John Aniston – A Legend in the Soap Opera

World

Today, the soap opera world lost a true icon. John Aniston, the Greek-born actor who played Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives for 37 years and beyond, passed away at 89.

Many of his co-stars on the show paid their respects to him. Martha Madison (Belle), Bill Hayes (Doug), and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) all took to social media platforms to pay their respects.

Early Life and Education

John Aniston was born in Greece and immigrated with his parents when he was young. He attended Penn State University to study theater arts before joining the US Navy as an intelligence officer. In 1961, John joined a group of Freedom Riders protesting racial segregation on interstate transportation systems throughout the South; when they reached Anniston, Alabama, a mob attacked them.

He is best known for his role as Victor Kiriakis on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, which earned him two Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award. His daughter Jennifer Aniston, best known for her role as Rachel Green in Friends, also features prominently.

Professional Career

John Annison has had a storied career in the soap business, having appeared on shows such as Love of Life and Search for Tomorrow. Additionally, he acted on Days of Our Lives, playing romantic villain Victor Kiriakis for 37 years. Additionally, John was an Emmy winner for best supporting actor in a drama series.

One of the greatest career accomplishments for Annison was his involvement with the 2012 London Olympics. As part of a team that helped resolve an issue with security company G4S that left thousands without security personnel for the event, his work earned him a Lifetime Achievement Emmy award in June 2012.

Personal Life

John Aniston was an acclaimed actor, having starred in both films and television. He began his career in 1962 and gained notoriety for his roles on soap operas such as Days of Our Lives.

Annison was married twice and the father of actress Jennifer Aniston. His first marriage, to Nancy Dow on December 11, 1965, ended in divorce in August 1980.

He is a member of the American Academy of Actors and has been in the industry for some time, appearing on shows like Love of Life, Search For Tomorrow, Star Trek: Voyager, The West Wing and Journeyman.

In honor of John’s passing, his cast members on Days of Our Lives are sharing tributes to him via social media. Martha Madison (Belle) posted a video and statement on Twitter; Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Kristian Alfonso and Bill Hayes all posted photos from their time working with John on Instagram.

Net Worth

John Aniston was born in Crete, Greece and immigrated to the United States at age two. He went on to graduate from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts.

After college, he joined the United States Navy and served on active duty in Panama. Ultimately, he attained the rank of lieutenant commander.

His first credited role was in 1962 on an episode of 87th Precinct, but his most renowned role is Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives. He created the character back in July 1985 and played him until his passing in December 1997.

Throughout his tenure on the show, annison earned two Soap Opera Digest Awards and one Daytime Emmy nomination. Additionally, he received a lifetime achievement award from its creators.