Jennifer Aniston has opened up about the death of her father, Days of Our Lives star John Aniston, and how the loss of both of her parents has inspired her overall commitment to health and fitness.
John Aniston died in November. Her mother, Nancy Dow, died in 2016 after a long illness.
“God bless my parents who are no longer with us, but they were not the exemplars of health,” Aniston said in an interview with USA TODAY. “My father, shockingly, still lived to be 89, but those are probably persistent Greek genes.”
John Aniston was born Yannis Anastassakis in Crete, Greece and immigrated to Pennsylvania with his family as a child.
Aniston said that observing how her parents’ health deteriorated over time inspired her to understand the importance of prioritizing her sleep health and exercise routine as early as possible. She thinks about it so much that she swears she must have been a doctor in a past life.
“My friends call me Dr. Aniston,” she jokes. “Just because I’m always on the cutting edge of technology and wondering how we can improve our health in any way?”
John Aniston has been a fixture on the NBC soap opera since 1970, first as a character named Eric Richards and then since 1985 as Victor Kiriakis. As of 2021, he still starred in the roles of to Zero, The Paul Reiser Show, Mad Men, Cold Case, Search for Tomorrow, The West Wing, and Gilmore Girls.
Last year, Aniston shared a sweet tribute to her “sweet daddy.”
“You were one of the most beautiful people I have ever known,” Aniston wrote. “I am so grateful that you ascended to heaven in peace – and without pain.”
The ‘Friends’ star wrote that her father had “perfect timing” when he arrived on 11/11. Friday was Veterans Day. John Aniston served in the US Navy.
“This number will mean even more to me now forever,” she shared. “I will love you until the end of time. Don’t forget to visit me.”
Interview with Jennifer Aniston:She wants you to know that she feels good. Here’s how.
REST IN PEACE:John Aniston, ‘Days of Our Lives’ star and Jennifer Aniston’s ‘cute dad’, has died at the age of 89
Featuring: Naledi Ushe and Amy Haneline, USA TODAY
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