Delving into the life of John Paul Sarkisian, it’s a tale rife with complexities, trials, and tribulations. As the father of pop icon Cher, and the ex-husband of singer-songwriter Georgia Holt, John’s life was anything but ordinary.
Born to Armenian immigrant parents in Oakland, California, John would later become a truck driver, a husband, and a father, leaving a legacy that continues to intrigue and engage.
Who is John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian was a man of many facets. An Armenian-American, he was born on March 23, 1926. His parents, George Sarkisian and Blanche Dilkian, were Armenian immigrants who settled in the United States.
Their marriage, however, was not meant to last, and they divorced when John was still young. This early exposure to family discord would later cast a shadow over John’s own marital life.
Early Life and Family
John Paul Sarkisian was born on February 16, 1917, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. He was of Armenian-American descent, with his parents being immigrants from Armenia. John Paul grew up during a tumultuous time in American history, as the nation was dealing with the aftermath of World War I and heading into the Great Depression.
Despite these challenges, John Paul persevered and made a life for himself. He married Jackie Jean Crouch in 1940, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian, on May 20, 1946. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced when Cher was just an infant. John Paul went on to marry another woman named Georgia Holt, but this marriage also ended in divorce.
Career and Jobs
Not much is known about John Paul Sarkisian’s career and jobs. However, it is believed that he worked as a truck driver, which allowed him to support his family during those challenging times. He also served in the United States Army during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge after the war ended.
Despite John Paul not being in the limelight like his daughter, he played an essential role in shaping Cher’s early life and career. He instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination to succeed, traits that have undoubtedly contributed to Cher’s long-lasting career and success in the entertainment industry.
Marriage to Georgia Holt
In 1946, John married Georgia Holt, a singer-songwriter with dreams of her own. Their union, however, was fraught with difficulties, leading to their divorce in 1947. Despite their separation, the couple remarried in 1965, only to divorce again in 1966. This tumultuous relationship played out against the backdrop of their daughter Cher’s early life.
John Paul Sarkisian’s Children
John and Georgia had one child together, Cher, who would later become a pop icon. Cher’s early life was marked by struggles, including a brief stay in an orphanage due to her mother’s financial difficulties. John’s absence during Cher’s childhood led to a strained relationship between father and daughter.
Relationship with Cher
John Paul Sarkisian’s relationship with his daughter, Cher, was not always smooth. After the divorce from Cher’s mother, Jackie, John Paul was largely absent from Cher’s life. It is reported that Cher had little contact with her father throughout her childhood and adolescence.
As Cher’s career began to take off in the 1960s, she reconnected with her father. Despite their rocky past, the two managed to build a bond, and John Paul was present at various events throughout Cher’s career. For instance, he attended the premiere of her film, “Chastity,” in 1969.
John Paul’s Legal Battles
John Paul Sarkisian faced several legal issues during his lifetime. He was arrested multiple times on charges ranging from drug possession to writing bad checks. In 1985, he faced a more serious charge when he was arrested for attempting to sell stolen cars. John Paul pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft auto and was sentenced to serve time in prison.
Despite these legal troubles, John Paul continued to maintain a relationship with his daughter. Cher reportedly supported her father financially and emotionally during these difficult times, showcasing the love and bond they shared despite the challenges they faced.
John Paul Sarkisian might not be a household name, but his life story is undoubtedly intriguing. As the father of the iconic Cher, he played a significant role in shaping her early life and career. Although he faced numerous legal battles and personal struggles, the relationship between John Paul and Cher demonstrates the power of forgiveness, love, and family.
Death and Legacy
John Paul Sarkisian passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California, at the age of 58. The cause of his death remains undisclosed. Despite the tumultuous nature of his life, John left behind a legacy that continues to captivate audiences and shape his daughter’s life. Georgia Holt, his ex-wife, passed away on December 10, 2022, at the age of 96.
Conclusion
From his birth to Armenian immigrant parents to his tumultuous marriage, diverse career, and complex relationship with his daughter, John Paul Sarkisian’s life is a testament to resilience. While his life was marked by trials and tribulations, John’s story continues to intrigue, offering a deeper understanding of the man beyond the father of the pop icon, Cher.
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