News & Rumors

Legendary Days of our Lives Star John Aniston Has Passed Away

Published by
Sherrie E. Smith

Saturday brought the sad news that beloved longtime Days of our Lives star John Aniston has passed away. The 2022 Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Jennifer Aniston’s father, was 89 years old at the time of his death and had just been seen as Victor Kiriakis in Friday’s show.

John Aniston — A Daytime Legend

The sad news was shared by Jennifer on her official Instagram on Monday morning. “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💔⁣ Don’t forget to visit 💫🤗❤️”

Aniston was born Yannis Anastassakis on July 24, 1933, on the Greek Island of Crete. His family changed their last name to Aniston upon arriving in the United States when he was just two years old, settling into a new life in Chester, Pennsylvania. Acting was always on his radar, and he graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Theater Arts.

Aniston joined the Navy after graduating, serving as an intelligence officer in Panama and moving up the ranks to the position of Lieutenant Commander. In 1962, He landed his first acting gig after finishing his military service as “Officer #1” in New Man In The Precinct.

Other television roles followed, such as Combat!, I Spy, Accidental Family, The Virginian, Mission: Impossible, and That Girl. In 1969, Aniston landed a part on Days of our Lives as Eric Richards, a role that lasted into 1970. In 1974, the actor starred in two episodes of Kojak and ended up with a life-long friendship with Telly Savalas, even granting him godfather status when Aniston’s daughter Jennifer was born.

Other soap operas would follow, such as Love of Life, Search for Tomorrow, before John Aniston accepted another role on Days of our Lives in 1985…the iconic Victor Kiriakis! Salem would be the actor’s “second” home for more than 36 years. 

In later years, the Daytime Emmy nominee would continue his role as Kiriakis and pepper his resume with guest-starring stints on shows such as Air Wolf, Diagnosis Murder, Star Trek: Voyager, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, My Big Fat Greek Life, Cold Case, Mad Men, and more. Overall, Aniston starred in more than 40 theatrical productions, 8 movies, and countless television appearances.

While Aniston made a solid name for himself in the entertainment industry, his daughter Jennifer would grow up to skyrocket to fame after her Emmy Award-winning stint as Rachel on the 90s hit comedy, Friends. Over the years, he tried to protect her from fame. “In show business, you get chewed up and spit out,” He explained. “Why thrust your kid into that? You try to protect them from all of the bad people out there.” But Jennifer proved she could handle it and made a name for herself.

Soap Hub sends its sincere condolences to his wife, Sherry Rooney, and children, Jennifer Aniston (with first wife, Nancy Dow) and Alexander (with Sherry Rooney), his stepson, John T. Melick, grandchildren, Ryat and Kira, as well as all of his fans, friends, and family.

Load more...
Share
Published by
Sherrie E. Smith
Tags: John Aniston

Recent Posts

  • General Hospital Spoilers

General Hospital Spoilers Preview November 22: Several Battle Lines Are Drawn

Kristina wants to take Ava down while Ric wants to win Ava's case, and Jason's… Read More

45 mins ago
  • News & Rumors

Young and the Restless’ Kate Linder & Friends Join Forces For After Breast Cancer Charity

The Young and the Restless star Kate Linder is hosting a charity fundraising brunch in… Read More

16 hours ago
  • News & Rumors

Jason And Drew Headed Toward Another Fight On November 21 General Hospital

An unexpected request in Sam's will has left Jason and Drew ready for another fight… Read More

16 hours ago
  • The Bold and the Beautiful News

Loyalties Tested On November 21 Bold and the Beautiful

The Forrester wars are testing relationships. Read More

16 hours ago
  • General Hospital Spoilers

General Hospital Spoilers November 22: Jason Leans on Dante for Advice

What's on the table here? Does Jason ask Dante for parenting advice or is this… Read More

17 hours ago
  • News & Rumors

From General Hospital to Fame: Nicholas Chavez Dishes on Life in the Limelight

Nicholas Alexander Chavez has been catapulted into fame, and is enjoying every minute of it. Read More

17 hours ago