On February 11, 2026, Jennifer Aniston turned 57 years old. The A-list celebrity, actress and producer may have been born in the US, but Jennifer Aniston actually has deep Greek roots she frequently talks about in interviews.
Jennifer Aniston’s Greek Heritage
Most people wouldn’t guess that Aniston is Greek based on her name. However, the actress was actually named Joanna Anastasakis when she was born, and changed her name later in life.
Aniston was born to Nancy Dow and John Aniston, whose real name was Yannis Anastasakis. He was born in Chania, Crete, Greece, and was most famous for playing a Greek character, Victor Kiriakis, on the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives”.
When Jennifer was a young girl, she got to experience Greece up close. Aniston lived in Athens and then Crete for a short while with her family when she was five years old. She is even connected to other famous Greeks, such as Telly Savalas, most famous for playing “Kojak”, who is her godfather.
Though Aniston turned 57 years old today, she barely looks a day older than when she played arguably her most famous character, Rachel on “Friends”.
Aniston has gone on record saying that her Greek heritage is part of the secret behind her ageless beauty. “My dad is 100 percent Greek; he turned 81 and he barely has a wrinkle. And neither does my grandmother, who was 95 when she died”.
Aniston in Hollywood Today
Jennifer Aniston continues to be a powerhouse in both the entertainment and business worlds. As of early 2026, she is actively filming and producing several high-profile projects. Most notably, she is set to return as Alex Levy in the fifth season of the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show, which remains a cornerstone of her current television career.
In her business life, Aniston’s hair care brand, LolaVie, continues to expand. In early 2026, she introduced new additions to the line, including the “Let There Be Hair” Scalp Serum and “Powder Perfect” Dry Shampoo.
Personal life
Aniston’s personal life has also seen a significant new chapter. In November 2025, she officially confirmed her relationship with Jim Curtis, a wellness coach and hypnotherapist. As of early 2026, there is widespread speculation regarding a possible wedding, with sources suggesting the two may opt for a low-key, private celebration later this year.
For more background on Aniston’s Greek roots, watch Greek Reporter’s exclusive interview with John Aniston, on his life, his daughter, and Greek heritage below:
