R.I.P. John Aniston, star of Days of Our Lives and father of Jennifer Aniston

By: H&I Staff     Posted: November 15, 2022, 4:49PM   

Actor John Aniston, best known for his multiple-decade recurring role of Victor Kiriakis on the soap opera staple Days of Our Lives, has died at the age of 89, according to an Instagram post from his daughter, Jennifer Aniston. 

The former Friends star announced Monday her father passed away on Nov. 11, 2022 saying, "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." 

John Aniston, for more than 30 years played the soap villain of Victor Kiriakis, a role that he "earned a lifetime achievement award at this year's Daytime Emmy Awards," according to The New York Times.

Before his time on Days, John Aniston appeared in multiple roles across classic television. After moving to New York, Aniston landed a guest role on the cop series Brenner, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Another early-career role came as an uncredited officer in 87th Precinct in 1962. He also had a minor role in Combat! in 1964 before appearing in "The Beautiful Children" episode of I Spy in 1967.

He had an uncredited appearance in the 1968 Western comedy The Shakiest Gun in the West, and played Frank West in the "Ride to Misadventure" episode of The Virginian the same year. He could also be seen in episodes of Mission: Impossible, That Girl and Kojak between 1969 and 1974. 

According to an obituary from The Hollywood Reporter, Aniston "played a different character, a doctor, on Days of Our Lives in 1969-70," before cementing his soap opera legacy when he returned to the show in the mid eighties. 

Between his first appearance on Days of Our Lives and his eventual recurring role as Victor Kiriakis, Aniston "worked on two other daytime specials, CBS' Love of Life and CBS/NBC's Search for Tomorrow." 

During his long run on Days, Aniston could notably be seen in several shows at the turn of the century, including a pair of The West Wing episodes, Gilmore Girls, Cold Case and Mad Men to name a few. 

Acting certainly ran in the family as John's daughter, Jennifer, became one of the most famous actresses during the mid-to-late '90s and early 2000s with her ever-popular role as Rachel Green on the hit sitcom Friends, beginning in 1994. 

From his several appearances on classic and recent television shows, to his career-defining role on Days of Our Lives, the career and life of John Aniston won't soon be forgotten.