John Aniston, whose iconic Days Of Our Lives run as Victor Kiriakis began in 1985, passed away on November 11, at the age 89.
Aniston’s daughter, Jennifer Aniston, shared the news of John’s passing on social media.
“You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace and without pain. And on 11/11 no less,” she wrote. “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,” she wrote.
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His first appearance in the soap was actually in 1969 as Eric Richard. Before returning to the soapie he played Eddie on Love Of Life from 1975 to 1978 and also Martin on Search Tomorrow from 1978 to 1984. He then returned to Days Of Our Lives as Victor Kiriakis.
Victor Kiriakis was notorious in the small city of Salem. He was a full fleshed mobster with connections including the nefarious Stefano DiMera. Victor was also the father to Bo and Isabella, and grandfather to Shawn. Victor’s scenes resembled the main theme of The Godfather. He later became a good man but still used his underground connections to make things happen for his family as the Kiriakis surname commanded respect and instilled fear in Salem.
Days Of Our Lives aired on NBC from 1965 to 2022. It is one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world, airing nearly every weekday since November 8, 1965.
A classic clip was tweeted by Days Of Our Lives captioned: “Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beloved family member John Aniston. We love you John. Your legend will live on.”
The soap will air a tribute to Aniston on December 26, an episode that will mark Aniston’s final appearance on the soap.
“In terms of how we plan to complete Victor’s storyline, that is still being discussed,” it said in a statement.
Aniston has been committed to the soap for over 30 years and his dedication has gained him respect. According to a reports, Aniston was honoured with the Daytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Award for his legendary role in June this year.
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