Jennifer Aniston's dad John lived 2 hours away from actress, hoping they could mend bridges before he died
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Veteran actor and Jennifer Aniston's father John died at the age of 89 on November 11. While being a regular on the daytime drama 'Days of our Lives', John was hardly present during the 'Friends' alum's childhood.
According to Amo Mama, the 53-year-old actress had a rough childhood because of her parent's messy relationship which ultimately led to a divorce in August 1980. Moreover, the father-daughter relationship between the two actors was not an easy one. Aniston was reportedly only nine when the late actor walked out on her and her mother Nancy Dow which led to her cutting him off from her life. However, it appears that John regretted being absent from his daughter's life and wanted to repair their bond.
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'The Morning Show' star was too young at that time to make sense of her father's sudden disappearance. She was unsure whether she would ever see him again. According to the outlet, Aniston saw her father at her 50th birthday party in February 2019. Yet, she was unwilling to make any effort to go visit him when he lived just two hours away from her. A source stated that Aniston felt that she was "wronged" by him which the actress took very deeply. "When Jen's been wronged, she is very quick to cut people coldly and permanently," sources said.
Her father, on the other hand, wanted to mend their strained relationship as he was worried about dying before they could reconcile. "He speaks to Jen occasionally but would like to re-establish a relationship with her before it's too late," an insider told Amo Mama. Aniston did not have a great relationship with her mother either as the model cared more about looks and wanted the 'We're the Millers' star to follow in her footsteps. The pair slowly drifted apart but mended their relationship before the latter's death in May 2016.
John reportedly wanted Aniston to heal from her traumatic past as he was aware of the emotional scars from her childhood. Thus, he wanted to redeem himself and make amends. According to Today, the actress forgave her parents after all as she wanted to let go of her childhood pain, saying, "I forgave my mom. I forgave my father. I’ve forgiven my family. It’s important. It’s toxic to have that resentment, that anger. I learned that by watching my mom never let go of it. I remember saying, ‘Thank you for showing me what never to be.’ So that’s what I mean about taking the darker things that happen in our lives, the not-so-happy moments, and trying to find places to honor them because of what they have given to us."
Aniston also wrote a special message for her late father on her social media following his death, saying, "Sweet papa… John Anthony Aniston You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace - and without pain. And on 11/11 no less! You always had perfect timing. That number will forever hold an even greater meaning for me now. I’ll love you till the end of time. Don’t forget to visit."