West News Wire: The father of Jennifer Aniston and the Emmy-winning actor of the daytime drama “Days of Our Lives,” John Aniston, has passed away at age 89.
On Monday morning, the actor’s daughter wrote an homage to dad on Instagram, revealing that he had passed away the previous Friday, Veteran’s Day. Serving in the American Navy was John Aniston.
John Anthony Aniston is referred to as “Sweet Papa” by Jennifer Aniston. “You were among the most attractive people I’ve ever known. I am very happy that you ascended into the sky pain-free and in peace. and no less on 11/11! Your timing was always impeccable. That number now has an even bigger significance for me in the future.
John Aniston’s acting credits included “Search for Tomorrow,” “The West Wing” and “Gilmore Girls.” But he was best-known for his long-running role on “Days of Our Lives” as family patriarch Victor Kiriakis, the former drug lord who goes on to found the powerful Titan Industries.
In 2017, his work on “Days of Our Lives” brought him an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor in a drama series. Earlier this year, he was presented a lifetime achievement Emmy, with Jennifer Aniston honoring him via video.
“It’s an opportunity to not only pay tribute to a true icon in the daytime television world, but it’s also a chance to recognize the lifelong achievements of a great and well-respected actor, who also happens to be my dad,” Jennifer Aniston said at the time. “John Aniston has been working in television consistently for over half a century.”
John Aniston was born Yannis Anastassakis in Crete, Greece, and emigrated with his family to Pennsylvania when he was a child. A theater major at Pennsylvania State University, he began his professional acting career in the 1960s, with early roles in “Combat!”, “I Spy” and “The Virginian.”
Aniston was married twice, most recently to Sherry Rooney. He had two children, Jennifer and Alexander Aniston, and a stepson, John Melick.
