• Actress Jennifer Aniston poses with her father, actor John Aniston, after she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2012. AP
    Actress Jennifer Aniston poses with her father, actor John Aniston, after she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2012. AP
  • John Aniston, the Emmy-winning star of the daytime soap opera 'Days of Our Lives' has died at age 89. The actor’s daughter posted a tribute to him Monday morning on Instagram, announcing that he had died on November 11. AP
    John Aniston, the Emmy-winning star of the daytime soap opera 'Days of Our Lives' has died at age 89. The actor’s daughter posted a tribute to him Monday morning on Instagram, announcing that he had died on November 11. AP
  • Suzanne Rogers presents the lifetime achievement award to John Aniston at the Daytime Emmy Awards on June 24, 2022, in Pasadena, California. AP
    Suzanne Rogers presents the lifetime achievement award to John Aniston at the Daytime Emmy Awards on June 24, 2022, in Pasadena, California. AP
  • Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, right, is embraced by Jennifer Aniston during the final taping of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.' AP
    Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, right, is embraced by Jennifer Aniston during the final taping of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.' AP
  • Jennifer Aniston on a talk show set at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California. AP
    Jennifer Aniston on a talk show set at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California. AP
  • Actress Jennifer Aniston at the UK film premiere of 'Horrible Bosses' in London. Getty Images
    Actress Jennifer Aniston at the UK film premiere of 'Horrible Bosses' in London. Getty Images
  • Jennifer Aniston arrives at the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in January 2020. AP
    Jennifer Aniston arrives at the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in January 2020. AP
  • Jennifer Aniston in a scene from 'The Morning Show.' AP
    Jennifer Aniston in a scene from 'The Morning Show.' AP
  • Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell in 'The Morning Show'. Courtesy Apple
    Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell in 'The Morning Show'. Courtesy Apple

Culture

Film & TV

John Aniston, father of Jennifer and ‘Days of Our Lives’ star, dies aged 89

Emmy-winning TV actor also starred in 'West Wing' and 'Gilmore Girls'

The National

November 14, 2022

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John Aniston, the father of Jennifer Aniston and a former star of the popular Days of Our Lives soap opera, has died aged 89.

Jennifer Aniston posted a tribute to him on Monday morning on Instagram, announcing that he had died on Friday, Veteran’s Day. John Aniston served in the US Navy.

“Sweet papa … ⁣ John Anthony Aniston,” Jennifer Aniston wrote.

“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.⁣”

John Aniston was born Yannis Anastassakis in Crete, Greece, and emigrated with his family to Pennsylvania when he was a child.

His best known role was Victor Kiriakis in Days of Our Lives, but his credits also included Search for Tomorrow, West Wing and Gilmore Girls.

Updated: November 15, 2022, 7:04 AM
Television