KEY POINTS

  • Jennifer Aniston appeared virtually at the 2022 Daytime Emmy Awards to honor her dad John Aniston
  • John received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 37-year portrayal of Victor Kiriakis on "Days of Our Lives"
  • Jennifer said her dad's career is "literally the definition of lifetime achievement"

Jennifer Aniston made a virtual appearance at the 49th annual Daytime Emmy Awards Friday night to pay tribute to her father, John Aniston.

John, 88, received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the ceremony for his 37-year portrayal of Victor Kiriakis on "Days of Our Lives."

His co-star Suzanne Rogers, who plays Maggie Kiriakis, introduced the award, describing him as a "cornerstone of the daytime television family."

A video of the "Friends" alum then played on the screen at the ceremony in which Jennifer praised her dad's many accomplishments.

"This is truly a special moment for me," Jennifer, 53, 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."

She noted that her father has been "working in television consistently for over half a century" after he began acting in 1962 with a role on the crime drama "87th Precinct."

Since then, he has featured on iconic television shows including "Combat," "Gilmore Girls," "The West Wing," "Star Trek: Voyager" and more. At the same time, Jennifer revealed that John was also "simultaneously appearing in nearly every soap opera imaginable."

"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 said. "His career is literally the definition of lifetime achievement."

A video montage of John's TV highlights was then played during the ceremony. He made his debut in "Days of Our Lives" in 1970 as a character named Doctor Eric Richards. He returned to the soap in 1985 as the iconic Victor Kiriakis.

Jennifer's dad was unable to attend the ceremony but received a massive round of applause from the audience at the Pasadena Civic Center.

John is also a proud dad to Jennifer, gushing over her talent even before she catapulted to fame with "Friends" and won a 2002 Emmy Award for her role in the NBC sitcom.

"Jennifer is a natural talent," John told E! News in 1990. "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 Christmas 2019, Jennifer shared throwback photos with her dad on Instagram while announcing that they celebrated the holidays together.

"Christmas with one of my creators. Then and now," she wrote in the caption. "Love you, papa."

US actress Jennifer Aniston said she had feelings for her co-star David Schwimmer early on in the making of "Friends"
US actress Jennifer Aniston said she had feelings for her co-star David Schwimmer early on in the making of "Friends" AFP / Robyn Beck