John Paul Sarkisian: The Untold Story Of Cher’s Father And His Life Journey

Introduction: Who Was John Paul Sarkisian?

Behind every legend is a story that began far from the spotlight. For Cher, one of the most iconic entertainers in history, that story starts with her father, John Paul Sarkisian. Though he never lived a public life, his influence is quietly woven into the singer’s legacy. Born in California to Armenian parents, John Paul Sarkisian’s life was filled with hard work, ambition, and resilience. He was not a man of fame or fortune, yet his journey—from his humble beginnings to his untimely death—reveals the heart of a man who lived with quiet strength.

While Cher’s stardom has spanned decades, her father’s story remains mostly untold. Today, we explore the life of John Paul Sarkisian, tracing his heritage, work, family, and the impact he left behind.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: John Paul Sarkisian
Date Of Birth: March 23, 1926
Place Of Birth: Berkeley, Alameda County, California, United States
Date Of Death: January 28, 1985
Place Of Death: Fresno, Fresno County, California, United States
Age At Death: 58 Years
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Armenian-American
Parents: Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian
Spouse: Georgia Holt (married twice, divorced twice)
Child: Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian)
Occupation: Truck Driver, Mechanic, Bartender, Hairstylist, Horse Breeder
Burial Site: Fresno Memorial Gardens, Fresno, California

Early Life And Family Background

John Paul Sarkisian was born on March 23, 1926, in Berkeley, California, into a close-knit Armenian-American family. His parents, Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, had immigrated to the United States seeking a better life after surviving the hardships of early 20th-century Armenia. They brought with them a strong sense of family, culture, and faith, which would shape John’s identity from the very beginning.

Growing up during the Great Depression, John experienced the challenges of working-class life in California. He was the youngest among his siblings and half-siblings, including Lucy Sarkisian Mirgian, Roxanne Sarkisian Hopkins, Pearl Najimian, Louise Voutsinas, Harry Yegan, and others. Despite their struggles, his family emphasized perseverance, honesty, and independence—values that defined him as an adult.

Armenian Heritage And Cultural Identity

John Paul Sarkisian’s Armenian heritage remained a vital part of who he was. The Armenian community in California was small but deeply connected, bound by traditions, faith, and resilience. This cultural background gave John a sense of belonging and pride. He understood the importance of hard work and family loyalty, qualities that carried through to his later life and that his daughter Cher often spoke about with admiration.

Though John lived as an American, he never lost touch with his roots. His heritage influenced his work ethic and his approach to life—quiet, dedicated, and self-reliant. In many ways, Cher’s confidence and determination can be traced back to her father’s heritage and example.

Career And Working Life: A Man Of Many Trades

Unlike his famous daughter, John Paul Sarkisian’s career was rooted in everyday hard work. He was known for being versatile, having worked as a truck driver, bartender, auto mechanic, hairstylist, and even a horse breeder. His father once helped him purchase several trucks so he could start his own small business, showing the family’s support for his independence.

John was the kind of man who believed in earning an honest living, regardless of the job title. He lived most of his adult life in Fresno, California, where he worked tirelessly to provide for himself and his family. Those who knew him described him as a man with quiet pride, rarely seeking attention but always showing determination.

His ability to take on many professions also reflected his creative side—something that Cher may have inherited. Even though his work life lacked glamour, his persistence and versatility became key parts of his story.

Love And Marriage: The Story Of John Paul Sarkisian And Georgia Holt

The most defining relationship of John’s life was with Georgia Holt, born Jackie Jean Crouch, an aspiring singer and actress. Their love story was as passionate as it was turbulent. The two married for the first time in 1946, but their relationship was short-lived, ending in divorce just a year later. Nearly two decades later, they reunited and remarried in 1965 in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the reunion was brief, and they divorced again in 1966.

Georgia Holt went on to achieve modest fame as a model and performer, appearing in television shows and releasing her own music later in life. Despite their ups and downs, she always acknowledged John as the father of her daughter and respected his role in their lives.

Their relationship was complex—filled with love, separation, and reconciliation—but it was also the beginning of something extraordinary: the birth of Cher.

Becoming A Father: Raising Cher And Family Life

When Cherilyn Sarkisian—later known simply as Cher—was born on May 20, 1946, in California, John became a father at 20 years old. However, his marriage to Georgia was unstable, and the family often faced financial and emotional challenges.

Cher’s early years were marked by instability, but she later spoke about her father with both honesty and understanding. Though he wasn’t always present in her childhood, she came to appreciate the strength and independence she inherited from both parents.

Cher’s success story is rooted in resilience—a quality that John Paul Sarkisian embodied throughout his life. While he wasn’t a public figure, his work ethic and restless ambition lived on in his daughter, whose career would eventually span over seven decades.

Life Away From Fame: A Quiet Existence

As Cher rose to stardom in the 1960s and beyond, John Paul Sarkisian chose to live outside the glare of celebrity life. He remained in Fresno, California, working regular jobs and avoiding public attention. Unlike many relatives of celebrities who seek the limelight, John valued privacy above all else.

His quiet life reflected his humility and independence. Friends described him as kind, straightforward, and hardworking. He took pride in simple things—work, family, and self-reliance. Even as Cher became a global superstar, John continued to live modestly, rarely speaking about her fame or his connection to it.

This quiet dignity became part of his character—proof that a person’s worth isn’t defined by fame but by integrity and effort.

How Did John Paul Sarkisian Die?

John Paul Sarkisian’s life came to an end on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. The exact cause of his death was never publicly disclosed, and his family has remained private about the circumstances. He was laid to rest at Fresno Memorial Gardens in Fresno County.

Reports suggest that Cher was with her father during his final days, showing a deep, enduring bond despite their complicated past. His death was quiet, much like his life, but his memory continued through those who knew and loved him.

Even today, little is publicly known about the details of his passing, adding a layer of mystery to his story. Yet his legacy lives on through his family and the values he instilled.

Remembering John Paul Sarkisian: Cher’s Reflections And Legacy

Over the years, Cher has spoken sparingly but fondly about her father. In her 2024 memoir, she reflected on his charm, work ethic, and adventurous nature. She described him as “a man who was never afraid to start over,” a trait she herself often displayed throughout her career.

Cher’s success, confidence, and resilience can be traced to the lessons she learned—directly or indirectly—from her father. Though John never enjoyed public recognition, his life of perseverance and pride left a quiet yet powerful mark. His legacy continues through Cher’s remarkable career and her own children, Chaz Bono and Elijah Blue Allman, who carry forward the family’s artistic spirit.

Wrapping Up: The Untold Story Behind The Man Who Raised A Legend

The life of John Paul Sarkisian is a reminder that not all important stories take place in the spotlight. Though he never sought fame or wealth, he lived with integrity, independence, and pride. His journey—from a humble Armenian-American upbringing to his quiet final years—shows the strength of a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy far greater than he could have imagined.

Through Cher, his spirit continues to touch millions around the world. Behind every star, there’s often a parent whose quiet sacrifices made it possible—and for Cher, that was John Paul Sarkisian.

FAQs About John Paul Sarkisian

Who Was John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian was an Armenian-American man best known as the father of legendary singer and actress Cher. He worked in several trades and lived a private, modest life away from fame.

When And Where Was John Paul Sarkisian Born?
He was born on March 23, 1926, in Berkeley, California, to Armenian immigrant parents.

How Did John Paul Sarkisian Die?
He passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. The exact cause of death was never made public.

Was John Paul Sarkisian Married?
Yes, he was married twice to Georgia Holt, Cher’s mother. Both marriages ended in divorce.

Did John Paul Sarkisian Have Other Children Besides Cher?
No, Cher was his only child with Georgia Holt.

What Did John Paul Sarkisian Do For A Living?
He worked various jobs, including as a truck driver, auto mechanic, bartender, hairstylist, and horse breeder.

Where Is John Paul Sarkisian Buried?
He is buried at Fresno Memorial Gardens in Fresno County, California.

People Also Read: Patrick Mahomes Haircut: Inside The NFL Star’s Bold New Look