John Aniston’s Life In Photos: See Jennifer’s Dad Through The Years

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November 14, 2022 10:10AM EST

John Aniston, the actor who portrayed Victor Kiriakis on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and father to ‘Friends’ star Jennifer Aniston, has passed away. As the world mourns the loss of this talent, look back at his remarkable life and career.

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John Aniston

John Aniston
Shutterstock

John Aniston is dead. The actor best known for his time on Days of Our Lives passed away on Nov. 11, at the age of 89.

Born Yannis Anastassakis on the Greek island of Crete, John Aniston would become one of the most renowned soap opera actors of his generation, portraying Victor Kiriakis on the NBC daytime drama series Days of Our Lives. He would originate the role in 1985, and continue to play the part for over 3780 episodes of the soap. His work on the show would earn him a Daytime Emmy Nomination in 2017, and a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

 

While John’s main body of work was Days of Our Lives, he also had roles on Mission: Impossible, Diagnosis Murder, Star Trek: Voyage, and Mad Men.

He’s also known for being the father of Jennifer Anniston. John and his first wife, Nancy Dow, welcomed Jennifer into the world in 1969. He and his second wife, Sherry Rooney, would welcome a son together.

Here’s a look back at John’s incredible body of work.

August 10, 2022, 9:07AM
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John Anniston As Victor Kiriakis

John Anniston As Victor Kiriakis
©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

He is a man who many loved to love, and many loved to hate. John Aniston brought Victor Kiriakis to life on Days of Our Lives. 

August 10, 2022, 9:07AM
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John Aniston on ‘Search For Tomorrow’

John Aniston on ‘Search For Tomorrow’
Everett

Though John is best known for his role in Days of Our Lives, he had worked beyond the NBC Soap. Here, he poses while on the set of the soap, Search For Tomorrow. 

August 10, 2022, 9:08AM
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Love Of Life

Love Of Life
Courtesy Everett Collection

John’s main genre was soap operas. This photo was taken on the set of Love OF Life, featuring Tudi Wiggins, Deborah Courtney, and John Aniston. 

August 10, 2022, 9:15AM
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John At The 1995 Daytime Emmy Awards

John At The 1995 Daytime Emmy Awards
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Jennifer Aniston was a bit supporter of her father, and vice-versa. Here, John Aniston and Jennifer attend the 1995 Daytime Emmy Awards together. 

August 10, 2022, 9:08AM
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John Aniston With His Second Wife

John Aniston With His Second Wife
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John Aniston poses with Sherry Rooney. The two reportedly met while on the set of Love Of Life, resulting in a love that would produce a son. 

August 10, 2022, 9:07AM
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Drama on ‘Days Of Our Lives’

Drama on ‘Days Of Our Lives’
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Here, we see a scene ripped out of the passion on Days of Our Lives. Lauren Koslow and John Aniston find themselves in a deep embrace. 

August 10, 2022, 9:08AM
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John Aniston On ‘Worst Week’

John Aniston On ‘Worst Week’
Everett

John Aniston, Olympia Dukakis, Connie Ray, and Nancy Lenehan appear in the episode, ‘The Wedding’, a part of Worst Week. The short-lived sitcom only lasted a single season. 

 

August 10, 2022, 9:08AM
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John Aniston In 2011

John Aniston In 2011
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John Aniston attends the 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 2011. He would get a Lifetime Achievement Award a decade later, recognizing his work in the world of daytime television. 

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Jennifer And John In 2012

Jennifer And John In 2012
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Jennifer Aniston gets hugged by her father during an unveiling ceremony honoring her with the 2,462nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on February 22, 2012.

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John In 2016

John In 2016
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John Aniston arrives at the 43rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, in Los Angeles. 

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John Aniston

John Aniston
Shutterstock

John Aniston was a titan in his field of daytime television He came to this country as a small boy, worked hard, and found success. His legacy will continue to live on. 

August 10, 2022, 9:08AM