John Aniston, Star of Days of Our Lives & Jennifer Aniston's Father, Dead at 89

John Aniston, Days of Our Lives star and father of Friends star Jennifer Aniston, has passed away. He was 89. 

Jennifer Aniston confirmed the news on her Instagram account Monday morning, revealing that her father had passed away on November 11. "Sweet papa…⁣ John Anthony Aniston," she 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. I'll love you till the end of time."

 

 

 

 

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Born John Anastassakis in 1933, he emigrated to the United States from Greece as a child, where his family shortened their surname to Aniston. Aniston's career kicked off when he was cast in soaps like Love of Life and Search for Tomorrow, but his mainstream breakthrough came when he starred as Victor Kiriakis in Days of Our Lives beginning in 1985. 

Over the course of his career, Aniston also appeared in series like The West Wing, Mad Men, Gilmore Girls, Star Trek: Voyager, Cold Case, and The Paul Reiser Show. The veteran actor was honored with a Daytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year for his role in Days of Our Lives. 

Aniston is survived by daughter Jennifer and son Alex. 

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.