John Aniston: 5 Shocking Facts About The Days Of Our Lives Legend’s Final Days And Lasting Legacy

The legendary actor John Aniston, who became a television icon across four decades, passed away on November 11, 2022, at the age of 89. His death marked the end of a remarkable era in daytime television, particularly for fans of *Days of Our Lives*, where he masterfully portrayed the ruthless yet charismatic Victor Kiriakis for 37 years. While his passing was a profound loss to the entertainment world, the story of his final months, his character’s ultimate fate, and the complex legacy he left behind—including his relationship with his superstar daughter, Jennifer Aniston—continues to fascinate his global fanbase more than two years later in late 2025. This article delves into the most recent and compelling details surrounding John Aniston's life and death, providing a fresh perspective on the man behind the infamous Greek shipping magnate. From his unexpected Lifetime Achievement Award to the emotional, delayed farewell given to his character, these are the facts that solidify his place in Hollywood history.

The Complete Biography and Profile of John Aniston

John Anthony Aniston, born Yannis Anastassakis, was a Greek-American actor celebrated for his extensive career in television, most notably his long-running role on the NBC/Peacock soap opera *Days of Our Lives*. He was the father of actress Jennifer Aniston.

• Full Name: John Anthony Aniston (Born Yannis Anastassakis)
• Date of Birth: July 24, 1933
• Place of Birth: Chania, Crete, Greece
• Date of Death: November 11, 2022
• Age at Death: 89
• Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed, but his daughter stated he passed "in peace and without pain."
• Emigration: Emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of two, settling in Chester, Pennsylvania.
• Education: Graduated from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts.
• Military Service: Served in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
• Spouse (1): Nancy Dow (m. 1965; div. 1980)
• Spouse (2): Sherry Rooney (m. 1984)
• Children: Jennifer Aniston (with Nancy Dow) and Alex Aniston (with Sherry Rooney).
• Notable Roles: Victor Kiriakis on *Days of Our Lives* (1985–2022), Martin Tourneur on *Search for Tomorrow* (1979–1984), and Eric Richards on *Days of Our Lives* (1970).
• Awards: Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award (2022).

The Emotional, Delayed Farewell to Victor Kiriakis

The most recent and significant update regarding John Aniston's legacy centers on the fate of his iconic character, Victor Kiriakis, on *Days of Our Lives*. While Aniston passed away in November 2022, his final pre-taped episode aired on December 26, 2022. This was his last on-screen appearance, but the character was not killed off at that time. The show, in a rare move, allowed the character to live on for several months, respecting the actor's monumental 37-year contribution to the soap opera.

Victor Kiriakis's Definitive Final Storyline

The definitive farewell storyline for Victor Kiriakis did not air until August 2023, nearly nine months after Aniston’s death. This gave the show time to craft a meaningful and emotional exit that would honor the character's profound impact. The character’s death was revealed to be a tragic accident:

• The Event: Victor Kiriakis died in a plane crash.
• The Circumstances: The plane was believed to be en route to Salem after a trip to Greece, the homeland of both the actor and the character.
• The On-Screen Tribute: The storyline featured heart-wrenching scenes as Victor’s wife, Maggie Kiriakis, and other family members received the devastating news and mourned his loss.
• The Funeral: *Days of Our Lives* dedicated a significant portion of its August 2023 episodes to Victor's funeral, which served as a powerful, meta-tribute to John Aniston himself, allowing the cast and fans to finally say goodbye.

This delayed, respectful storyline ensured that Victor Kiriakis, the quintessential soap opera villain-turned-antihero, received a proper send-off, cementing John Aniston's legacy as one of the genre's most enduring stars.

The Lifetime Achievement Award and Jennifer Aniston’s Touching Tribute

One of the most heartwarming moments in John Aniston’s final year occurred when he was honored with the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. While he was unable to attend the ceremony, his daughter, the *Friends* star Jennifer Aniston, made a surprise virtual appearance to present the award to her father. Her speech was a poignant acknowledgment of his dedication to his craft and his family.

A Daughter’s Public Love

Jennifer Aniston’s tribute, both at the Emmys and following his death, highlighted the deep respect she held for her father, despite their famously complicated relationship earlier in her life. At the time of his passing, Jennifer shared a heartfelt message on social media that went viral, focusing on the peace of his final moments: "You always had perfect timing. That number (11/11) will forever hold an even deeper meaning for me. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace—and without pain." This public display of affection and closure was a major event in the days following his death.

The Lesser-Known Life of John Aniston’s Son, Alex Aniston

While Jennifer Aniston’s career is one of the most documented in Hollywood, John Aniston’s son, Alex Aniston, has maintained a significantly more private life, which has drawn curiosity from fans and media alike. Alex Aniston is the son of John Aniston and his second wife, actress Sherry Rooney. He is Jennifer Aniston’s half-brother. Unlike his father and half-sister, Alex has largely avoided the spotlight, pursuing a life outside of mainstream acting. While he has been noted to have tried acting in the past, he is often described as a free spirit who has worked in various non-traditional roles and has an interest in art and music. His decision to live a more bohemian, low-key life stands in stark contrast to the high-profile celebrity of his father and sister, making him an entity of interest for those exploring the full scope of John Aniston’s family legacy.

John Aniston’s Other Notable Soap Opera Roles

While Victor Kiriakis is his defining role, John Aniston’s career was built on a foundation of work across multiple prominent soap operas, proving his dedication to the genre long before his *Days of Our Lives* tenure. This depth of work is a key component of his Lifetime Achievement Award.

• *Days of Our Lives* (1970–1975): Aniston first appeared on *Days of Our Lives* as Dr. Eric Richards, a completely different character from the one that would make him famous.
• *Love of Life* (1975–1978): He played the role of Eddie Aleata on this long-running CBS soap opera.
• *Search for Tomorrow* (1979–1984): Before Victor Kiriakis, Aniston spent five years as Martin Tourneur on *Search for Tomorrow*, a pivotal role that cemented his status in daytime drama.

This consistent work over two decades demonstrated the staying power and versatility that led him to his ultimate, career-defining role as Victor Kiriakis, a role for which he was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2017.