Jennifer Aniston mourns the death of her father, ‘Days of Our Lives’ star John Aniston

Veteran actor John Aniston, known for his work on the popular soap opera Days of Our Lives, died at the age of 89 on Friday, November 11. His daughter, actress Jennifer Aniston, 53, confirmed the news on Monday with a moving post on Instagram. “You were one of the most beautiful human beings I ever knew,” wrote Aniston, who rose to fame thanks to the TV show Friends. “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”

Born on July 24, 1933, in Crete, Greece, John Aniston is known for playing Victor Kiriakis in the successful soap opera Days of Our Lives, which has been broadcasting on the US network NBC for three decades. His work earned him a Lifetime Achievement Emmy earlier this year. But the actor’s health was already in decline at that point, and he was unable to accept the award in-person or send a message of thanks.

Jennifer Aniston accepted the award on his behalf in a video of his career highlights, which included scenes from hit TV shows such as Mad Men, The West Wing and Gilmore Girls. “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,” Jennifer Aniston said at the time.

In her Instagram post, Jennifer Aniston shared five photos of the two of them. The message, which ended with “don’t forget to visit,” has received more than 3.7 million likes. The actress has also received messages of condolence from public figures such as her ex-husband, actor Justin Theroux, actresses Kaley Cuoco, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon, who played her sister in Friends and co-stars in The Morning Show.

Jennifer Aniston had a very special relationship with her father, something she has talked about over the years. In a recent interview with Allure magazine, for example, she spoke openly about her parents. “I think my mom’s divorce really screwed her up,” she said, in reference to her parents’ separation in 1980 after 15 years of marriage. “Back in that generation it wasn’t like, ‘Go to therapy, talk to somebody. Why don’t you start microdosing?’ You’re going through life and picking up your child with tears on your face and you don’t have any help.”

Aniston was estranged from her mother for years. While she maintained a relationship with her father, the divorce was a traumatic stage that strained family relationships and encouraged her to become more independent. “My house was not a fun house to live in,” she said, about her family’s apartment in New York City. “I was thrilled to get out.” But she has left that trauma in the past. “I forgave my father. I’ve forgiven my family,” she told Allure.