John Anniston turns 87

Happy 87th birthday to John Anniston whose special day is July 24. For the past 36 years, he has been wowing soap fans as one of the most powerful men on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. The actor portrays Victor Kiriakis, who has been second to none except perhaps at times to Stefano Dimera. Victor started out in Salem as a behind the scenes sponor of a local drugs-and-prostitution ring, Eventually it was revealed that Victor was a full-fledged mobster, and his son Bo Brady was working for the Salem PD which was a conflict. Bo as well as Victor's daughter Isabella atr both deceased.

The younger generations know Anniston as Jennfier's dad but he was making his bones decades before his famous daughter became a household name on FRIENDS. The iconic actor hails from the Island of Crete in Greece and was born July 24, 1933. His birth name is Yiannis Anastassakis July 24, 1933 actor. Anniston originated the role of Victor Kiriakis on NBC's DAYS OF OUR LIVES in July 1985. In 2017 received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Anniston actually began his soap career on DAYS OF OUR LIVES in 1969, in the role of Eric Richards, whom he portrayed until 1970.

He joined the cast of LOVE OF LIFE in 1975 as Eddie Aleata but left the role in November 1978, and began portraying Martin Tourneur, on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW in February 1979. He had that role until April 1984 and returned to DAYS OF OUR LIVES in 1985 as Victor. The handsome soap vet also had a role on THE GILMORE GIRLS and made guest appearances AIRWOLF, MY BIG FAT GREEK LIFE, STAR TREK: VOYAGER, MISSION IMPOSIBLE, AMERICAN DREAMS, JOURNEYMAN, and MAD MEN.

He was also in the films LOVE WITH A PROPER STRANGER and THE SHAKIEST GUN IN THE WEST and the television movie NOW YOU SEE IT NOW YOU DON'T. John's daughter Jennifer Aniston was born February 11, 1969 with his first wife, Nancy Dow. Jenneifer's godfather was actor Telly Savalas who was a good friend to Anniston. The actor also has a son, Alexander, with his second and curent wife, Sherry Rooney Aniston. John also has a stepson, fom first wife Nancy's previous marriage and his name is John T. Melick. Anniston riase his stepson from he was a toddler.

There was a shout out to the actor on the 2001 FRIENDS episode where Chandler and Monica were getting married. In one scene Rachel (Jennifer Anniston) is looking fo rsomeone to perform the ceremony in place of Joey. As she is walking she happens upon and reads a notice about the Anastassakis Papasifakis wedding. Anastassakis is her father's birth name.

Anniston's family left Crete when he was only two years old andsettled in Chester Pensylvania where they opened a restaurant. His father anglicized the family’s names as soon asthey arrived in America which was common in those days.. Many immigrants especially those in the entertainment business changed their names so they would be easier to pronounce. Sometimes it was done so that their ethnikcity would not pose a problem and more oppotunities would open up.

John Anniston has an impressive resume which includes obtaining a bachelor's degree in theater arts from Pennsylvania State University and becoming a member of Alpha Chi Rho fraternity.He also served as a leutenant commander and an intelligence officer on active duty in Panama in the United States Army and later in the reserve. Happy Bithdayto beloved soap veteran and may he thill his fans for years to come as Victor Kiriakas.