“Friends” star Jennifer Aniston announced the death of her father — actor John Aniston, 89 — in a touching tribute she shared on Instagram on Monday.
Aniston, who was most famous for the long-running role of Victor Kiriakis on NBC’s daytime drama “Days of Our Lives,” passed away on November 11. He took on the part in 1970 — and was apparently working up to the end of his life, as his final credited appearance on the soap opera is scheduled for Friday.
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“Sweet papa … John Anthony Aniston,” the actress captioned a photo of a young John Aniston holding her as a baby. ”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 🕊️I’ll love you till the end of time💔Don’t forget to visit.”
“Days of Our Lives” executive producer Ken Corday issued a statement confirming the loss as well.
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of one of our own — our beloved and legendary cast member and dear friend, John Aniston. It is truly unimaginable to think he won’t be stepping foot on our set again, but it’s comforting to all of us to know that he is at rest and no longer in pain. John was one of the best — kind, smart, witty and incredibly talented,” Corday wrote of his longtime star. “It is enormously fitting that he received the Emmy for Lifetime Achievement this past year. There is no question that all of us at Days will be mourning this great and profound loss. John was an icon, but even more so, he was a pillar of strength and unity for our Days of our Lives community. He, along with our Victor Kiriakis, will forever be in our hearts. Our love and support goes out to his family and all those who knew him.”
Fellow soap star Kyle Brandt also paid his respects, saying, “John Aniston was my TV dad for over 3 years. I was nervous. He was kind. And so, so funny. He is missed.”
John Aniston was my TV dad for over 3 years.
I was nervous. He was kind. And so, so funny. He is missed. pic.twitter.com/rKfgqB9MNz
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) November 14, 2022
“Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beloved family member John Aniston. We love you John. Your legend will live on,” the “Days of Our Lives” Twitter account added.
Fellow “Days” actress Lauren Koslow also remembered Aniston fondly, saying, “John, thankU for making me laugh EVERY time I saw you (best joke teller ever), for always being playful & terrifically creative in our work, inspirational as a friend — what an extraordinary life you lived. I feel lucky & privileged to have known you — Rest In Peace.”
John, thankU for making me laugh EVERY time I saw you( best joke teller ever) ,for always being playful & terrifically creative in our work, inspirational as a friend-what an extraordinary life you lived .I feel lucky & privileged to have known you -Rest In Peace 😘 #JohnAniston pic.twitter.com/4rLSS8Bov9
— Lauren Koslow (@laurenkoslow) November 14, 2022
Actress Sarah Joy Brown added, “John Aniston was one of the kindest, most generous actors I’ve worked with. Such a gentleman. I loved sharing scenes with him & seeing his smiling face on set. He certainly made me feel at home on ‘Days’ from day 1 & I appreciated him. Rest In Peace John.”
John Aniston was one of the kindest, most generous actors I’ve worked with. Such a gentleman. I loved sharing scenes with him & seeing his smiling face on set. He certainly made me feel at home on “Days” from day 1 & I appreciated him. Rest in peace John ❤️🕊️ https://t.co/5Bw4NN7OAR
— Sarah Joy Brown (@sarahjoybrown) November 14, 2022
The actor received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 Daytime Emmy Awards — and the award was presented by his daughter.
The only thing better than winning the #DaytimeEmmys Lifetime Achievement Award is having it presented to you by your daughter, Jennifer Aniston.❤️
Congratulations John Aniston! pic.twitter.com/IjNGc3UE4r
— CBS (@CBS) June 25, 2022