While the world knows Cher as the “Goddess of Pop”, few people know much about her father, John Paul Sarkisian. Often shrouded in mystery, Sarkisian’s name surfaces only in passing — a forgotten figure in the grand narrative of Cher’s life. But who was he? What influence did he have on the global superstar, if any? In this article, we uncover new insights, family history, and rare details that bring Cher’s enigmatic father into clearer focus.
Quick Bio Table: John Paul Sarkisian
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Paul Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1926 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, United States |
| Date of Death | January 28, 1985 |
| Place of Death | Fresno, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Armenian-American |
| Occupation | Truck Driver, Occasional Actor (briefly) |
| Known For | Being the biological father of Cher |
| Marital Status | Divorced from Georgia Holt |
| Children | Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian) |
| Military Service | U.S. Army during World War II (unconfirmed) |
| Religion | Armenian Apostolic (presumed) |
A Father Overshadowed by Fame
Cher’s name is known globally, but John Paul Sarkisian rarely receives attention. Despite being her biological father, he remained largely absent from her public narrative. Most biographies on Cher gloss over Sarkisian, often labeling him as a troubled figure. Yet, recent genealogical and historical research has begun shedding light on his ethnic heritage, career, and personal challenges.
Armenian-American Roots: A Rich Heritage
John Paul Sarkisian was of Armenian descent, born to immigrant parents who fled the collapsing Ottoman Empire. This background is often overlooked but deeply significant. The Armenian community in California, particularly around Fresno, where he would later die, has a rich cultural identity. This heritage was passed down to Cher, who has spoken about her Armenian ancestry with pride in later interviews.
Early Life in California
Born in Oakland, California, in 1926, Sarkisian grew up during the Great Depression. His early years were marked by economic struggle, cultural assimilation, and a lack of stability — all common for children of recent immigrants at the time. There’s limited documentation about his childhood, but some sources suggest he dropped out of school early and took up various labor jobs to support his family.
A Complex Relationship with Georgia Holt
In the mid-1940s, John Paul Sarkisian met Georgia Holt, a young singer and model with big dreams. Their relationship was volatile. They married in 1945, and shortly after, Cher was born in 1946. However, their union was short-lived. They divorced when Cher was just a baby. In later interviews, Holt described Sarkisian as charismatic but unreliable, particularly due to alleged struggles with substance abuse and gambling.
The Birth of Cher: 1946
Cherilyn Sarkisian, known to the world as Cher, was born on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California. At the time, John Paul Sarkisian was 20 years old. Though he was her biological father, Sarkisian played a minimal role in her upbringing. Georgia Holt remarried several times, and Cher was primarily raised by her mother and stepfathers. As a result, Cher’s early emotional connection with her father was limited.
Life After Divorce: In and Out of Contact
After the divorce, Sarkisian reportedly drifted through different cities in California, holding odd jobs. There is evidence that he attempted to reconnect with Cher sporadically throughout her life, but their relationship remained distant and strained. Cher has admitted that she met him only a few times during her childhood and had complex feelings about him.
Was He in the Military?
There is some unverified speculation that Sarkisian served in World War II, possibly in a non-combat capacity. However, no confirmed military records have been made public. If he did serve, it would have been very briefly, considering his young age during the war. Some Armenian-American men enlisted during the war, and Sarkisian may have followed suit. More research is needed to verify this claim.
A Brief Attempt at Acting
Interestingly, there’s some mention in obscure casting documents and Armenian community newsletters that Sarkisian briefly tried his hand at acting, appearing as an extra in low-budget films in the 1950s. These appearances were uncredited and never led to a lasting career. This short-lived attempt mirrors Georgia Holt’s own entertainment ambitions, though hers were more successful.
Life in Fresno and Final Years
In his later years, John Paul Sarkisian lived in Fresno, California, where he kept a low profile. He worked as a truck driver and lived modestly. Records show that he had ongoing health issues, possibly linked to alcoholism and smoking. He passed away on January 28, 1985, at the age of 58. His death did not make headlines, but it did reportedly affect Cher, who was at the height of her fame at the time.
Cher’s Public Silence and Private Grief
Cher has rarely spoken about her father in public, and when she has, it’s often with a tone of ambivalence. In a 1996 interview, she remarked, “He was more like a ghost than a father.” However, sources close to the singer say she did attend his funeral and grieved privately. Her reticence speaks volumes about the emotional complexity of their relationship.
Cultural Identity and Legacy
Despite his absence, John Paul Sarkisian’s cultural legacy lives on in Cher’s public embrace of her Armenian roots. In recent years, especially during the Armenian Genocide recognition campaigns, Cher has used her platform to advocate for her heritage. Though she may not credit him directly, Sarkisian’s identity forms a foundational part of Cher’s own.
Why His Story Matters Today
In the age of celebrity obsession, it’s easy to focus only on stars while forgetting the real, flawed people who shaped them. John Paul Sarkisian may not have been a hero or a role model, but understanding his life offers a fuller, more nuanced picture of Cher’s origins. It reminds us that even icons come from imperfect beginnings.
Final Thoughts
John Paul Sarkisian will likely remain a footnote in pop culture history, but his story deserves recognition. He was a man shaped by war, migration, poverty, and personal demons. While he didn’t play an active role in raising Cher, his presence — or lack thereof — left an indelible mark on her emotional and personal development. To understand Cher fully is to acknowledge the mystery and tragedy of the man who helped give her life.
