The Real Story of John Paul Sarkisian, Cher’s Troubled Father

When we think about Cher, we often picture the pop icon with a strong voice, bold style, and a career that has lasted for many years. But not many people know about the man who was her father, John Paul Sarkisian. His life was very different from Cher’s. While Cher became famous and successful, her father’s life was full of troubles, mistakes, and hard times.

In this article, we will explore the real story of John Paul Sarkisian. We will look at who he was, how he lived, and how his actions shaped Cher’s early life. This is a story about family, struggles, and lessons we can all learn. Let’s take a closer look at Cher’s troubled father.

John Paul Sarkisian Quick Bio

Who Was John Paul Sarkisian?

John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926. He came into the world in Oakland, California, a place where many people from different backgrounds lived at that time. John was part of an Armenian-American family. His parents had roots in Armenia, and they brought their culture and traditions with them to America. This background became a big part of John’s identity.

Even though John didn’t become famous like his daughter, his name is remembered because of Cher. People know him today as Cher’s father, but there is so much more to his story. He was a man with dreams, troubles, and a complicated life that affected the family around him.

John Paul Sarkisian’s Early Life

John grew up during a time when life was not easy, especially for families who had moved from other countries. His parents, George Sarkisian and Blanche Dilkian, worked hard to give their children a better future. John also had sisters and some half-siblings from his mother’s second marriage.

As a child, John saw what it meant to face tough times. His family wanted to keep their Armenian roots alive, so they held on to their language and customs. This gave John a strong sense of where he came from. But even with that strong background, life would not be smooth for him.

What Jobs Did John Have?

John tried many jobs in his life. He worked as a truck driver, a bartender, a mechanic, a hairstylist, and even a horse breeder. He also delivered seasonal produce. It seemed like John was always searching for a way to make a good living, but nothing ever really worked out for him for long.

One time, John’s father bought five trucks so that John could start his own trucking business. It sounded like a great plan, but sadly, things didn’t go well. The business failed, and John had to keep moving from one job to another. This lack of steady work made it hard for him to build a strong future.

Have you ever tried something new, hoping it would change your life, only to see it not work out? That’s what happened to John again and again. His work life was full of stops and starts.

How John Met Cher’s Mother

John’s life changed when he met Georgia Holt, who would later become Cher’s mother. Georgia’s real name was Jackie Jean Crouch. She was a young woman working at a donut shop when John came into her life. He was charming, good-looking, and full of confidence. Georgia couldn’t help but be drawn to him.

They fell for each other quickly. John’s style and bold personality made him stand out, even though he had what Georgia once called a “farmer’s attitude.” Before long, they decided to get married. It was the start of a relationship that would change both of their lives forever.

John Paul Sarkisian and Georgia’s Short Marriage

John and Georgia got married on June 22, 1945, in Reno, Nevada. Georgia was just 18 years old at the time. At first, it seemed like they might have a happy future together. But soon, problems began to show.

Georgia noticed that John’s moods would change suddenly. He wasn’t always the gentle man she thought he was. Their marriage became stressful and confusing for her. She tried to make it work, but things only got harder. After some time, Georgia decided she couldn’t stay in the marriage anymore. By 1947, just two years after they wed, they were divorced.

Can you imagine how hard it must have been for a young woman to make that choice? Georgia was trying to do what was best for herself and her child.

The Birth of Cher

In the middle of all this trouble, something wonderful happened. On May 20, 1946, Georgia gave birth to Cherilyn Sarkisian, the little girl who would one day be known around the world as Cher. Cher was born in El Centro, California. But even though her birth was joyful, life at home wasn’t easy.

By the time Cher was just a baby, her parents’ marriage was already falling apart. John wasn’t around much, and Georgia had to raise Cher on her own. She worked hard, even singing in saloons, just to make enough money to take care of her daughter.

Did John Try to Be a Father Later?

When Cher was growing up, she didn’t know her father. In fact, she didn’t even meet John until she was 11 years old. One day, out of the blue, her mother asked, “Would you like to meet your father?” Cher said yes, even though she didn’t feel a strong need to see him.

When they met, Cher was curious. She looked at John and noticed things about him that reminded her of herself — the dark hair, the eyes, even the way he carried himself. But while their meeting answered some of her questions, it didn’t create a strong bond.

John and Cher tried to connect, but after about six months, their relationship faded. John’s ways and choices made it hard for Cher to trust him or feel close to him.

John Paul Sarkisian’s Personal Struggles

As time went on, John Paul Sarkisian faced more and more troubles. One of his biggest battles was with addiction. He struggled with drugs, gambling, and making good choices. At times, these problems got him into serious trouble with the law. John even spent time in jail because of drug charges and writing bad checks.

These issues didn’t just hurt John. They also made it hard for him to build strong relationships. His choices often pushed people away, including his own daughter. Imagine how hard it must have been for Cher to try to trust him, only to see him fall back into bad habits.

Many people who knew John said he had a kind side deep down. But his struggles always seemed to take over. It was a sad pattern that shaped the rest of his life.

Why John Sued Cher

One of the most shocking parts of John Paul Sarkisian’s story was when he took legal action against his own daughter. In the 1970s, John filed a lawsuit asking for $4 million from Cher. Can you imagine a father suing his child for that much money?

John said that Cher had said hurtful things about him in interviews. She had spoken about his problems with drugs and gambling. John felt these words damaged his name and made him look bad to the world. So, he went to court, hoping to stop her from speaking about him in that way.

This lawsuit made the gap between John and Cher even bigger. Instead of bringing them closer, it pushed them further apart. It showed just how broken their bond had become.

John Paul Sarkisian’s Final Years

After the lawsuit, John Paul Sarkisian lived a quiet life. He moved to Fresno, California, where he tried to stay out of the spotlight. He worked as a horse breeder at one point and kept mostly to himself.

John passed away on January 28, 1985, at just 58 years old. His death did not make big news, and it seemed that very few people were part of his final chapter. Cher did not go to his funeral. By that time, she had fully stepped away from the pain of their relationship.

Even though John’s life ended quietly, his story stayed part of Cher’s past. His choices and struggles were things she would always remember.

How John Shaped Cher’s Life

Even though John Paul Sarkisian was not a big part of Cher’s life, he still helped shape who she became. His absence made Cher stronger. She learned to stand on her own and not depend on others. The hard times she saw as a child made her more independent and driven.

Cher has said in interviews that she understood where she came from when she met her father. She saw in him the features and traits she carried, too. And even though they did not have a close bond, she took pride in knowing her Armenian roots came from him.

In a way, John’s troubled life helped Cher see what she wanted not to become. It gave her the strength to choose a different path.

Final Thoughts

Today, people mostly remember John Paul Sarkisian as Cher’s troubled father. His name comes up when people talk about Cher’s early life and the family struggles she faced. But his story is more than that. It is a reminder that behind every star, there are real family stories filled with joy, pain, and lessons.

John also left behind his Armenian heritage, which Cher still respects. That part of him lives on through her. His life shows us that even when people make mistakes, they are part of the bigger story of those who come after them.

(FAQs)

Who was Cher’s real father?

Cher’s real father was John Paul Sarkisian. He had a hard life filled with struggles, including addiction, gambling, and time in jail. He even shocked many by suing Cher for $4 million!

What was John Paul Sarkisian’s nationality and ethnicity?

John Paul Sarkisian was American by nationality. His family roots were Armenian, and he was proud of his Armenian heritage, which he passed on to Cher.

When did John Paul Sarkisian die, and what was the cause?

John Paul Sarkisian died on January 28, 1985, at the young age of 58. The exact cause of death was not shared, which still surprises many people today.

Who were John Paul Sarkisian’s parents?

His parents were George Sarkisian and Blanche Dilkian. They were immigrants who came to America and raised John with strong Armenian traditions.

When was John Paul Sarkisian born, and how old was he when he died?

John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California. He was only 58 years old when he passed away, which many find quite shocking.