John Paul Sarkisian might not be a name that immediately stands out in the annals of celebrity history, but his life story is intricately tied to that of his famous daughter, Cher. Cherilyn Sarkisian, better known as Cher, the “Goddess of Pop,” is one of the most iconic figures in music, film, and television. Her father, John Paul Sarkisian, played a role in shaping her early life, even though their relationship was marked by both distance and complexity.
In this post, we dive deep into the life of John Paul Sarkisian, exploring his early years, career, family life, controversies, and legacy. Through this exploration, we uncover the fascinating story of Cher’s father, his influence on her life, and his place within the context of Armenian-American culture.
Quick Bio
John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, Alameda, California, USA. He was the son of Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, both of Armenian descent. The legacy of the Armenian Genocide looms large in his family history, and like many Armenian-American immigrants, John Paul had to navigate the challenges of building a life in a new country while holding onto his cultural heritage.
Though John Paul is often remembered as Cher’s father, his own life story includes numerous other dimensions, including his work as a truck driver, his marriage to Jackie Jean Crouch, and his eventual struggles with gambling addiction and substance abuse.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in California in the early part of the 20th century, John Paul Sarkisian experienced the difficulties many immigrants faced during that era. His parents, both of Armenian heritage, were among those who sought a new life in the United States after escaping the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. Like many children of immigrants, John Paul was raised with the values of resilience and hard work, traits that were essential during the Great Depression.
Though specific details about his childhood are scarce, it’s clear that the cultural impact of his Armenian-American background influenced his worldview. This was a time when many families were struggling economically, and the weight of survival often took precedence over personal dreams and aspirations. John Paul followed in the footsteps of many immigrants by working as a truck driver, a job that was essential in providing for his family, yet one that also came with its own challenges and stresses.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Career
While John Paul Sarkisian is primarily known for being the father of Cher, his career as a truck driver was an important part of his life. As with many immigrants, the dream of success in America came with significant hardships. The life of a truck driver in the mid-20th century was not easy—long hours, little pay, and the constant battle against the economic difficulties of the Great Depression.
However, John Paul’s profession was not the key factor that brought him into the public spotlight. Instead, it was his role as the father of Cher that ultimately etched his name into pop culture history.
Marriage to Jackie Jean Crouch
In 1945, John Paul Sarkisian married Jackie Jean Crouch, later known by her stage name, Georgia Holt. The couple’s marriage took place in Reno, Nevada, and it marked the beginning of a union that would eventually result in the birth of their daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian, on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California.
At the time, Jackie Jean Crouch was a singer and model, with her own ambitions within the entertainment industry. Although their marriage was relatively short-lived, it was still a defining chapter in the lives of both John Paul and Jackie, and it laid the foundation for Cher’s future in the world of entertainment.
Who is Jackie Jean Crouch?
Jackie Jean Crouch, also known as Georgia Holt, was born in Kensett, Arkansas, and was a multi-talented woman in her own right. She pursued a career in the entertainment industry, working as a singer, actress, and model. Though she never reached the same level of fame as her daughter, Cher, Georgia Holt had a significant impact on Cher’s early years, both as a mother and as someone deeply embedded in the world of show business.
The couple’s separation after only two years of marriage, followed by their divorce in 1947, had lasting repercussions on their family. Despite the divorce, Georgia Holt continued to support her daughter Cher, helping her navigate the complex world of entertainment.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Children
The union between John Paul Sarkisian and Jackie Jean Crouch produced one child: Cherilyn Sarkisian—better known as Cher. While John Paul had limited involvement in Cher’s childhood after the divorce, it was clear that the bond between father and daughter was complex and evolved over time.
Cher’s relationship with her father was often distant, shaped by the absence of John Paul during much of her formative years. Despite the physical distance, Cher has spoken about her father in various interviews, acknowledging his presence in her life but also the emotional and personal challenges that came with it.
Relationship with Cher
As mentioned, John Paul Sarkisian‘s relationship with Cher was not without its complications. Cher has described her relationship with her father as strained, marked by emotional distance and the struggles that came with John Paul’s personal battles. It wasn’t until much later in life that Cher began to reflect more openly about her father’s role in her life.
In interviews, Cher has mentioned how John Paul’s gambling problems and substance abuse affected their relationship. However, Cher also acknowledged that she inherited her resilience and work ethic from him, something that became an important part of her own success.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Father and Mother
John Paul Sarkisian was the son of Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, both of whom were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Their legacy played a significant role in shaping the cultural values that John Paul passed down to his children.
Growing up in a household steeped in the traditions of Armenian culture, John Paul was deeply influenced by the stories of hardship and survival that his parents had endured. Their experiences as survivors of the Armenian Genocide resonated throughout his life, forming the foundation of his own identity as an Armenian-American.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Siblings
While there is limited public information about John Paul Sarkisian’s siblings, it is known that he had at least two: Louise B. Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian. Both were involved in the family business and shared the same Armenian-American cultural heritage.
Louise B. Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian played significant roles in supporting the family’s cultural values and contributed to the familial bonds that remained, even through difficult times.
John Paul Sarkisian and Jackie Jean Crouch Divorce
In 1947, after just two years of marriage, John Paul Sarkisian and Jackie Jean Crouch divorced. The reasons for their divorce have been speculated over the years, but some of the contributing factors included John Paul’s gambling addiction and substance abuse.
Despite the breakup, Cher’s parents maintained a level of communication, and their relationship, though strained, continued to shape Cher’s early life. The divorce had a profound impact on Cher, who would later speak about her struggles with parental relationships and the toll it took on her personal development.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Over the years, John Paul Sarkisian was involved in a defamation lawsuit against Cher, which further strained their already complicated relationship. The lawsuit arose after John Paul claimed that Cher had publicly defamed him, leading to legal proceedings that were highly publicized.
In addition to his legal battles, John Paul was also known for his struggles with substance abuse and gambling, which affected not only his personal life but also his relationships with family members.
Cultural and Historical Context
John Paul Sarkisian lived through significant historical events, particularly the Armenian Genocide that deeply affected his family. The immigrant experience was central to his life story, and it shaped his identity as an Armenian-American living in California.
The Great Depression also had a profound impact on John Paul, as it did on many families during that era. Despite these hardships, John Paul’s resilience and ability to overcome obstacles were key aspects of his character.
Death and Legacy
John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California. Though he did not live to see his daughter’s full rise to fame, his legacy lived on through Cher, who became one of the most successful entertainers of all time.
While John Paul may not have been as famous as his daughter, his influence on her life was undeniable. His struggles with addiction, his Armenian heritage, and his complex relationship with Cher helped shape the woman she became—a survivor and a trailblazer in her own right.
Final Thoughts
John Paul Sarkisian was much more than just the father of Cher. His life story is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of immigrant families in America, and his influence can be seen in the way Cher overcame her own personal challenges. Though his legacy may be overshadowed by his daughter’s fame, John Paul’s impact on Cher and his role in her journey is undeniable.
Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, Cher has spoken with both warmth and candor about her father’s role in her life, acknowledging the lessons learned and the complexity of their bond.
Through this exploration of John Paul Sarkisian’s life, we gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of family, heritage, and legacy. It’s a story of perseverance, survival, and the profound impact that our parents have on our lives—whether they are present or absent.
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