Introduction: Who Was John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian is a name that may not be widely known on its own, yet it carries significance in the world of Hollywood history because he was the father of the legendary pop star Cher. His life was marked by turbulence, complicated family dynamics, and personal struggles that shaped both his own story and, indirectly, the life of his famous daughter. Born in 1926 in Oakland, California, John Paul Sarkisian lived a life filled with ups and downs, ranging from multiple careers and entrepreneurial ventures to legal issues and estranged family relationships. This article explores his life in detail, revealing the man behind the headlines, his family relationships, his career, and the legacy he left behind.
Quick Bio Information
Born: March 23, 1926, Oakland, California
Died: January 28, 1985, Fresno County, California
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Armenian and Turkish
Known For: Father of Cher
Parents: George P. Sarkisian and Blanch Dilkian
Siblings: Lucy Sarkisian Mirgian, Roxanne Sarkisian Hopkins
Career: Bartender, hairstylist, auto mechanic, horse breeder
Marriages: Georgia Holt (twice)
Children: Cherilyn Sarkisian (Cher)
Legal Issues: Substance abuse-related imprisonment, bad-check violations
Early Life and Family Background
John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, Alameda County, California. He was the son of George P. Sarkisian, an Armenian immigrant, and Blanch Dilkian, of Turkish descent. His parents’ marriage lasted until 1965, though they later divorced, which significantly shaped John’s early life and family environment. He had two full sisters, Lucy Sarkisian Mirgian and Roxanne Sarkisian Hopkins, and several half-siblings from his mother’s second marriage, including Louise Voutsinas, Elizabeth, Dick, Harry Yegan, and Pearl Najimian. John’s childhood and upbringing in a multicultural household in California provided him with a diverse perspective, though family instability and parental separation left lasting marks on him.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Career and Jobs
John Paul Sarkisian was known for having a varied and unconventional career path. Throughout his life, he worked in numerous roles, demonstrating adaptability but often struggling with stability. He worked as a bartender, auto mechanic, hairstylist, and even delivered seasonal produce. In addition, he tried his hand at entrepreneurship, managing small businesses and even breeding horses. His father purchased five trucks to help John start a trucking business in El Centro, California, but the venture did not succeed as hoped. These early experiences reveal a man who was resourceful and willing to take risks but also faced recurring challenges in maintaining long-term success.
Marriage to Georgia Holt: First Chapter
John’s first marriage was to Georgia Holt, born Jackie Jean Crouch, an actress and model who would later achieve recognition as Cher’s mother. The couple met when Georgia was just 18 while working in a donut shop. Attracted to John’s charm and personality, she married him on June 22, 1945, in Reno, Nevada. However, their relationship quickly faced difficulties. John exhibited mood swings and unpredictable behavior, which strained their marriage. Despite efforts to reconcile, including a brief three-month attempt to stay together, the couple ultimately divorced in 1947. During this time, Georgia became pregnant with their daughter Cherilyn Sarkisian, better known as Cher, who was born on May 20, 1946. Georgia raised Cher largely as a single mother, working as a saloon singer to support her family.
The Second Marriage and Reunion
After years apart, John and Georgia reunited, marrying for a second time on December 15, 1965, after John had served time in prison for substance abuse and bad-check violations. By this time, Cher was already aware of her father’s existence but had not met him in person until she was 11 years old. Initially, the reunion offered hope for a family connection, and Cher felt excited about having both parents together. Unfortunately, John soon reverted to self-destructive behaviors that had troubled the first marriage. Their relationship was marked by instability, repeated conflicts, and further disappointment for Cher and Georgia.
Father-Daughter Relationship with Cher
The relationship between John Paul Sarkisian and Cher was fraught with tension and estrangement. Cher often described her father as largely absent and problematic when present. Despite brief attempts to connect, the relationship never stabilized, and Cher ultimately disowned him. John maintained that his absence during Cher’s early years was unintentional, citing his difficulty keeping track of her while Georgia moved frequently. Their estrangement reflected the long-term consequences of John’s personal struggles, leaving a lasting impact on Cher’s perception of family and trust.
Legal Disputes and Public Feuds
John Paul Sarkisian’s conflicts with Cher extended into the public eye. At one point, he sued Cher and two tabloids for $4 million over statements he claimed were damaging to his reputation. He argued that Cher’s claims about his past were unfair and portrayed him negatively, despite his attempts to reform his life. Controversy also arose over a photograph featuring John, Cher, and Cher’s granddaughter, which he later sold to a rug dealer to assert his connection to his family. These disputes underscored the complex dynamics between father and daughter, and their legal battles further complicated public perceptions of their relationship.
Personal Struggles and Challenges
John Paul Sarkisian’s life was marked by ongoing personal challenges. He struggled with substance abuse, served prison time, and faced difficulties maintaining stable relationships and careers. His behavior, often described as self-destructive, affected his family deeply, contributing to estrangement and conflict. Despite these challenges, John attempted to reform later in life, describing his post-prison years as more “exemplary, pious, and noble.” His story highlights the enduring impact of personal choices on both public perception and family dynamics.
Later Life and Death
After the estrangement from Cher and the end of his turbulent relationships, John Paul Sarkisian lived a relatively private life. He did not remarry and had no children besides Cher. John passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno County, California, at the age of 58. His siblings included Roxanne, who died in 2019 at 95; Elizabeth, who passed away in 2007 at 88; and Lucy, who lived until 2021, reaching 114 years. His mother, Blanch, died in 1979, and her second husband, Carl Yegan, passed away in 1969. John’s death marked the end of a life filled with both hardship and complex familial connections.
Legacy and Influence
While John Paul Sarkisian’s direct influence on Cher’s life was limited due to estrangement, his life indirectly shaped her upbringing and career. Georgia Holt’s guidance and strong parenting ensured that Cher had stability and support, even amid the challenges caused by John’s behavior. Some observers note that John’s physical traits, such as his height and build, may have influenced Georgia’s suggestion for Cher to marry Sonny Bono, who later became a father figure. Ultimately, John’s legacy is entwined with the story of his daughter’s rise to fame, offering a reminder of how complex family dynamics can impact the paths of even the most celebrated individuals.
Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details
John Paul Sarkisian led a life full of surprising and lesser-known details. He tried various careers, including breeding horses and delivering seasonal produce, showing an entrepreneurial spirit. Despite his personal struggles, he made efforts to connect with Cher later in life, including selling a photograph featuring her and her granddaughter to prove their bond. His multicultural background, combined with his challenging upbringing, contributed to the complexity of his character. Although largely absent in the public eye, John’s story continues to fascinate those interested in Hollywood family histories.
Conclusion
John Paul Sarkisian’s life was a complex tapestry of family, personal struggles, and fleeting triumphs. While his direct influence on Cher’s life was limited, his story provides insight into the challenges of human relationships, the consequences of personal choices, and the way family dynamics shape even the most famous lives. His legacy is not only tied to his daughter’s immense success but also to the enduring lessons of resilience, responsibility, and the intricacies of family bonds. Understanding John Paul Sarkisian helps us appreciate the human stories behind the public figures we admire, offering a nuanced perspective on fame, family, and personal history.
FAQs About John Paul Sarkisian
Who Was John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian was the father of pop star Cher, known for his turbulent life, varied career, and complicated family relationships.
What Was His Relationship With Cher?
John had a strained and largely absent relationship with Cher, which led to estrangement and eventual disownment.
How Many Times Did He Marry Georgia Holt?
He married Georgia Holt twice, first in 1945 and then again in 1965, with both marriages facing significant challenges.
What Jobs Did John Paul Sarkisian Have?
He worked in many fields, including bartending, auto mechanics, hairstyling, seasonal produce delivery, and horse breeding.
Did He Have Any Other Children Besides Cher?
No, Cher was his only child.
When Did John Paul Sarkisian Die?
He passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno County, California, at the age of 58.
Did John Paul Sarkisian Influence Cher’s Career?
While his direct involvement was minimal, his life and struggles indirectly shaped Cher’s upbringing and family environment, influencing her resilience and independence.
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