In this article, we explore the life of John Paul Sarkisian, a man whose story goes beyond being just the father of the pop icon Cher. We’ll dive into his Armenian heritage, his early years growing up in California, and the hard work he put into his career as a truck driver. We’ll also look at his brief marriage to Cher’s mother, the challenges he faced in his personal life, and the complicated relationship he had with his famous daughter. By understanding John Paul Sarkisian’s journey, we gain insight into the experiences of immigrant families and the powerful influence of family ties that shape our lives.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Paul Sarkisian |
| Birth Date | March 23, 1926 |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, USA |
| Death Date | January 28, 1985 |
| Death Place | Fresno, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 58 |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Sexual Orientation | Heterosexual |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnic Background | Armenian-American |
| Parents | Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian & Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian |
| Siblings | Two sisters: Louise B. Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Former Spouse | Jackie Jean Crouch (also known as Georgia Holt) |
| Children | Daughter: Cherilyn Sarkisian (Cher) |
| Occupation | Professional truck driver |
| Known For | Father of the famous singer and actress Cher |
Who Is John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian was an Armenian-American man best known as the father of the famous singer and actress Cher. Born in 1926 in Oakland, California, he grew up in a family with strong Armenian roots, shaped by the history and culture his parents brought from their homeland. John worked hard as a truck driver, a job that required long hours and dedication. Although his marriage to Cher’s mother was short, it resulted in the birth of Cher, who became a global star. His life had its struggles, including personal challenges and a complicated relationship with his daughter, but his story offers a glimpse into the experiences of many immigrant families building a new life in America.
Early Life and Background
John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, into a family with deep Armenian roots. Growing up during the difficult times of the Great Depression, John experienced many challenges that shaped his character. His parents, who survived the Armenian Genocide, taught him the importance of hard work, resilience, and holding on to his cultural heritage. Along with his two sisters, he was raised in a close-knit family that valued perseverance and mutual support. These early experiences helped build the foundation for John’s strong work ethic and determination throughout his life.
Marriage to Jackie Jean Crouch (Georgia Holt)
John Paul Sarkisian’s marriage to Jackie Jean Crouch, known professionally as Georgia Holt, was a significant chapter in his life. They first married on June 22, 1945, in Reno, Nevada, when Jackie was 18 years old. Their union was brief, ending in divorce in 1947. Despite the separation, their bond was rekindled, and they remarried on December 15, 1965, in Clark County, Nevada. However, this second marriage also ended in divorce in 1966. From this relationship, they had a daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian, who would later become the iconic entertainer known as Cher. Their relationship, marked by its complexities, had a lasting impact on their daughter, influencing her personal and professional life.
Who is Jackie Jean Crouch?
Jackie Jean Crouch, better known as Georgia Holt, was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model. Born on June 9, 1926, in Kensett, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Lynda Inez Gulley and Roy Malloy Crouch. Her father taught her to sing and play guitar at a young age, and she began performing on an Oklahoma City radio station when she was just six years old. By the age of 10, she was singing with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Throughout her career, she had several small roles in films and television, including appearances on “I Love Lucy” and “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” In 2013, she released an album titled “Honky Tonk Woman,” which included a duet with her daughter Cher. Georgia Holt passed away on December 10, 2022, at the age of 96.
Relationship with Daughter Cher
John Paul Sarkisian’s relationship with his daughter Cher was complex and often strained. They did not meet until Cher was 11 years old, and even then, their interactions were limited and inconsistent. Cher has spoken candidly about her father’s struggles with addiction and how his absence affected her during her formative years. Despite occasional attempts at reconciliation, including a brief reunion when Cher was in her teens, their bond remained distant. Their relationship was further complicated by legal disputes; in the 1980s, John Paul sued Cher, seeking to prevent the release of a biographical film that he claimed portrayed him negatively. This legal battle highlighted the difficulties of managing familial relationships in the public eye and underscored the emotional challenges Cher faced in navigating her connection with her father.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Children
John Paul Sarkisian had one biological child, his daughter Cherilyn Sarkisian, widely known as Cher. Born on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, Cher rose to fame as a singer, actress, and television personality, earning the title “Goddess of Pop” for her distinctive voice and enduring career. Despite their strained relationship, Cher has acknowledged the influence of her Armenian heritage, passed down from her father, on her identity and artistry. John Paul also had a son named John Sarkisian Jr., who has largely remained out of the public eye. Cher’s early life was marked by her mother’s multiple marriages and financial struggles, leading to a complex family dynamic. While John Paul Sarkisian’s direct involvement in Cher’s upbringing was limited, his legacy continues through her and her work.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Parents
John Paul Sarkisian’s parents, Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, were Armenian immigrants who survived the Armenian Genocide. They worked hard to preserve their culture and pass on strong values to their children while building a new life in America.
John Paul Sarkisian’s father, Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian, was an Armenian immigrant born in 1893. He survived the Armenian Genocide, a tragic event that forced many Armenians to flee their homeland. After arriving in the United States, George worked hard to provide for his family and made sure to teach his children about their Armenian heritage and the importance of resilience in the face of hardship.
His mother, Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, was born in 1898 and also came to America as a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. Blanche was dedicated to preserving Armenian culture and traditions within the family. She focused on raising her children with strong values, emphasizing the importance of family, faith, and hard work as they adjusted to life in a new country.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Siblings
John Paul Sarkisian had two full siblings: his older sisters, Louise B. Sarkisian (1914–2006) and Elizabeth Sarkisian (1919–2007). Additionally, following his mother’s remarriage to Carl Yegan, John gained several half-siblings, including Lucy Sarkisian Mirgian, Roxanne Sarkisian Hopkins, and others named Dick, Harry, and Pearl Yegan. These family connections reflect the blended nature of his upbringing, shaped by both his biological and half-siblings.
Cultural and Historical Context
John Paul Sarkisian grew up during a time when many Armenian families were rebuilding their lives after the hardships of the Armenian Genocide. His parents brought with them a strong sense of culture, faith, and community, which they passed down to their children. Living through the Great Depression and the changes of mid-20th century America, John’s life was shaped by the struggles and hopes of immigrant families trying to find stability and success in a new country. This cultural background gave him a deep sense of identity and the importance of family, which stayed with him throughout his life.
Career and Professional Life
In his career, John Paul Sarkisian worked as a truck driver, a demanding and essential job during that time. Truck driving requires long hours on the road, physical strength, and dedication. Through this work, he contributed to the country’s economy by transporting goods across various states. His job was a reflection of his hardworking nature and desire to support his family. Despite the challenges that came with the profession, including time away from home, John stayed committed to his work, showing the resilience and determination that were central to his character.
Controversies and Legal Issues
John Paul Sarkisian’s life was marked by several controversies, the most notable being his legal battle with his daughter Cher during the 1980s. He sued Cher over the release of a biographical film that portrayed him in a negative light, claiming defamation. This lawsuit added tension to their already complicated relationship and exposed private family matters to the public. The case highlighted the difficulties of handling personal conflicts when one family member is a famous celebrity, showing how fame can sometimes make family issues even more challenging.
Death and Final Years
John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. His final years were shadowed by personal struggles and his complex relationship with his daughter. Although he did not achieve public fame himself, his life story reflects the hardships faced by many working-class immigrants trying to build a life in America. His death marked the end of a life full of resilience and challenges, but his legacy continues through his family, especially his daughter Cher, who has spoken openly about their history.
Conclusion
John Paul Sarkisian’s story is more than just the life of Cher’s father; it is a tale of an Armenian-American man navigating the challenges of immigrant life, work, family, and personal struggles. His hard work as a truck driver, his cultural heritage, and his complicated family relationships paint a picture of someone who lived with resilience and determination. Exploring his life helps us understand the complexities behind public figures and reminds us of the personal stories that shape them. His legacy, though mixed with difficulties, lives on in the achievements of his daughter and the strength of his family’s heritage.
FAQs About John Paul Sarkisian
1. Who was John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian was an Armenian-American truck driver, best known as the father of pop icon Cher. Born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, he led a life marked by personal struggles, including issues with addiction and legal troubles. Despite his challenges, he remains a significant figure in Cher’s early life and legacy.
2. What was John Paul Sarkisian’s ethnic background?
He was of Armenian descent. His parents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, and they immigrated to the United States to build a new life. This heritage played a crucial role in shaping his identity and, by extension, influenced Cher’s connection to her Armenian roots.
3. What was John Paul Sarkisian’s profession?
John Paul Sarkisian worked as a truck driver, a role that required long hours and significant dedication. In addition to this, he held various other jobs throughout his life, including positions as a bartender, mechanic, and hairstylist. Despite his efforts, he faced financial instability and personal challenges that impacted his career trajectory.
4. Who was John Paul Sarkisian married to, and who is his famous child?
He was married to Jackie Jean Crouch, known professionally as Georgia Holt. Together, they had a daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian, widely recognized by her stage name, Cher. Cher is an internationally acclaimed singer, actress, and television personality, often referred to as the “Goddess of Pop.”
5. How was John Paul Sarkisian’s relationship with Cher?
Their relationship was complex and often strained. Cher did not meet her father until she was 11 years old, and their interactions were limited and inconsistent. Despite occasional attempts at reconciliation, including a brief reunion when Cher was in her teens, their bond remained distant. Cher has spoken candidly about her father’s struggles with addiction and how his absence and behavior affected her during her formative years.
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