Days of Our LivesstarJohn Anistonhas died. He was 89.
The veteran actor, who was alsoJennifer Aniston’sfather, was best known for portrayingDays’Victor Kiriakis starting in 1985. On Monday, theFriendsalum announced that her father passed on Nov. 11.
“Sweet papa… John Anthony Aniston,” she captioned a set of photos of the pair. “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💔"Jennifer concluded the post, “Don’t forget to visit 💫🤗❤️”
In response to his passing,Days of Our Livesalsoposted a sweet tribute videohighlighting his time on the series.
“Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beloved family member John Aniston,” the series said in a statement shared on Twitter and Instagram. “We love you John. Your legend will live on.”
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Series co-creator Ken Corday also shared a statement with PEOPLE.
“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,” the statement began.
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“John was one of the best — kind, smart, witty and incredibly talented. It is enormously fitting that he received the Emmy for Lifetime Achievement this past year,” he continued. “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 ourDays of Our Livescommunity. 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.”
Peacock confirmed to PEOPLE that John’s finalDaysepisode will air on Dec. 26.
John was recently honored with aDaytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Awardfor his long-standing role on the soap opera. Though John did not attend the June ceremony, Jennifer appeared virtually on the awards stage to celebrate to her her father’s illustrious career.
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“This is truly a special moment for me,” Jennifer, 53, said. “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,” she added. “His career is literally the definition of lifetime achievement.”
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Early in Jennifer’s career — even before herFriendsfame — John shared what acting gifts make her invaluable to Hollywood. “Jennifer is a natural talent,” John toldE! Newsin 1990. “There are certain things you can learn in this business, and there are certain things you can’t learn. The comic instinct that she has in unerring. That’s her greatest asset.”
Most recently, the veteran actor — who previously served in the military — appeared in an episode ofDays of Our Livesthat aired on Friday.
John once opened up about his proudest career achievement.
“I don’t know.Some play down the line somewhere,” he said in an interview with the Television Academy Foundation. “MaybeRoyal Hunt of the Sun. .. We did it at Theatre East.”
“It was phenomenal the way the director conceived it and did that,” he added. “Yeah, we were all very proud of that.”
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As for his only career regret, John said: “I’m sorry I didn’t getThe Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
Along with Jennifer, John leaves behind son Alex Aniston. John’s first wife and Jennifer’s mom,Nancy Dow, died in 2016.
source: people.com
