'Days of Our Lives' Fans Pay Tribute to John Aniston Following His Death

By Daniel S. Levine

Days of Our Lives fans are mourning the loss of John Aniston, who played Victor Kiriakis on the series for over three decades. Aniston died on Friday, Nov. 11, his daughter, Friends star Jennifer Aniston, announced on Instagram Monday. Aniston was 89.

Jennifer, 53, shared the sad news alongside a slideshow of photos with her father. "You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew," Jennifer wrote. "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."

Aniston was born Yannis Anastassakis on the island of Crete, Greece. His family immigrated to the U.S. when Aniston was 2 years old and settled in Chester, Pennsylvania. He started his acting career in 1962 and first appeared on Days in 1970. in July 1985, he returned to the soap opera as Victor Kiriakis, who rose to become one of the show's most memorable characters. Aniston earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2017 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in June.

'Our hearts are broken'

"Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beloved family member John Aniston. We love you, John. Your legend will live on," the Days of Our Lives team shared on Instagram. An episode of Days featuring Aniston was released to Peacock on the day he died.

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'You will be missed'

Aniston is also survived by his son, Alex Aniston, and his second wife, Sherry Rooney, whom he married in 1984. His first wife and Jennifer's mother, Nancy Dow, died in 2016.

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'You will live on in our hearts'

Scroll on to see how Days fans are remembering Aniston.

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'Truly one of the greatest icons'

"He was truly one of the greatest icons and there will never be another Victor quite like him," one fan wrote on Instagram. "He left us with great memories and his legacy will surely live on. Sending my condolences to his family, Days Family and Fans and Friends."

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'He really made Victor a standout character'

"I will miss him so much also. I loved his quick wit & humor. Such a great man! My deepest condolences to all who loved him," one fan wrote on Instagram. "What a sad day. He was an amazing actor. He really made Victor a standout character. He will be dearly missed," another wrote.

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'Thank you for the decades of entertainment you provided us'

"RIP John/Victor! You were an amazing actor for all the years of being on Days! You will be missed," one fan added on Instagram. "Wow so sad just watching him last week on DOOL RIP much love and respect," another commented.

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