Biography: John Paul Sarkisian is a man whose legacy is often overshadowed by the worldwide fame of his daughter Cherilyn Sarkisian, better known as Cher. John Paul Sarkisian was born to Armenian-American parents Giragos "George" Sarkisian and Siranoush "Blanche" Dilkian. John grew up in a culturally rich Armenian family, and his early years were influenced by his ancestral heritage. In 1945, John Paul married Jackie Jean Crouch, later known as Georgia Holt. They were married in Reno, Nevada, and their daughter Cherilyn Sarkisian was born on May 20, 1946.