Famous American Armenians - continued

CHER

When the movie "Silkwood," starring Meryl Streep came out in 1983, few people could believe their eyes when the name Cher appeared in the opening credits. Some even laughed at the thought of Cher in a dramatic role. But when the Academy Awards rolled around the next year, it was Cher's turn to laugh... she had been nominated for best supporting actress. The Cher in "Silkweed" had come a long way since the days of Sonny and Cher.? Her acting career began with the Broadway production and later movie version of "Come back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean." This was followed by "Silkweed" and then "Mask," where she portrayed a tough motorcycle-gang member and mother of a deformed son. The critics were speechless. She took an about-face with her next movie, "The Witches of Eastwick," in which she played a woman with special powers. In "Suspect," she played a public defender. Cher won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in "Moonstruct." It shouldn't be surprising that she has chosen to play such diverse roles; Cher, whose father was Armenian, is known for her ever-changing image and dress. "I have the most opposite personalities that could possibly live in one body," she admits. "If I had been talented in art, I would have painted. I can't. So I like to be artistic in the way I look and dress." she explains.

GEORGE MARDIKIAN

George Mardikian's interest in the welfare of the American soldier led him to volunteer his time and energy in an effort to improve the food
service for combat troops in Korea. For his "selfless devotion to his mission and his singular accomplishments" to the success of the Armed Forces, Mardikian was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian award. A portion of the citation reads, "with vigorous energy, keen powers of observation and analysis and a dynamic personality, he enlisted the enthusiastic interest of commanders and soldiers alike in the preparation and service of food under varying conditions in the combat zone." Mardikian would accept no pay for his services. At age 15, he had been imprisoned in Turkey. He escaped and sailed to America in steerage at age 18 and was soon working as a dishwasher in a San Francisco speakeasy.. He eventually bought the place and built it into the renowned Omar Khayyam restaurant. "I was born on November 7, but I celebrate my birthday on July 24" he said. "That's the day I began to live, the day I saw the Statue of Liberty."

JERRY TARKANIAN

There are many in the sports world who consider him one of the best collegiate basketball coaches in the country. One look at the statistics Jerry Tarkanian has complied in over twenty-five years in the game tells it all and there are few, if any, doubters left- he is an amazing coach. Tarkanian began his collegiate coaching career in 1961 and during the next eight years compiled an enviable record of 212-26 while at two junior colleges. In 1968 he went to California State-Long Beach and began the process of turning the team into winners.While there, his team never lost a home game. His five-season record at Long Beach was 122-22, including four trips to the NCAA playoffs. By 1973, Tark the Shark, as he his called by rival coaches, was becoming famous for his ability to turn losers into champions and many major universities were vying for his talents. The winner was the University of Nevada - Las Vegas. In fourteen years as head coach. Tarkanian led the Runnin' Rebels to the NCAA playoffs eight times, including the last five-in-a-row. His record of 479-103 while at the major college level makes Tarkanian the winningest active basketball coach in the nation.

KIRK KERKORIAN

It was while a pilot in World War II that Kirk Kerkorian developed a love
of aircraft that has lasted all of his life. When the war ended, Kerkorian remained in the skies. flying gamblers to Las Vegas in a surplus B-26 bomber. In 1948, he founded Transinternational Airlines which he operated until 1968 when he sold the airlines and cashed in his investment for $104 million. Hilton Hotels Corp. Chairman Barron Hilton noted that one of his greatest mistakes was now becoming Kerkorian's partner in Transintermational Airlines. With his profits, Kerkorian purchased Western Airlines and served as director and major shareholder from 1969 to 1976. In 1986, plans were announced for an all-first class carrier, MGMT Grand Air, which would operate Between Los Angeles and Newark. New Jersey and later extend its routes to London. Over the years, the financier has also had extensive holdings in casinos, hotels and movie companies His reclusive ways have angered some shareholders, but those who have stuck with the high-stakes investor usually make money. Kerkorian must know what he is doing as his wealth is estimated at over $600 million, placing him in the top 75 on Forbes magazine's list of the 400 richest Americans.