All About Jennifer Aniston’s Parents, John Aniston and Nancy Dow

Between their respective acting careers and raising their only daughter, here’s what to know about John Aniston and Nancy Dow

Actors John Aniston, Jennifer Aniston and Nancy Dow. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; Michael Kovac/Getty; Paul Harris/Online USA

For Jennifer Aniston, a love for acting runs in the family.

The Friends actress was born on Feb. 11, 1969, in Sherman Oaks, Calif., to the late actors Nancy Dow and John Aniston, who raised their only daughter in New York City.

Though she had a bittersweet bond with mother Nancy and occasionally shared sweet father-daughter moments with father John over the years, Jennifer’s relationship with her parents was strained at times. Nancy and John divorced when Jennifer was young, and in a 2020 Interview magazine profile, the Morning Show star opened up about her unsettling childhood.

Speaking with her pal Sandra Bullock, Jennifer said that “growing up in a household that was destabilized and felt unsafe” helped her learn to stay afloat when things in her life didn’t go as planned. “I guess I have my parents to thank,” she said. “You can either be angry or be a martyr, or you can say, ‘You’ve got lemons? Let’s make lemonade.’ “

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While Jennifer’s relationship with her parents was complicated, she continues to recognize the role they played in shaping her as a person.

“Thinking about these two humans that created me as I bask in the afterglow of a beautiful birthday🎈” she captioned a nostalgic throwback with her, Nancy and John for her 54th birthday in 2023.

Here’s everything to know about Jennifer Aniston’s parents, Nancy Dow and John Aniston.

Jennifer Aniston’s Mom, Nancy Dow

Nancy Dow. Paul Harris/Online USA

Nancy was an actress best known for her TV roles in the 1960s, including Athena on The Beverly Hillbillies and Tersa on The Wild Wild West. She also appeared in films such as The Ice House (1969) and Pure (2004).

Prior to marrying Jennifer’s father, John, Nancy was married to Jack Melick from 1956 to 1961. With Melick, she welcomed one child, son John Melick III, in 1959. Nancy later wed John Aniston in 1965, and they divorced in 1980 when Jennifer was 9 years old.

In 1999, Nancy released her memoir From Mother and Daughter to Friends, a tell-all book that detailed her difficult relationship with Jennifer — the catalyst for their estranged relationship.

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Actress Nancy Dow, mother of actress Jennifer Aniston, posing on a chair for a photo shoot. Paul Harris/Online USA

Five years after the book’s publication, Jennifer and her mother were still not on speaking terms. “I never thought my mom would not know my husband,” the then-34-year-old actress told Diane Sawyer, referring to Brad Pitt, in an interview on ABC’s Primetime Thursday.

In 2015, Jennifer told The Hollywood Reporter about her relationship with her mother, which she said was “fine” at the time. A year later, she told PEOPLE in a statement that Nancy had died at age 79 in May 2016.

“No matter how complicated and difficult the relationship between Nancy and Jennifer may have been, it is heartbreaking for any daughter to lose her mother,” a source close to the family told PEOPLE after Nancy’s death. “Nancy fought a very long battle, with many ups and downs, and Jennifer is grateful for the happy times they shared.”

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Two years after Nancy’s death, Jennifer starred in the movie Dumplin’ (2018), a Netflix film about a complex maternal relationship with mother-daughter aspects similar to the Friends alum and Nancy’s connection.

“She was a model, and she was all about presentation and what she looked like and what I looked like,” Jennifer told The Sunday Telegraph of Nancy in 2018. “I did not come out the model child she’d hoped for, and it was something that really resonated with me: this little girl just wanting to be seen and wanting to be loved by a mom who was too occupied with things that didn’t quite matter.”

Jennifer Aniston’s Dad, John Aniston

Jennifer Aniston and her dad, actor John Aniston, pose as she’s honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Feb. 22, 2012. Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Jennifer’s father, John, had a renowned acting career, best known for his role as Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives starting in 1985. The veteran, Greek-born actor also appeared on several TV series, including Search for Tomorrow, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls and Mad Men.

In addition to his television work, he received a bachelor’s degree in arts and letters from Penn State University, served in the U.S. Navy and starred in the comic off-Broadway musical Little Mary Sunshine, per The Hollywood Reporter.

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As for his personal life, John was married twice. After his split from Nancy, with whom he shared Jennifer, John married Sherry Rooney in 1984 and welcomed son Alex Aniston in 1989.

Jennifer had a close relationship with her father and admired his work as an actor. John shared a mutual respect for his daughter’s talents and sang her praise during a 1990 E! News interview prior to her fame.

John Aniston posing with his daughter, actress Jennifer Aniston. KMazur/WireImage

“Jennifer is a natural talent,” John told the outlet at the time. “There are certain things you can learn in this business, and there are certain things you can’t learn. The comic instinct that she has is unerring. That’s her greatest asset.”

In June 2022, the Days of Our Lives star was honored with the Daytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing role on the soap opera. Though he did not attend the ceremony, Jennifer appeared virtually on the awards stage to celebrate her father’s illustrious career.

“This is truly a special moment for me,” the actress said. “It’s an opportunity to not only pay tribute to a true icon in the daytime television world, but it’s also a chance to recognize the lifelong achievements of a great and well-respected actor, who also happens to be my dad.”

Jennifer Aniston posing with her father, actor John Aniston. KMazur/WireImage

“For over 30 years, his dedication to that show has gained him respect and admiration of his fellow actors, deep friendships and thrilled millions of fans around the world,” she added. “His career is literally the definition of lifetime achievement.”

On Nov. 11, 2022, Jennifer announced that her father had died at the age of 89. “Sweet papa…⁣ John Anthony Aniston. You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew,” she wrote on Instagram. “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💔⁣”

One month later, John received a heartfelt tribute in his final Days of Our Lives episode, which aired in December 2022, and a poignant funeral was held for his character in a September 2023 episode.