John Aniston, whose iconic Days of our Lives run as Victor Kiriakis began in 1985, passed away on November 11, at the age of 89.
Aniston's daughter, Jennifer Aniston, shared the news of John's passing on social media.
"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 wrote. "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."
Aniston was born Yannis Anastassakis on the isle of Crete in Greece, and his family settled in the United States when he was two years old. He graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Theater Arts, served in the US Navy as an intelligence officer on active duty in Panama and later in the reserve, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After his time in the US Armed Forces, Aniston turned to acting.
Believe it or not, Aniston appeared on DAYS long before he took on the iconic role of Victor Kiriakis. In 1969, he appeared as Eric Richards on DAYS. It was his first soap role and last about a year. After leaving DAYS -- and before returning as Victor -- he played Eddie on Love of Life from 1975 to 1978, and Martin on Search for Tomorrow from 1978 to 1984.
Days of our Lives shared a classic clip on Aniston's work on its social media feeds along with the message, "Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beloved family member John Aniston. We love you John. Your legend will live on."
Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beloved family member John Aniston. We love you John. Your legend will live on.
— Days of our Lives (@DaysPeacock) November 14, 2022
#DaysOfOurLives #Days @peacock pic.twitter.com/IWPArGRKQH
Outside of daytime, Aniston also appeared on Mad Men, The Paul Reiser Show, American Dreams, Gilmore Girls, My Big Fat Greek Life, Diagnosis Murder, and Kojak.
For his work as Victor, Aniston received two Soap Opera Digest Awards. In 2017, he was nominated for his very first Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys this past June.
"This is truly a special moment for me," Jennifer Aniston said in accepting the award on her father's behalf. "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. His career is literally the definition of lifetime achievement."
Days of our Lives will air a tribute to Aniston on December 26, an episode that will mark Aniston's final appearance on the soap. "In terms of how we plan to complete Victor's storyline, that is still being discussed," Days of our Lives said in a statement.
To read what members of the daytime community have said about John Aniston, please continue reading here.
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