On July 19, 1985, the landscape of daytime television was forever changed when John Aniston stepped into the role of Victor Kiriakis on “Days of Our Lives.” Already a seasoned soap opera veteran with notable appearances on “Love of Life” and “Search for Tomorrow,” Aniston’s portrayal of Victor would elevate him from a respected actor to a true icon of the genre.
From his very first scene, Victor Kiriakis was a force to be reckoned with. Introduced at an auction, bidding on a photograph taken by Kimberly Brady, Victor immediately found himself in a heated competition with Shane Donovan, Kimberly’s love interest. This initial confrontation set the stage for years of conflict between Victor and the Brady family, captivating audiences with its intensity and complexity.
Victor’s character was a masterclass in the art of the soap opera villain. Aniston brought depth and nuance to the role, balancing Victor’s scheming nature with moments of humanity and genuine emotion. This complexity made Victor more than just a one-dimensional antagonist; he became a character that viewers loved to hate and, at times, couldn’t help but sympathize with.
In an interview with the Television Academy, Aniston reflected on Victor’s journey, noting the character’s attempts at reform, particularly in his pursuit of Maggie. However, true to form, Victor never completely abandoned his manipulative ways. As Aniston astutely observed, “Being too goody-two-shoes on a soap opera is no good.” This philosophy kept Victor’s character dynamic and unpredictable, always leaving viewers guessing about his next move.
Victor’s impact on the show’s storylines was immense. His schemes and machinations drove countless plot twists, from business dealings gone awry to personal vendettas played out over years. One of his most shocking acts involved swapping babies with his nephew Xander, a plot that affected the lives of Kristen and Sarah, demonstrating that even in his later years, Victor remained a puppet master par excellence.
Perhaps one of the most telling indicators of Victor’s complex nature was his tumultuous love life. Aniston humorously pointed out that all five of Victor’s wives had attempted to kill him at some point. This statistic speaks volumes about the character’s ability to inspire both passionate love and intense hatred, often in the same person.
Throughout his tenure on “Days of Our Lives,” John Aniston’s portrayal of Victor Kiriakis remained a cornerstone of the show. His ability to bring depth, humor, and a touch of menace to the character ensured that Victor was always at the center of Salem’s most gripping storylines. Whether he was locked in a battle of wits with a business rival or showing rare moments of tenderness with his family, Victor Kiriakis, as brought to life by John Aniston, was a character that defined an era of daytime television.
Aniston’s legacy on “Days of Our Lives” is a testament to his skill as an actor and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted antagonist. Victor Kiriakis will forever be remembered as one of the most captivating and influential characters in soap opera history, a fitting tribute to the late, great John Aniston.
