It was a bittersweet Christmas in Salem on Monday as Days of Our Lives‘ annual holiday episode gifted fans with one last appearance by John Aniston in the role of Victor Kiriakis.
Aniston, who died last month at the age of 89, has remained a key fixture on the long-running soap since he first appeared in 1985. So, how did Days bid farewell to one of its most iconic characters? Let’s discuss:
Monday’s episode began with Victor offering a hearty welcome to his new houseguest Leo Stark. And by “hearty welcome,” we mean a blank stare followed by a “What the hell are you doing in my house?” Classic Victor.
He even threatened to throw the “deranged woodland critter” out on his “sugar plumb ass” before demanding that he “scamper back to Whoville.”
Victor was none too pleased to discover that Leo was invited to stay at Chez Kiriakis by his own nephew, even threatening to fire Sonny from Titan if he didn’t kick his new “friend” to the curb. That dual threat inspired Sonny to finally stand up to his uncle, a sight we never thought we’d see.
Then came a true Christmas miracle: Not only did Victor agree to let Leo stay, but he even allowed Sonny to keep his job. Aniston’s deadpan delivery of “I changed my mind because I have a heart of gold” was really something. Victor’s final words were to Sonny, warning him that Will won’t approve of his new pro-Leo philosophy — and he was right.
Victor’s enduring legacy was celebrated at the end of the episode with a look back at the incredibly complicated character — the villain, the lover, the family man. We watched Victor clash with his enemies, including the equally iconic Stefano DiMera; we watched him say “I do” to Carly, Vivian, Kate, Nicole and Maggie; we watched him offer kind words to the family members who saw through his bullish exterior; and in the end, we literally watched him sail into the sunset.
It’s not yet known how Days will address Victor’s exit on screen.
Official video of Days‘ tribute will be added if/when it becomes available. In the meantime, drop a comment with your thoughts on Aniston’s final episode below.
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A true legend, Days won’t be the same without him! Rest in Peace…thought and prayers go out to friends and family especially Jennifer. Thanks for making life in Salem a lot more memorable John =)
I am so saddened by this. I watched him in the 80’s and early 90’s. He was an extraordinary actor! He played an incredible role on Days of Our Lives. He even sacared me as a child. Lol May he rest in peace 💙.
I’m so pleased with both his final appearance and the fitting tribute to his legacy. Been a John Aniston fan since long before his Victor Kiriakis ever set foot in Salem. John was blessed with a long, successful acting career.
RIP John Aniston/Victor you’ll be missed
Victor was an important character so many of the Days characters over the years. I really hope they don’t turn his character’s death into a murder mystery scenario and instead let him pass peacefully in his sleep with Maggie discovering him upon waking. I think that would be a difficult enough story to tell since so many of the cast talked about John Aniston fondly over the years. I’ve stopped watching because the show is just not good, but I’m hoping it will pick up in February when the new episodes will start airing. I’m praying that the episodes written after the move to Peacock will bring in new drama and new scenarios that we haven’t seen before. I’m tired of CEOs that have no idea what they’re doing. I’m tired of people wearing fake masks. I’m tried of the bad guys always winning. And I’m tired of them breaking up couples and assassinating the characters of everyone we’re supposed to root for. Anyway, RIP John Aniston.
I agree him die peacfully in his sleep.
Just die in peace on the show they haven’t done that in a long time I totally agree with you Henry that would be great if they would finally let a character just die in peace I mean he’s abled age he’s lived a great life so I think they should just let it go with him dying in his sleep and Maggie finding him I think you totally got it please rest in peace Victor you will be well missed prayers to the family
Sending up the prayers to tha family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽…
My condolences to Days of our lives cast and to victor family. I had stop watching DOOL since they went to peacock. But I know with Days it will be a tearjerker with the tribute to him after the show. I have watch victors for many years, he was a great actor. RIP Victor (John Aniston)
After many years of watch Days of our lives I stopped watching it in the 80’s I just returned 40 plus years later and OMG I will never give it up again. Thank you Victor.
I’M SO GLAD WE HAD THIS TIME TOGETHER (RIP)
I watched today. He made me laugh and cry. You will be missed. May God be with his family at this sad time !!
I really like the tribute to John Aniston. And his final show was full of classic Victor red party. Really enjoyed it. Did anyone else notice that there was no clip including Bo, however? I can’t believe it was an oversight. Perhaps a contract issue? Anyway, I missed it. They were an unlikely father and son. They’re also was no inclusion of Caroline’s husband Shawn whose discovery of Bo’s heritage was not referenced. Victor’s love for Caroline was a hidden story for so long, and Victor’s love for her and for Bo brought out the best in him.
Sorry everyone! That should have said “repartee!”🤣
Victor is such a hoot!I will definitely miss him.RIp John
He had class…….and a great wit. I remember when he was on Search for Tomorrow, on that show he showed great range as an actor
Very touching and caring. Brought tears to my eyes. I gave watched Days since it started. Have seen lots of characters leave. I will miss John (Victor) very much.
I literally cried watching the highlight tribute. Watched him since he first arrived on Dool. Such an incredible character. Thank you for the great memories and bless you John!
i will truly miss john aniston. He was a wonderful actor.
A true iconic actor. He was handsome, funny and serious.
He will be dearly missed.
RIP John Aniston 🙏🏻❤️
I was so saddened to hear of your passing. I just loved your portrayal of Victor on Days. You were so good..we (I ) shall miss you. Rest in Peace sir
May the angels always sing for you
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May be safe and warm and welcome to heaven by the angels singing to the gates. Will miss and his greek sense of humor.. God bless.
He was one of my favorite cast member I really miss seeing him
John Aniston became an iconic figurehead in Salem . Both his wit, and sarcasm will be missed.
I will truly miss him I’ve been watching days since it first aired with my mom and I was just a little girl and I truly love Victor you always knew he had a soft side very they rarely let him show it The show won’t quite be the same without him
John went out with a laugh. His character will always be remembered and missed. RIP sir!!
So sorry for your loss! I’ve been watching Victor on Days of our Lives for over 40 years. He is a legend, in Daytime soaps.
It was classic Victor in all his glory. He was always great to watch and will be missed. I laughed at each of his comments on Leo and cried at the end watching clips of all of his years on Days. I’ve been watching for over 40 yrs so it will definitely not be the same without him but hope that there will be a farewell episode that will bring all of those there that ever dealt with Victor in some way. Prayers for his family and Days family..
The Christmas episode was the perfect way to say goodbye to John Aniston, I loved every episode with him in it.