John Aniston, a distinguished actor born in Greece, best known for his enduring role as the formidable Victor Kiriakis on NBC’s Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 89. His death on Friday was announced by his daughter, actress Jennifer Aniston, marking the end of a remarkable career spanning decades in television.
“Sweet papa … John Anthony Aniston,” Jennifer Aniston, the celebrated star of Friends, shared in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Monday. “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.” Her poignant message resonated with fans and colleagues alike, celebrating not just a talented actor but a beloved father.
From Greece to Salem: The Iconic Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives
While John Aniston’s legacy is intertwined with his role as Jennifer Aniston’s father, his own career was nothing short of iconic, particularly his 30-plus year portrayal of Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives. He embodied the ruthless yet charismatic Greek tycoon from his return to Salem in July 1985 until his passing, becoming a staple of daytime television. However, this wasn’t his first foray into the Days of Our Lives universe. Earlier in his career, from 1969-70, he played a doctor, showcasing his versatility even within the same series.
His dedication to the role of Victor Kiriakis earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2017, a testament to his enduring appeal and consistent performance. In a 2018 interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Aniston offered a glimpse into his perspective on soap opera fame: “Soap operas have just the right amount of recognition. You get just enough to satisfy your ego but not enough to disrupt your life,” contrasting it with the intense fame experienced by his daughter.
A Versatile Career Beyond Daytime Dramas
John Aniston’s talents extended far beyond the confines of Salem. His career was marked by diverse roles across primetime television, showcasing his range and adaptability as an actor. He made appearances on Kojak twice, notably, Telly Savalas, the star of Kojak, was Jennifer Aniston’s godfather, creating a unique Hollywood connection. His television credits also include appearances in classic shows such as Combat!, I Spy, The Virginian, That Girl, and later in series like Airwolf, Star Trek: Voyager, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, Cold Case, and Mad Men. This eclectic mix of roles highlights his enduring presence and respect within the industry.
One intriguing anecdote from his career is his near-casting as Ted Baxter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Aniston went through three auditions for the role, initially envisioned as a “Marcello Mastroianni of Minneapolis.” Ultimately, Ted Knight was cast, and Aniston later acknowledged that Knight was perfect for the part, demonstrating his humility and understanding of the industry’s nuances.
Early Life and Path to Acting
Born Yiannis Anastasakis on July 24, 1933, in Chania, Crete, Greece, John Aniston’s journey to Hollywood began with his family’s emigration to the United States. His father, Antonios Anastasakis, established a restaurant in Chester, Pennsylvania, after moving the family from Greece in 1935. This relocation set the stage for young Yiannis to embrace American culture and eventually, a career in acting.
John Aniston pictured alongside his daughter, Jennifer Aniston, at an event in 2012, showcasing their close familial bond.
Aniston’s passion for acting emerged in high school plays and continued through his time at Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in arts and letters and participated in two seasons at the Allenberry Playhouse. Following his education, he served as a U.S. Navy intelligence officer based in Panama, a chapter of his life that preceded his full commitment to acting.
New York and the World of Soap Operas
Moving to New York City marked a pivotal moment in John Aniston’s career. In 1959, he secured a guest role on the CBS cop show Brenner, which led to a 14-month engagement in the off-Broadway musical Little Mary Sunshine. His early soap opera journey included roles on CBS’ Love of Life and CBS/NBC’s Search for Tomorrow, before his long-term association with Days of Our Lives.
Interestingly, before landing the role of Victor, Aniston initially auditioned for Days of Our Lives and was turned down, only to later be offered the part of Dr. Eric Richards. His stint on Love of Life saw Christopher Reeve play one of his stepsons, and on Search for Tomorrow, he played Martin Tourneur. Even Jennifer Aniston had a brief, uncredited appearance as a child extra on Search for Tomorrow, a detail John Aniston humorously used to discourage her from entering show business, though her subsequent success proved inevitable.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
John Aniston’s portrayal of Victor Kiriakis resonated with audiences for over three decades. He once described the appeal of playing Victor, saying, “you could punish your enemies and reward your friends. What’s not to like?” His character’s storylines were often dramatic and memorable, including multiple marriages, a coma, and even a resurrection from being presumed dead.
His impact extended beyond the screen, influencing his daughter Jennifer Aniston’s career, albeit indirectly. The Friends sitcom even playfully nodded to John Aniston’s soap opera fame when Jennifer’s co-star Matt LeBlanc’s character, Joey Tribbiani, landed a role on Days of Our Lives as Dr. Drake Ramoray, only to be humorously killed off.
John Aniston was married to the late actress Nancy Dow, Jennifer Aniston’s mother, and later to actress Sherry Rooney. He is survived by his wife Sherry and his children Jennifer and Alexander. His words in his Television Academy Foundation interview encapsulate his passion for his craft: “Acting beats working for a living. Especially when you’re doing theater, you can feel the beast. … When you’re in a play and you really control the audience, it’s a lot of fun.” John Aniston’s legacy is one of dedication, versatility, and a profound impact on the world of daytime television and beyond, forever remembered as a talented actor and a cherished father.
