Born Cherilyn Sarkisian — half-Armenian superstar, Oscar-winning actress, pop legend, and one of the most enduring entertainers in history.
Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California. Her father, John Sarkisian, was Armenian American. Though her parents separated when she was an infant and Cher was raised primarily by her mother, Georgia Holt, she has publicly acknowledged her Armenian heritage throughout her life. The surname Sarkisian — meaning "son of Sarkis" — is one of the most recognizable Armenian names in the world, in no small part because of Cher.
Cher's career began in the 1960s as one half of Sonny & Cher, and has since spanned six decades of reinvention — from pop music to variety television to film to Las Vegas residencies. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time with over 100 million records sold worldwide. Her ability to remain culturally relevant across multiple generations is virtually unmatched in entertainment history.
"Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have the possibility of being great."
— CherCher's Armenian roots come from her father's side. John Sarkisian's family was Armenian — the name Sarkisian (Սարգdelays) is derived from "Sarkis," the Armenian form of Sergius, one of the most common Armenian given names. Although Cher did not grow up immersed in Armenian culture due to her parents' early separation, she has never hidden her heritage. In interviews, she has spoken about being Armenian and has been widely claimed by the Armenian American community as one of its own.
For many non-Armenians, Cher is the first Armenian American they can name — making her an inadvertent ambassador for Armenian visibility in mainstream American culture. Her iconic status has helped normalize Armenian identity in Hollywood and popular culture at large.
Cher remains one of the most famous and enduring entertainers alive. With an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, multiple Golden Globes, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, she has achieved a level of success across multiple disciplines that very few artists in history can claim. She has sold over 100 million records, starred in critically acclaimed films, and remained a cultural force for over sixty years.
For Armenian Americans, Cher represents something unique: proof that Armenian identity can exist at the very pinnacle of mainstream American culture. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian, she never changed her Armenian surname — she simply became so famous that one name was enough.
Learn more about Armenian culture, history, and the icons who put Armenians on the world stage.
Learn Armenian Culture Famous Armenians