Who Was John Paul Sarkisian, Cher’s Father? Inside His Complicated Life

When we think of Cher, we see a bold, powerful woman with a voice that made history and a career that has lasted over 60 years. But very few people know much about her real father, John Paul Sarkisian. He didn’t live a life of fame or fortune. In fact, his story is the complete opposite of Cher’s.

John Paul Sarkisian, Cher’s father, lived a life full of ups and downs. He struggled with work, made poor choices, and had a troubled relationship with his daughter.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who he was, where he came from, what kind of father he tried to be, and how his actions shaped Cher’s early life. It’s a story about family, mistakes, and the lessons that come with them.

John Paul Sarkisian Quick Bio


Full Name	John Paul Sarkisian
Known For	Cher’s father
Date of Birth	March 23, 1926
Place of Birth	Oakland, California, USA
Date of Death	January 28, 1985
Age at Death	58 years old
Cause of Death	Not publicly disclosed
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Armenian-American
Net Worth	Not known
Professions	Truck driver, bartender, hairstylist, mechanic, horse breeder
Spouse	Georgia Holt (married twice)
Child	Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian)

John Paul Sarkisian’s Early Life and Family Background

John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California. He came from an Armenian-American family. His parents were George Sarkisian and Blanche Dilkian, who had escaped hard times in Armenia and moved to the United States to build a better life.

John grew up in a large family. He had two sisters, Lucy and Roxanne, and several half-siblings from his mother’s second marriage. His family held onto their Armenian traditions, language, and culture. That part of his identity stayed with him, even during the hardest times of his life.

Can you imagine growing up in a house where everyone speaks a mix of English and Armenian? That was John’s childhood. He knew where he came from, but life in America wasn’t always easy.

Growing Up During Hard Times

The 1930s and 1940s were tough years in America. Jobs were hard to find, money was tight, and families like John’s had to work extra hard just to get by. John grew up during the Great Depression and the World War II era. These times shaped him into someone who was always trying to survive.

Even with his strong cultural background, John didn’t have an easy path. He was part of a working-class community, where people worked with their hands and hoped their children would have a better future. But as we’ll see, John didn’t always make the best choices.

What Jobs Did John Paul Sarkisian Do?

John Paul Sarkisian, Cher’s father, was not someone who stuck to one job for life. Instead, he tried many different jobs over the years. He worked as a truck driver, which became his main job. But he also worked as a bartender, auto mechanic, hairstylist, and even tried breeding horses. He even delivered seasonal fruits and vegetables.

One time, his father bought him five trucks to help him start his own trucking business. It was a big chance — maybe even a turning point. But sadly, the business didn’t work out. Like many things in his life, it started with hope but ended with disappointment.

Have you ever started something new, hoping it would change your life, only for it to fall apart? That’s what John went through, again and again.

How John Paul Sarkisian Met Cher’s Mother

John’s life changed when he met Georgia Holt, who would later become Cher’s mother. Her real name was Jackie Jean Crouch. At the time, Georgia was working in a donut shop. She was just 18 years old when John walked in.

John had a bold look and a confident attitude. Even though Georgia later said he had a “farmer’s attitude,” there was something about him that caught her attention. He was charming and exciting — and Georgia fell for him quickly.

Their love story began fast. Not long after meeting, they got married in Reno, Nevada, on June 22, 1945. It felt like a dream for Georgia, but it didn’t last long.

The Short Marriage Between Cher’s Parents

At first, Georgia thought she had found her future. But soon, things started to feel wrong. John’s mood would change suddenly. He wasn’t always kind or gentle. Georgia found herself confused, scared, and unsure about the man she had married.

She stayed for a while, hoping things would get better. But after just two years, their marriage ended. In 1947, they were divorced. Georgia made a hard decision — she walked away from the marriage for the sake of her own safety and her baby’s future.

Leaving a marriage isn’t easy, especially for a young woman with a newborn. But Georgia was strong, and she knew she had to move forward alone.

The Birth of Cher and Her Early Years Without Her Father

In the middle of this troubled marriage came a bright moment — the birth of Cherilyn Sarkisian, now known as Cher, on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California. She would one day become a music icon, actress, and activist. But back then, she was just a little girl growing up without a father.

After the divorce, John Paul Sarkisian was not a part of Cher’s early life. Georgia raised her daughter alone. She sang in saloons and worked hard jobs to support them. Cher grew up seeing her mother work night after night, doing everything she could to make ends meet.

Imagine being a child and hearing your mother sing at a small bar to earn enough money for dinner. That’s the kind of life Cher had before fame.

When Cher Met Her Father for the First Time

Cher didn’t even meet her father until she was 11 years old. One day, her mom asked her, “Would you like to meet your father?” Cher said yes. She was curious — she didn’t really miss him because he was never around, but she still wanted to see who he was.

When they met, Cher noticed how they looked alike. The dark hair, the eyes — even the way he walked. She could see parts of herself in him. But even though they spent some time together, the connection didn’t last.

For about six months, Cher and John tried to get to know each other. But John’s choices and behavior made it hard. Just like before, he drifted away.

The Struggles of John Paul Sarkisian, Cher’s Father

As time went on, John Paul Sarkisian, Cher’s father, faced more serious problems. He struggled with drug addiction, gambling, and making stable life choices. These habits got him into trouble with the law. He was even sent to jail for drug charges and writing bad checks.

John’s troubles made it hard for him to build a peaceful life. He couldn’t hold on to jobs for long. His choices often hurt the people around him. The saddest part was how these problems affected his bond with Cher. Just when she tried to let him in, he pushed her away again with his behavior.

Some people said John had a kind side and good intentions. But his addictions and poor decisions always came back to ruin things. He lived in a cycle that was hard to break.

Why John Paul Sarkisian Sued Cher

One of the most surprising parts of this story is that John Paul Sarkisian sued Cher, his own daughter. This happened in the 1970s. He asked for $4 million, claiming that Cher had said things about him that hurt his name and made him look bad to the public.

Cher had spoken honestly in interviews about her father’s drug use and gambling. She shared how his choices had affected her life. But John didn’t like being talked about that way. He said her words damaged his image and reputation.

This lawsuit made their already weak relationship even worse. It was clear that Cher’s father didn’t understand how much pain his past had caused. Instead of trying to fix things, he went to court. That decision pushed Cher even farther away.

John Paul Sarkisian’s Final Years and Death

In his final years, John Paul Sarkisian lived a very quiet life in Fresno, California. He stayed away from the spotlight. He tried to work again, even doing some horse breeding. But he was no longer close to his daughter. Their relationship had completely broken down.

He passed away on January 28, 1985, at just 58 years old. The exact cause of death was never shared. He was buried in Fresno Memorial Gardens. Cher did not attend his funeral, and by that time, she had fully moved on from the pain connected to her father.

Even though John lived far from fame, his story was still part of Cher’s past. His life became a shadow that followed her, even as she reached the top of the music and film world.

How Cher Was Affected by Her Father’s Life

Even though Cher’s father, John Paul Sarkisian, wasn’t around much, he still had a strong impact on her. His absence made Cher stronger. She learned to depend on herself. Watching her mom work so hard taught her to be independent and tough.

Cher has said in some interviews that she saw parts of herself in her father, like her dark features and strong will. She also felt a connection to his Armenian heritage, which became a proud part of her identity.

In many ways, John’s troubled life showed Cher what not to do. She used the pain and lessons from her childhood to build her own path — one full of strength, courage, and success.

Final Thoughts

John Paul Sarkisian, Cher’s father, lived a hard life. He made many mistakes, struggled with addiction, and lost touch with the people who loved him. But his story still matters. It reminds us that behind every superstar, there’s a family story — one filled with both light and darkness.

While Cher became a global icon, her father lived in the shadows. Yet, he helped shape her journey, even if through pain. His Armenian roots, his flaws, and his choices became part of the bigger story that made Cher who she is today.

This story isn’t just about fame or failure. It’s about real life, real people, and the quiet lessons that come from broken bonds. And for that reason, John Paul Sarkisian’s life — though complicated — deserves to be remembered.