John Aniston Dies: ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star and Jennifer Aniston’s Father Was 89

Martin Holmes
4 Comments
John Aniston
Earl Gibson III/Getty Images

John Aniston, best known for playing Victor Kiriakis on the NBC daytime drama series Days of Our Lives, has died. He was 89.

The news was revealed by the veteran actor’s daughter, Jennifer Aniston, who announced her father’s passing on Instagram on Monday (November 14). “Sweet papa…⁣ John Anthony Aniston,” she captioned a set of photos of the pair of them together. “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!”

She continued: “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.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jennifer Aniston (@jenniferaniston)

Earlier this year, John received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award. Though he did not appear at the ceremony, Jennifer accepted the award virtually on his behalf.

“This is truly a special moment for me,” the Friends star said (via People). “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.”

“For over 30 years, his dedication to that show has gained him respect and admiration of his fellow actors, deep friendships and thrilled millions of fans around the world,” she added. “His career is literally the definition of lifetime achievement.”

Born on the island of Crete, Greece, on July 24, 1933, John moved to the U.S. with his family when he was two years old. The family settled in Chester, Pennsylvania, and John went on to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Theater Arts. After serving in the United States Navy following college, John would begin his acting career in 1962 with a small role in 87th Precinct.

Since 1970, John became a regular on soap operas, first appearing on Days of Our Lives as a character named Eric Richards. He would go on to star in Love of Life as Eddie Aleata, Search for Tomorrow as Martin Tourneur, and eventually returned to Days of Our Lives in 1985 as Victor Kiriakis, a character he played up until 2021.

The tributes have already started to pour in for the beloved actor, some of which you can read below.

Days of our Lives key art

Like Sands Through the Hourglass…

Get absolutely everything about Days of our Lives in your inbox!

Peacock

NBC

Soap Opera

1965–

TV14

Soap

Where to Stream

Latest Headlines

More Days of our Lives ›
Days of our LivesJennifer AnistonJohn Aniston



Conversation4 Comments

Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.

Comments are closed on this story.

  1. B

    BillyVick

    He was just on DAYS this week and looked so handsome! Glad he performed right until the end. He was wonderful in his role of Victor Kiriakis. He will be sorely missed. I hope they address his death and funeral with great fanfare!

    1

  2. B

    BlueBox

    RIP to a legend John Aniston!! You will be truly missed...I remember watching you on DOOL with your TV son Justin (Wally Kurth) and how you you þwo interact...May you rest in peace John...prayers going to the family...Days stars will miss you too.....

    1

  3. G

    GoldSubmarine

    This breaks my heart. He was a great actor and a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed by all!!

    Oh to be a fly on the wall when Victor and Stefano get together again😄

    1

  4. R

    RedPalmtree

    Did Jennifer ever reconcile with her mother?

    1