John Paul Sarkisian: The Troubled Father Behind Cher’s Rise to Stardom

John Paul Sarkisian‘s name is not one that frequently appears in headlines. Yet, as the biological father of the legendary singer and actress Cher, his legacy has been etched into the fabric of American pop culture in a quiet, conflicted way. His story is one of promise, struggle, abandonment, and the complexities of familial relationships that shaped one of the world’s most enduring stars.

Early Life and Armenian Roots

Born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, John Paul Sarkisian was the child of Armenian immigrants who had fled hardship in their homeland in search of a better future. His father, Ghiragos Sarkisian, and mother, Siranoush Dilkian, brought with them rich cultural traditions and a determination to survive in a foreign land.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Sarkisian experienced firsthand the economic and emotional strains of being a first-generation American. His early years were spent navigating blue-collar life, jumping between odd jobs and trying to find his place in a rapidly evolving country.

From a young age, he struggled with consistency—something that would define many of his relationships later in life.

A Turbulent Relationship with Georgia Holt

In 1945, Sarkisian married Jackie Jean Crouch, better known as Georgia Holt. Georgia was a budding singer and actress, full of aspirations. Their marriage, however, was far from stable. The couple welcomed their daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian (later known as Cher), in 1946. Just a year later, the marriage ended in divorce.

The separation marked the beginning of a fractured family dynamic that would heavily influence Cher’s childhood. Georgia remarried several times, while Sarkisian drifted in and out of Cher’s life, often disappearing for long stretches.

Absent Yet Influential

Despite being physically absent, John Paul Sarkisian’s presence—or lack thereof—left a lasting impression on Cher. She has spoken candidly about growing up without a father figure. Sarkisian’s neglect became a silent teacher in Cher’s life, guiding her toward independence and resilience.

Cher once mentioned that she only met her father a few times and remembered him as a charming yet unreliable figure. These brief encounters were never enough to build a meaningful relationship. She described him as a man who dabbled in many trades—mechanic, bartender, hairstylist—but never found a true calling.

Personal Struggles and Character

John Paul Sarkisian was known as charismatic and smooth-talking. However, behind the surface charm were deeper issues. He reportedly struggled with alcohol and gambling, which contributed to his inability to maintain stable employment or relationships.

His life was marked by a search for identity and direction. While his Armenian roots provided a cultural backbone, Sarkisian never managed to anchor himself in a role—whether as a father, husband, or professional. These struggles persisted until his death.

A Brief Reunion and Another Divorce

In a surprising turn of events, Sarkisian and Georgia Holt remarried in 1965—nearly two decades after their first divorce. However, the reunion was short-lived. The issues that had plagued their first marriage reemerged, leading to a second and final separation.

This chapter was largely insignificant in Cher’s life, as she was already establishing her career in entertainment. Still, the instability of her parents’ relationship remained a constant shadow.

Legal Battle with Cher

Perhaps one of the most dramatic moments in John Paul Sarkisian’s life came in 1975, when he filed a $4 million defamation lawsuit against Cher. Sarkisian claimed that Cher had made defamatory remarks about him in public and in interviews, portraying him as an absent and irresponsible father.

The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it revealed the deep emotional rift between the two. Rather than serving as a moment of reconciliation, the legal battle emphasized their estranged relationship.

Final Years and Death

John Paul Sarkisian lived the remainder of his life out of the spotlight. He passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. His death was not widely publicized, and he left behind little in terms of a public legacy.

Though his life was riddled with personal challenges, his story remains significant due to the indirect impact he had on Cher. His life serves as a stark contrast to Cher’s—a tale of potential unfulfilled versus extraordinary achievement.

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The Impact on Cher

Cher’s upbringing, shaped largely by her mother and the absence of her father, contributed significantly to her fiercely independent personality. She has often credited her mother for instilling strength, creativity, and resilience in her.

The lack of a stable father figure did not cripple Cher; instead, it motivated her to rise above. She emerged not as a victim of her circumstances but as a symbol of self-made success. Her story is a testament to the idea that adversity can be a springboard for greatness.

Legacy of John Paul Sarkisian

John Paul Sarkisian’s legacy is complicated and often forgotten. He is remembered not for his accomplishments but for his absence and struggles. Yet, it is this very absence that shaped the environment from which Cher emerged.

In many ways, Sarkisian represents the countless fathers whose personal demons prevented them from fulfilling their roles. His story invites reflection on the lasting impact of parental absence and the strength of those who persevere despite it.

Conclusion

John Paul Sarkisian was a man of contradictions—a charismatic presence who often chose disappearance over responsibility. His life was a mixture of cultural richness and personal turmoil, ambition and instability. While he failed to be the father Cher needed, his role in her life was not without influence.

Cher’s remarkable journey to stardom was forged in the fires of family instability and emotional distance. John Paul Sarkisian, though largely absent, was part of the crucible that shaped her. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest influences are the ones who aren’t there—and that absence, too, has power.

Though history may not remember John Paul Sarkisian for his deeds, his name endures through the immense success and resilience of his daughter. His story, however troubled, deserves to be told—not to glorify, but to understand the full picture behind a legend’s beginnings.

Discover the untold legacy behind Cher’s rise—read now.