John Aniston, the award-winning soap opera star and father of Jennifer Aniston, has died … he announced Monday morning.
Jane said in her emotional post that her father passed away on Friday, November 11. She says, “Dear Papa… You were one of the most beautiful men I have ever known. I am so grateful that you have ascended to heaven. Peace – and without pain.”
John played Victor Kiriakis on “Days of Our Lives” while his daughter was still alive. He joined the soap cast in 1970 and remained on the show until his death. In fact, his last credit show is listed as Friday.
Reflecting on her passing on 11/11, Jennifer says, “You always had the right timing. That number will always mean more to me. I will love you until the end of time.”
Since Friday is Veterans Day, it’s worth noting that John served as an intelligence officer in the US Navy in the 1950s.
After 52 years with ‘Days,’ he earned the Daytime Emmy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Trophy in 2022. He also won Soap Opera Digest Awards in 1986 and 2001.
John was born in Greece, and before his TV fame, he starred in several dozen theater productions. He also starred in “The West Wing,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “Mission: Impossible” and “Kozak.”
He and “Kozak” star Telly Savalas were best friends, and John even chose him as Jennifer’s godfather.
John is survived by Jennifer, his son Alexander and his wife Sherry Rooney.
He was 89 years old.