Celebrity

John Paul Sarkisian, born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, was an Armenian-American known primarily as the father of the iconic singer and actress Cher. His life was marked by a series of personal and professional endeavors, as well as a complex relationship with his famous daughter.

Early Life and Background

Sarkisian was born to Armenian parents who had emigrated from Turkey. His father, George Sarkisian, managed a service station, while his mother, Blanche (originally named Siranous), was a homemaker. The family settled in California, where they became part of the Armenian-American community. John Paul Sarkisian Growing up during the Great Depression, Sarkisian faced economic challenges that influenced his entrepreneurial spirit in later years.

Marriage to Georgia Holt and Fatherhood

In 1945, Sarkisian married Georgia Holt, born Jackie Jean Crouch, in Reno, Nevada. Holt was an aspiring actress and singer, and their union was marked by both passion and turbulence. On May 20, 1946, the couple welcomed their daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian, known to the world as Cher. However, the marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 1947. Despite their separation, Sarkisian and Holt remarried briefly in 1965, but the reunion was again fleeting.

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Professional Endeavors

Throughout his life, Sarkisian engaged in various professions. He worked as a bartender, auto mechanic, and hairstylist, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. Additionally, he ventured into entrepreneurship by owning a nightclub in Los Angeles and breeding horses. These endeavors reflected his determination to succeed, despite facing numerous challenges along the way.

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Relationship with Cher

Sarkisian’s relationship with his daughter Cher was complex and often strained. Due to his frequent absences during her childhood, Cher grew up with limited contact with her father. Their relationship experienced brief reconciliations, but underlying tensions persisted. In the 1980s, Sarkisian filed a lawsuit against Cher, seeking to prevent the release of a biographical film that he claimed portrayed him negatively. The lawsuit brought significant media attention, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.

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Legal Battles and Publicity

One of the most publicized aspects of Sarkisian’s life was his legal battle with Cher in the 1980s. He filed a lawsuit against his daughter, seeking to prevent the release of a biographical film that he claimed portrayed him negatively. The lawsuit brought significant media attention, underscoring the tension between Sarkisian and his famous daughter. Although the case was eventually dismissed, it highlighted the complexities of their relationship.

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Entrepreneurial Ventures

Beyond his connection to Cher, Sarkisian was an entrepreneur with varied interests. He dabbled in several business ventures throughout his life, including owning a nightclub in Los Angeles. His entrepreneurial spirit was a testament to his resilience and adaptability, traits that he passed on to Cher. Despite facing numerous challenges, his ventures reflected his determination to succeed and make a name for himself.

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Legacy and Influence

John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. While his life was often overshadowed by his daughter’s fame, his story is one of perseverance and resilience. His Armenian heritage and entrepreneurial spirit continue to resonate in his legacy. Despite the challenges in their relationship, his influence on Cher is undeniable. Cher has often spoken about the impact of her father’s absence and how it shaped her life and career. In many ways, Sarkisian’s life story reflects the immigrant experience in America, marked by both struggle and triumph.

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Conclusion

John Paul Sarkisian’s life was a tapestry of challenges, successes, and complex relationships. While often remembered in the context of his famous daughter, his story stands on its own as a testament to the resilience and determination of an Armenian-American navigating life in the 20th century. His legacy, though complicated, serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of family and heritage.

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