Two-time Emmy Award nominee Jennifer Aniston re-connected with her Greek roots by spending a year of her childhood living in Greece—and no doubt the influence of noted Greek-American actor Telly Savalas as her godfather further augmented her cultural appreciation. Ultimately, however, she was raised in New York City when her father, actor John Aniston (NBC’s "Days of our Lives”), landed a featured role on the daytime drama “Love of Life.”
Aniston had her first taste of acting at age 11 when she joined the Rudolf Steiner School’s drama club. Her experience there also helped her develop a passion for art. When she was 11, one of her paintings was selected to be displayed in an exhibit at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Aniston began her professional training as a drama student at New York’s High School of the Performing Arts. After her graduation in 1987, she won roles in such off-Broadway productions as “For Dear Life” at New York’s Public Theatre and “Dancing on Checker’s Grave.” In 1989 she landed her first television role as a series regular on “Molloy.” Her other television credits include regular roles on “The Edge” and “Ferris Bueller,” a recurring part on “Herman’s Head” and guest-starring roles on such series as “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Partners,” “Burke’s Law” and “Quantum Leap.”
In addition, Aniston has starred in a number of feature films, including “The Object of My Affection,” “Picture Perfect,” “She’s the One,” “‘Til There Was You” and “Office Space.” She also starred with Quentin Tarantino in an interactive tutorial CD-ROM directed by Steven Spielberg, titled “Movie Maker.” This fall Aniston appeared opposite Mark Wahlberg in “Rock Star.” She recently completed filming “The Good Girl,” an independent film to be released next year.
The last two years, Aniston has been nominated for an Emmy Award, as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, for her portrayal of Rachel Green on “Friends.” A two-time nominee for the People’s Choice Award as Favorite Female in a Comedy Series, she won the award in 2001.
Currently she resides in Los Angeles with her husband, actor Brad Pitt. Aniston enjoys painting in her spare time, as well as hiking, camping and virtually anything that brings her closer to nature. Her birthday is February 11.
