Serj Tankian

Tankian in 2008, photo by Prphotos.com

Place of Birth: Beirut, Lebanon

Date of Birth: August 21, 1967

Ethnicity: Armenian

Serj Tankian is an American musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, poet, and political activist. He is lead vocalist, keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and primary lyricist of heavy metal band System of a Down, formed in 1994 by four Armenian-American friends. Daron Malakian is also a member of the band.

Serj was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to ethnic Armenian parents. His family is from Dörtyol, Kayseri, Tokat, and Urfa, all now in Turkey. At five, he moved with them to Los Angeles, California. In his youth, he attended bilingual Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. Serj is married to Armenian-born Angela Madatyan, with whom he has a son. Angela is from Vanadzor, Armenia.

Serj’s paternal grandmother likely was named Vartouhi Sarkisian/Sarkis (the daughter of Kevork Sarkisian/Sarkis and Mariam/Mary). Vartouhi was born in Dörtyol, Turkey.

Serj’s maternal grandfather was named Stepan Haytayan (the son of Garabed Haytayan and Vartouhl). Stepan was born in Efkere, Kayseri, now Turkey, and survived the Armenian Genocide.

Source: Article about Serj’s maternal grandfather, Stepan Haytayan – https://www.latimes.com