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.
