John Aniston, Soap Star & Jennifer Aniston’s Father, Dies At 89

Actor John Anthony Aniston, best known for playing Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives from 1985 until 2022, has died at the age of 89. He was best known for daytime TV but also had small roles in shows like Gilmore Girls, Mad Men and more.

His daughter, actress Jennifer Aniston, confirmed his passing in an Instagram post. “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!” Aniston wrote sweetly. His cause of death was not confirmed.

IN MEMORIAM 2022: 100 GREAT CELEBRITIES WHO DIED THIS YEAR!

Yannis Anastassakis was born in the town of Chania, Greece on the island of Crete on July 24, 1933. He was moved to the U.S. at the age of two, and his family name was anglicized to Aniston. He grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania where his family operated a restaurant.

After graduating from Penn State with a theater degree, Aniston spent several years in the U.S. Navy and later in the Navy Reserve where he worked up to the rank of lieutenant commander.

Aniston’s first acting role, as Officer #1 in an episode of the drama 87th Precinct occurred in 1962, meaning he had an extremely impressive 60-year-long career as he still had been filming Days of Our Lives this year. His role as Victor Kiriakis was actually the second role he played on the show, having a stint as the villainous doctor Eric Richards in the late ’60s.

He returned to Days in 1985 to play Victor, and he was honored with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement award at the Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards in June of this year.

Aniston is survived by his daughter Jennifer, his son Alexander Aniston, and his second wife Sherry Rooney, whom he married in 1984.