John Paul Sarkisian, though primarily known for being the father of pop icon Cher, led a life marked by a rich cultural heritage, personal struggles, and complex relationships. His journey from his Armenian roots to becoming a figure linked to one of the most recognizable names in entertainment history is both intriguing and poignant. This comprehensive post aims to provide a deep dive into the life of John Paul Sarkisian, his background, career, relationship with Cher, and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Armenian Heritage
John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, to Armenian immigrant parents, Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian. His parents had fled Armenia in the wake of the Armenian Genocide, seeking safety and a new life in the United States. The trauma of the genocide deeply influenced the Sarkisian family, with John’s parents instilling values of resilience and cultural pride in their children. These strong ties to Armenian heritage played a crucial role in shaping John’s identity throughout his life.
Growing up in an Armenian-American household during the early 20th century was challenging. The family had to navigate cultural assimilation while preserving their unique heritage. John, alongside his siblings Louise and Elizabeth, was brought up with a strong sense of family and cultural duty. However, like many immigrant families, they faced the pressures of fitting into American society, especially during the tumultuous times of the Great Depression and World War II.
Career Journey
John Paul Sarkisian’s professional life was a varied one. Although he is most commonly referred to as a truck driver, his career spanned multiple industries, reflecting his struggle to find stability. At different points in his life, he worked as a bartender, auto mechanic, hairstylist, and even tried his hand at horse breeding. Despite these efforts, Sarkisian never attained significant financial success, a situation worsened by his gambling and drug issues.
In an attempt to support his son, John’s father, George Sarkisian, bought five trucks to help him start his own business, but this venture did not turn out as planned. John continued to face professional setbacks, which compounded his personal struggles. His inability to sustain a stable career would later play a role in the strained relationship he had with his family, especially his daughter Cher.
Marriage to Georgia Holt and Fatherhood
One of the most pivotal aspects of John Paul Sarkisian’s life was his relationship with Jackie Jean Crouch, better known as Georgia Holt. Holt was a singer, songwriter, actress, and model, and her relationship with John was as tumultuous as his career. The couple married in 1946 but divorced just a year later, in 1947. Despite their separation, they would later reunite in 1965, only to divorce again a year later in 1966. Their on-again, off-again relationship mirrored the instability in John’s personal life.
Together, they had a daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian, born on May 20, 1946. Cher would later go on to become one of the most iconic figures in music, film, and television, known simply as Cher. However, John’s relationship with Cher was deeply strained. Due to his absence during her formative years, the father and daughter barely knew each other when they first met at Cher’s age of 11. This absence was due, in part, to John’s personal struggles and the divorce from Georgia Holt.
Cher has publicly spoken about her difficult relationship with her father, describing him as charismatic but flawed. John’s battles with addiction and gambling, along with his inability to maintain consistent contact with Cher, created a rift that would last for much of their lives. Despite these challenges, there was a deep emotional connection between them, albeit tinged with frustration and disappointment.
Legal Battles and Public Controversies
John Paul Sarkisian’s relationship with Cher reached a breaking point in the 1980s when he sued his daughter for defamation. He took legal action after Cher made public statements about his struggles with substance abuse and gambling, claiming that these comments had damaged his reputation. Sarkisian sought $4 million in damages, but the lawsuit ultimately underscored the complicated nature of their father-daughter relationship. Although the case brought their personal issues into the public eye, it further strained their relationship, illustrating the long-standing tension between them.
Sarkisian’s legal troubles were not limited to his dispute with Cher. He also had a history of trouble with the law, having been imprisoned for drug-related offenses and bad-check violations. These legal issues further marred his image, making it difficult for him to rebuild his reputation in the later years of his life.
Cultural and Historical Context
As an Armenian-American, Sarkisian’s identity was heavily influenced by the experiences of his parents, who were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The cultural values passed down from his parents played a key role in his understanding of resilience and survival. His upbringing in an immigrant household during a period of significant social and economic upheaval in the United States helped shape his worldview.
The Armenian Genocide had left indelible marks on Sarkisian’s family, and although he struggled personally, his story reflects the broader Armenian-American immigrant experience. The challenges of preserving cultural identity while navigating life in a new country were central to his life. This cultural background also had an impact on Cher, who has spoken about her Armenian heritage in interviews, linking her father’s roots to her own personal identity.
Death and Legacy
John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, at the age of 58, in Fresno, California. His death marked the end of a tumultuous life filled with both personal trials and the complexities of navigating a strained relationship with his famous daughter. Despite their difficult relationship, Sarkisian’s legacy lives on through Cher, whose career and public persona have continued to captivate audiences around the world.
For many, John Paul Sarkisian remains an enigmatic figure. His life, marked by personal struggles and intermittent contact with his daughter, is a story of unfulfilled potential and strained familial bonds. However, his influence on Cher, both in terms of his absence and his Armenian heritage, played a role in shaping the cultural and personal aspects of her identity.
Conclusion
John Paul Sarkisian’s life story is one of complexity, shaped by the immigrant experience, personal struggles, and complicated family dynamics. Though he is often overshadowed by the fame of his daughter, Cher, Sarkisian’s story reflects the difficulties faced by many immigrants trying to forge a new life in America while dealing with personal demons.
For Indian readers, the story of John Paul Sarkisian provides insight into the Armenian-American experience, as well as universal themes of family, identity, and the impact of one’s heritage. His life is a reminder of the enduring influence of cultural roots and the struggles that many face in maintaining personal relationships amidst personal hardship.
