Johnnie Sarkisian

Johnnie Sarkisian, Cher's biological father, is noted for his tumultuous and troubled relationship with his daughter and ex-wife. A gambler who struggled with addiction, his erratic behavior and repeated absences had a profound impact on Cher's early life, contributing to the instability she experienced during childhood. His actions, including a near-fatal incident when he accidentally caused a house fire, shaped Cher's perspective on family and relationships, as she later reflected on the complexities of her upbringing.