The biography of John Paul Sarkisian

John Paul Sarkisian: A Complex Legacy

John Paul Sarkisian, born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, is most recognized as the father of the iconic entertainer Cher. Of Armenian descent, Sarkisian grew up in California in a family deeply rooted in its heritage. His parents, Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, were immigrants who emphasized the preservation of their culture

Sarkisian’s life was marked by challenges and controversies. A truck driver by profession, his early marriage to Georgia Holt (then Jackie Jean Crouch) in 1945 lasted only two years but produced their daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian, born in 1946. Despite their separation, Sarkisian remained a figure of intrigue in Cher’s life, though he was largely absent during her childhood. Cher did not meet him until she was 11 years old, and their relationship was characterized by sporadic contact and emotional complexity. She publicly described him as charismatic yet troubled, struggling with issues like gambling and drug addiction​​​​.

In the 1980s, Sarkisian sued Cher for defamation, claiming her public statements about his personal struggles harmed his reputation. This legal battle further strained their already difficult relationship, adding a public dimension to their familial issues. John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, at the age of 58. His legacy is largely tied to his connection to Cher, whose resilience and creative independence reflect aspects of her complicated relationship with her father. While his life was overshadowed by his daughter’s fame, Sarkisian’s story offers insight into the familial and cultural dynamics that shaped one of the world’s most enduring pop culture icons​​​​.