NEW YORK (AP) 鈥� John Aniston, the Emmy-winning star of the daytime soap opera 鈥淒ays of Our Lives鈥� and father of Jennifer Aniston, has died at age 89.
The actor's daughter posted a tribute to him Monday morning on Instagram, announcing that he had died Friday, Veteran's Day. John Aniston served in the U.S. Navy.
鈥淪weet papa鈥︹仯 John Anthony Aniston,鈥� Jennifer Aniston wrote. 鈥淵ou were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace 鈥� 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.鈦ｂ��
John Aniston's acting credits included 鈥淪earch for Tomorrow,鈥� 鈥淭he West Wing鈥� and 鈥淕ilmore Girls.鈥� But he was best-known for his long-running role on 鈥淒ays of Our Lives鈥� as family patriarch Victor Kiriakis, the former drug lord who goes on to found the powerful Titan Industries.
In 2017, his work on 鈥淒ays of Our Lives鈥� brought him an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor in a drama series. Earlier this year, he was presented a lifetime achievement Emmy, with Jennifer Aniston honoring him via video.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity to not only pay tribute to a true icon in the daytime television world, but it鈥檚 also a chance to recognize the lifelong achievements of a great and well-respected actor, who also happens to be my dad,鈥� Jennifer Aniston said at the time. 鈥淛ohn Aniston has been working in television consistently for over half a century.鈥�
John Aniston was born Yannis Anastassakis in Crete, Greece, and emigrated with his family to Pennsylvania when he was a child. A theater major at Pennsylvania State University, he began his professional acting career in the 1960s, with early roles in 鈥淐ombat!鈥�, 鈥淚 Spy鈥� and 鈥淭he Virginian.鈥�
Aniston was married twice, most recently to Sherry Rooney. He had two children, Jennifer and Alexander Aniston, and a stepson, John Melick.
The Associated Press
