DAYS OF OUR LIVES Star John Aniston Dead at 89
Sad news for the daytime community — legendary actor John Aniston died on Nov. 11 at the age of 89. The news was announced by his daughter, Jennifer Aniston. “You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing pictures of herself and her father through the years. “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 and even greater meaning for me now. I’ll love you ’til the end of time.”
Aniston was best known for his role of Victor Kiriakis on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, a role that he began playing in July 1985. He received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category in 2017 and took home a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for his decades of work on the NBC sudser.
Born in Greece, Aniston’s first role as playing a cop in an episode of the television series 87th PRECINCT in 1962. He actually appeared on DAYS as Eric Richards back in 1970 before returning to join the cast as Victor in 1985. In between, he briefly played Eddie Aleata in LOVE OF LIFE and Martin Tourneur on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW from 1980-84.
The talented performer could also be seen making guest appearances in primetime series like AIRWOLF, GILMORE GIRLS, THE WEST WING, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, AMERICAN DREAMS, JOURNEYMAN, and MAD MEN.
Given that DAYS shoots approximately 5-6 months ahead, Aniston will continue to be seen on screen for a while before the soap can deal with his passing. Our thoughts are with Aniston’s family and friends during this difficult time.
