Latest news with #NancyDow
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jennifer Aniston DENIES being a 'nepo baby' as she insists she 'came from nothing' and started out 'broke'
Jennifer Aniston was born to parents John Aniston and Nancy Dow, who were both actors, but she insists she has not benefitted from nepotism. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, the 56-year-old Friends star denied riding her parents coattails to build her career. John, who died in 2022, was best known for his role as Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives. And Nancy, who died in 2016, found success in the 60s on shows like The Beverly Hillbillies and The Wild Wild West. 'Listen, I am so grateful. I came from nothing. We were broke. There's no nepo baby here,' she declared. The outlet also noted that Jennifer's mom wrote in her memoir From Mother and Daughter to Friends that there were times when her ex-husband John couldn't afford to pay their mortgage. Jennifer was raised in New York City, where she developed her acting chops at the LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Part of her ambition stemmed from 'always wanting to get Pop's approval,' she said of her late father. 'It was the thing that drove me and was also my biggest heartbreak: trying to impress and prove your value to a man who's only capable of so much,' she explained. The Hollywood fixture said she thought that if she could achieve noteworthy success 'then he will love me as much as I love him.' In August 2023 she opened up about the long-term effect her parents' bitter 1980 divorce had on her love life. The star was initially wed to Brad Pitt from 2000 until 2005, and later to Justin Theroux from 2015 until 2018. Speaking with WSJ. Magazine two years ago, she admitted that her 'difficult' childhood experiences didn't leave her desperate to say 'I do.' 'It was always a little bit difficult for me in relationships, I think, because I really was kind of alone,' she explained at the time. John, who died in 2022, was best known for his role as Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives. And Nancy, who died in 2016, found success in the 60s on shows like The Beverly Hillbillies and The Wild Wild West; pictured in 1975 'I don't know. My parents, watching my family's relationship, didn't make me kind of go, "Oh, I can't wait to do that,"' she reflected. Discussing the long-term effects her mom and dad's split had on her own romantic relationships, she admitted it felt 'easier' to just be alone. 'I didn't like the idea of sacrificing who you were or what you needed, so I didn't really know how to do that,' she said, before adding, 'So it was almost easier to just be kind of solo. So I didn't have any real training in that give-and-take.' The Murder Mystery star recently found love again with hypnotist and wellness entrepreneur Jim Curtis. In July they were spotted on a yacht as they vacationed together in Mallorca, Spain with actor Jason Bateman, his wife, and other friends. But Jennifer has not publicly confirmed or denied the romance.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jennifer Aniston Reveals The One Thing She 'Absolutely' Has To Do On Her Career Bucket List
Jennifer Aniston recently shared her desire to star in a Broadway play, calling it a major career goal. Reflecting on her past roles, she expressed interest in revisiting her comedic part in "Horrible Bosses" and teased a possible third film. Jennifer Aniston's remarks about Broadway and her movie career follow her crediting her holistic upbringing, influenced by her mother, for her commitment to wellness. In a recent interview with People Magazine, Aniston revealed that performing in a Broadway production is high on her career bucket list. "I definitely want to do a Broadway play," Aniston revealed. "That's on my bucket list, but it's finding the time and finding the right piece, the right material." While no specific project is lined up yet, the "Friends" alum is confident she'll eventually make her Broadway debut. "I absolutely have to do a play on Broadway," she added. Aniston's love for acting runs deep. Born to actors Nancy Dow and John Aniston, the 56-year-old actress was raised in the world of entertainment. She honed her skills at New York City's LaGuardia High School—better known as the "Fame" school and got her start in Off-Broadway productions. Her film career kicked off with the 1993 cult horror-comedy "Leprechaun," but her breakout role came just a year later when she was cast as Rachel Green in the hit sitcom "Friends." Looking back on her decades-spanning career, Aniston reflected on some of her most memorable roles and revealed one she'd happily return to. "Oh my God, this literally came up the other day," she said, referring to her hilarious character in "Horrible Bosses." The 2011 dark comedy starred Aniston alongside Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day as three friends who conspired to take down their nightmare employers. The film's success led to a sequel in 2014. Aniston shared that a potential third installment isn't off the table. "Jason Bateman and I were talking about that, and Charlie Day has been talking about it a lot too," she revealed. "So that's something that we think would be super fun." For Aniston, it's not just about nostalgia, it's about the need for laughter. "The characters are hilarious, and we need comedy. I personally think comedy is a necessity," Aniston said. "That's one that we would have a really fun time, I think, going back to, seeing where those crazy cats are today." Beyond sequels, Aniston is also thinking about new on-screen collaborations with other talented actors. One name at the top of her wish list? "The Last of Us" star Pedro Pascal. The two recently had dinner together, which sparked rumors of a potential project in the works. While the meeting was described as casual, a source told People that Aniston "likes Pedro's energy and would love to work with him." In the meantime, Aniston is keeping busy with her current role in Apple TV+'s acclaimed drama "The Morning Show," which returns for its fourth season on September 17. The series explores the cutthroat world of network morning television and stars Aniston alongside Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, and Jon Hamm. Reflecting on the upcoming season, the Emmy winner told the publication earlier this year, "Oh my gosh, it was hard. It was so hard." Still, she promised fans an intense ride: "But it's a great season. It's jam-packed, that's for sure." In another interview with People Magazine, Aniston reflected on growing up in a health-conscious home with her parents. "I was never allowed to have a sugary piece of anything, and I was also served spelt bread," she recalled. "I grew up in one of those holistic households ... so I've sort of lived by that." Aniston, who recently partnered with Smartwater for a new campaign, says her mother played a big role in instilling lifelong wellness habits. "My mom sort of drilled into me the importance of drinking water since I was a kid, but I guess really more in my late teens," she said. She also credited her mom's influence for her enduring commitment to self-care, adding: "She was also the one who taught me to put on face cream and eye cream."
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Jennifer Aniston's New Role Is Stirring Painful Family Memories
Jennifer Aniston is stepping into one of the most emotionally charged roles of her career. The actress is set to play a difficult mother in the upcoming Apple TV+ adaptation of Jennette McCurdy's best-selling memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died." However, the part is more than just a character. It also echoes of Aniston's turbulent childhood and strained relationship with her late mother, Nancy Dow. In a casting decision that shocked and intrigued Hollywood, Aniston will portray Debra McCurdy, the overbearing, narcissistic mother of the former "iCarly" actress Jennette McCurdy, in a 10-episode dramedy based on the latter's explosive memoir. The book recounts how Debra exerted unhealthy control over her daughter's life and career before her death in 2013. It is a role that resonates deeply with Aniston, whose own relationship with her mother was marked by conflict and estrangement. "This is a very poignant role for Jen to say the very least," a source told the Daily Mail after news of her casting broke. 'She loved Jennette's story and is very passionate about bringing it to life. Of course, the book is a topic that Jen and many other daughters of difficult mothers can relate to.' Aniston is also serving as executive producer on the series, continuing her creative partnership with Apple TV+, where she currently stars in "The Morning Show" alongside Reese Witherspoon. Jennifer Aniston has spoken publicly over the years about the emotionally complex relationship she shared with her late mother, Nancy Dow, who passed away in May 2016 at the age of 79. The two had been estranged for years, reportedly reconciling only weeks before Dow's death, after the actress paid her a final visit during a period of declining health. 'It is with great sadness that my brother John and I announce the passing of our mother Nancy Dow,' Aniston said in a statement to PEOPLE Magazine at the time. 'She was 79 years old and passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends after enduring a long illness. We ask that our family's privacy be respected as we grieve our loss.' Despite the solemn tone, the years leading up to Dow's passing were anything but peaceful for the "Friends" star. In a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Aniston revealed how growing up with her mother left deep emotional scars. 'Because she was a model, she was gorgeous, stunning,' she recalled. 'I wasn't. I never was. I honestly still don't think of myself in that sort of light, which is fine.' 'She was also very unforgiving,' Aniston continued. 'She would hold grudges that I just found so petty.' The tension between mother and daughter ran so deep that Aniston chose not to invite Dow to her 2015 wedding to actor Justin Theroux. It wasn't the only sign of distance between the two women. Dow published a book in 1999 titled "From Mother and Daughter to Friends: A Memoir," which reportedly laid bare personal details of their fractured bond, without Aniston's blessing. The estrangement grew more painful in Dow's final years. According to In Touch Weekly, Aniston's May 12, 2016, visit was their first reunion in more than four years, brought on by Dow's multiple strokes, which left her unable to speak or walk. 'Jen must have had a wake-up call and wanted to see her mother one last time before she passes,' a source told the outlet. Dow ultimately left Aniston out of her will entirely, according to reports published two months after her death. Despite their difficult past, Aniston has also made efforts to recognize the positive lessons she absorbed from her mother. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, she shared memories from her upbringing. 'I was never allowed to have a sugary piece of anything, and I was also served spelt bread,' she recalled. 'I grew up in one of those holistic households... so I've sort of lived by that.' She added, 'My mom drilled into me the importance of drinking water,' and said she was taught early on to 'put on face cream and eye cream.'
