Jennifer Aniston gave an interview and discussed her family traditions and her Greek heritage.
The famous actress was a guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and was asked by the host: “Is it true that on Christmas Eve, your family makes you dance the belly dance?”
She responded, “Yes, and not just on Christmas Eve, any time.”
Jennifer Aniston Opens Up About Greek Family Traditions and the Trauma of Childhood Belly Dancing Performances https://t.co/a8rDMMTIRD pic.twitter.com/ZH4U6rOlTI
— Greek City Times (@greekcitytimes) October 4, 2024
She then added, “You know, Greeks love every family dinner,” while noting that this has left her with trauma. “I have an inner trauma from having to perform and dance the belly dance in front of my Greek aunts, uncles, and grandmothers. I live what children whose parents force them to play piano or sing in front of everyone experience. I get really anxious when my friends do that to their kids because I have this trauma of having to dance for my Greek relatives.”
In 2016, Jennifer Aniston mentioned again her gatherings with her family from Greece. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, she said, “My dad’s side of the family is Greek, so I would dress up as a Greek girl and then I would have to dance the belly dance.”
As she noted, “It had nothing to do with Christmas. It was like they were saying, ‘Let’s embarrass Jen at Christmas.’”
“I Am Proud of My Greek Heritage”
Jennifer Aniston has publicly stated many times that she is proud of her Greek heritage. Her father, John Aniston, was from Chania, and her godfather was the Greek-American actor and singer Telly Savalas. Her Greek name is Genovefa Ioanna Anastasaki.
In one of her interviews, she revealed that she lived in Greece for some time. She said, “I speak a little Greek. My name in my passport is Aniston. I lived in Greece for a year when I was 5 years old. At that time, my dad, who wasn’t making money from acting, was attending medical school. We lived in Athens for six months and then moved to Crete. My family has an amazing farm there. I am particularly proud of my Greek heritage.”
Who Her Greek Father Was
John Aniston (Giannis Anastasakis) was born on the island of Crete, specifically in Chania, to Stella Joan and Antonio Anastasakis. He did not grow up exclusively in his homeland, as at just 2 years old, the family moved to Pennsylvania, USA, where they owned a restaurant. There, his last name was changed to Aniston.
He wanted to become an actor and dedicate himself to acting. After graduating, he served in the United States Navy as an intelligence officer in Panama, reaching the rank of lieutenant. Once he completed his military obligations, he focused on acting.
The role of Victor Kiriakis in the NBC soap opera Days Of Our Lives is the one he is most identified with throughout his career.
Aniston had two marriages, one with Nancy Dow, with whom he had Jennifer Aniston in 1969, and another with Sherry Rooney, with whom he had his son, Alexander.
In November 2022, John Aniston passed away.
With two photos of them from the past and one more recent, Jennifer Aniston announced his death on social media.
“My sweet dad. John Anthony Aniston, you were one of the most beautiful people I ever knew. I am so grateful you left without pain for Heaven. On 11/11 you stopped existing. You always had very good timing. This number will have a very special meaning for me now. I will love you until the end of time,” she wrote.
