John Aniston, ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star & Jennifer Aniston’s Father, Dies At 89

Jennifer Aniston is mourning the loss of her dad, “Days of Our Lives” actor John Aniston, who passed away on Friday (Nov. 11) at the age of 89.

Taking to her Instagram account this morning (Nov. 14), the “Friends” actress announced the heartbreaking news to her 40.8M followers.

“Sweet papa…⁣ John Anthony Aniston. You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace – and without pain. And on 11/11 no less! You always had perfect timing. That number will forever hold an even greater meaning for me now 🕊️,” Jennifer wrote on a seried of photographs of herself and her father.

“I’ll love you till the end of time💔⁣ Don’t forget to visit 💫🤗❤️.”

Friends and followers of the “Bruce Almighty” actress on social media were quick to support Aniston in her time of mourning.

As of yet, the cause of death hasn’t been revealed. 

John Aniston was a Greek-born American actor. He was born John Anastassakis on the Greek island of Crete on July 24, 1933. When he was 10 years old, his family immigrated to the United States and changed their last name to Aniston.

He had a renowned acting career, best known for his role as the charming but ruthless Victor Kiriakis in NCB soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” which he originated in July 1985 and has played continually for 37 years.

For this illustrious run, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Emmy earlier this year. He didn’t attend the ceremony, but his daughter toasted him in a touching speech.

“For over 30 years, his dedication to (“Days”) has gained him respect and admiration of his fellow actors, deep friendships and thrilled millions of fans around the world. His career is literally the definition of lifetime achievement,” Jennifer said.

According to a 1986 Soap Opera Digest profile of Aniston, during his time on soaps, he opened a restaurant in New York, divorced his first wife Nancy Dow, married his co-star Sherry Rooney, and relocated to Los Angeles.

Aniston served in the US Navy and appeared in an off-Broadway musical before becoming a soap star, according to Soap Opera Digest.

The tragic news comes after John’s daughter faced backlash this summer for stating that influencer culture has allowed people to achieve fame without merit.

“It was right at the time when the internet really shaped a new culture about people becoming famous. This thing of people becoming famous for basically doing nothing but yet having these incredible career. I mean, Pam, Paris Hilton…” Jennifer Aniston had explained as she discussed the phenomenon during an Actors on Actors interview with Sebastian Stan for Variety in June.

“I always say I feel so lucky that we got a little taste of the industry before it became what it is today, which is just different. More streaming services, more people. You’re famous from TikTok, you’re famous from YouTube, you’re famous from Instagram,” she continued.

“It’s sort of almost like it’s diluting our actor’s job,” she added.

Social media users were quick to accuse Aniston of trying to “gatekeep“ fame, while some deemed her comments hypocritical given that both her parents, John Aniston and Nancy Dow, were actors, adding that she benefited from nepotism.

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