship had become. John was buried at Fresno Memorial Gardens, with only close family aware of his passing. His death did not make headlines, reflecting the private and troubled life he lived.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Father
John Paul Sarkisian’s father was Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian, an Armenian immigrant who came to the United States seeking a better life. Like many immigrants of his time, George worked hard to support his family and preserve their Armenian culture in a new country. His experiences and values helped shape John’s early life and identity.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Mother
John’s mother was Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, also an Armenian immigrant. She played an important role in keeping the family connected to their heritage and traditions. Blanche and George raised their children with a strong sense of Armenian culture, which influenced John throughout his life.
Family and Siblings
John had two sisters, Louise and Elizabeth, who lived much longer lives than he did, passing away in their 80s and 90s. His mother remarried, and John had several half-siblings as well. Although he had family members around, John’s connection to them was not widely known or close. Most of his life remained private, and his relationships with family, including Cher, were strained or distant.
Legacy and Influence
John Paul Sarkisian is remembered mainly as Cher’s father, but his life story is much more complicated. Though he never gained fame or fortune, his Armenian heritage and struggles left a mark on his daughter. Cher has often expressed pride in her Armenian roots, which came from John’s side of the family. His difficult life and absence influenced Cher’s character, making her the strong and determined woman she is today. His story reminds us that behind every public figure is a family history full of challenges, lessons, and sometimes pain.
John Paul Sarkisian Net Worth
There is no public or reliable information about John Paul Sarkisian’s net worth. He worked mostly blue-collar jobs and struggled financially for most of his life, and unlike his daughter Cher, he did not accumulate wealth or fame.
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Final Thoughts
John Paul Sarkisian’s life was filled with ups and downs, challenges, and difficult choices. While his daughter became a global superstar, John lived in the shadows, battling addiction, legal troubles, and broken relationships. His story adds depth to the understanding of Cher’s life and reminds us that fame often comes from complicated family stories. Despite his flaws and struggles, John’s heritage and role as a father remain important parts of his legacy. His life shows how personal hardship and family ties can shape the paths of those who follow.
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 lived a life away from the spotlight, facing many personal challenges and struggles.
2. When and where was John Paul Sarkisian born?
He was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California.
3. What was John Paul Sarkisian’s relationship with Cher like?
Their relationship was difficult and brief. Cher met him only when she was 11 and later decided to cut ties due to his addiction and unstable behavior.
4. Was John Paul Sarkisian married?
Yes, he was married twice to Jackie Jean Crouch (Georgia Holt), Cher’s mother, but both marriages ended in divorce.
5. Did John Paul Sarkisian have any legal problems?
Yes, he struggled with addiction and had legal issues, including arrests for drug possession and fraud.
6. Did John Paul Sarkisian ever sue Cher?
Yes, in the 1970s, he sued Cher for $4 million, claiming she made damaging statements about him in interviews.
7. When did John Paul Sarkisian die?
He passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58.
