The beloved "Friends" star recently spilled some fascinating beans on the "Armchair Expert" podcast, revealing her late father's surprising advice against acting, her reasons for turning down "Saturday Night Live," and what's next on her career bucket list.
TL;DR- Jennifer Aniston's dad, veteran actor John Aniston, strongly discouraged her from pursuing an acting career, warning of constant rejection.
- Before landing "Friends," Aniston famously turned down a spot on "Saturday Night Live" because she felt it was a "male-dominated" environment.
- Looking ahead, she's keen on a potential "Horrible Bosses" sequel and has a major dream of performing in a Broadway play.
Jennifer Aniston, a name synonymous with Hollywood success and America's sweetheart status, recently opened up on the "Armchair Expert" podcast with hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman. While we often see the polished, celebrated version of our favorite stars, Aniston got incredibly real about the journey to her unparalleled career, sharing insights into her family's influence, missed opportunities, and her enduring passion for the craft.
When Dad Said "Get a Real Job": John Aniston's Warning
It's hard to imagine Jennifer Aniston doing anything but acting, but it turns out her own father, the late John Aniston, tried his best to steer her away from the business. John Aniston, a respected actor himself, was best known for his nearly four-decade-long run as Victor Kiriakis on the popular soap opera "Days of Our Lives." He passed away in 2022, having worked right up until his final episode aired just a week after his death.
Jennifer recalled her father's blunt advice:
"My dad was telling me, 'Please don't do this, you're just going to suffer rejection.' 'Just go get a job. Like, get a real job.' All the cliché things. [But] whatever drives you, if you find passion in something and you love it, go do it."
— Jennifer Aniston on her father, John Aniston
She also humorously added that he'd tell her, "You're gonna end up in Greece anyway." It's a sentiment many parents in tough industries share, wanting to protect their children from the inevitable struggles. However, for Jennifer, this warning only strengthened her resolve. In previous interviews, she's shared that his attempts to discourage her actually "compelled me to go for it even harder."
Addressing the "Nepo Baby" Debate with Candid Insight
While discussing her father's influence, Aniston also weighed in on the "nepo baby" conversation that frequently pops up in Hollywood. She openly acknowledged that having a parent in the industry might open a door, but stressed that talent and hard work are what truly keep you there.
"I mean, look at all the law firms. Blanky Blank Blanky and Blanky Blank. I mean, all right, isn't that a version of it's all in the family? It's all in the family. So, maybe you got into a door because you're so-and-so's kid, but if you suck, guess what? You're not going to continue to do it."
— Jennifer Aniston
Her point is clear: while privilege can provide an initial foot in the door, sustained success ultimately hinges on individual merit. Her own journey, despite her father's initial resistance, certainly proves that.
Why Jennifer Aniston Turned Down "Saturday Night Live"
Before she became a global icon as Rachel Green on "Friends," Jennifer Aniston had another major opportunity knock on her door: "Saturday Night Live." It's a show that has launched countless comedic careers, making her decision to say no even more intriguing.
Aniston recounted a confusing memory of a meeting with "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels in New York City, even running into Adam Sandler and David Spade in the hallway. When asked by Dax Shepard why she turned it down, her answer was refreshingly honest and insightful:
"Honestly, today I'd have to ask Lorne, because I remember, I was in New York City, and I had a meeting with Lorne Michaels, and I ran into [Adam] Sandler and [David] Spade in the room right outside... I don't know why I had this self-righteous attitude of 'I don't know if women are treated the way they should be treated on this show. It's a very male-dominated [show], I would love to be here if it was in the Gilda Radner day.'"
— Jennifer Aniston on rejecting SNL
Her recollection speaks volumes about the challenges women faced in comedy, particularly during that era. It highlights a desire for a more inclusive environment, perhaps one reminiscent of the groundbreaking female comedians like Gilda Radner who graced the "SNL" stage in earlier years. Given her incredible success in comedy shortly after with "Friends," it's clear Aniston found her stride in a role that allowed her comedic talents to shine brightly.
From Rachel Green to Alex Levy: A Journey of Stardom and Acclaim
Turning down "SNL" might seem like a huge gamble, but for Jennifer Aniston, it paid off almost immediately. Her role as Rachel Green on NBC's "Friends" catapulted her to superstardom, making her one of the most recognizable and beloved faces in television history. The show became a cultural phenomenon, and Aniston's performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 2002.
Her career didn't stop there. She successfully transitioned to film, starring in hit comedies and dramas alike, including "Marley & Me" and "We're The Millers." Her longevity and appeal are undeniable; in August 2019, Forbes estimated her earnings at $28 million between June 2018 and June 2019, ranking her as the world's fifth highest-paid actress.
More recently, Aniston has continued to impress with her work as both a star and producer on Apple TV+'s critically acclaimed drama, "The Morning Show," which she's been a part of since November 2019. This role has allowed her to showcase her dramatic range and tackle timely, complex issues, further solidifying her status as a versatile and powerful force in Hollywood.
The Drive for Approval: A Deeper Look into Jennifer's Motivations
Beyond the surface of fame and success, Aniston shared a poignant insight into what fueled her early career: the desire for her father's approval. Her parents divorced when she was nine, and she revealed that "Always wanting to get Pop's approval — 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 candidly added that she believed if she had established herself as an actor, "then he will love me as much as I love him." This raw honesty offers a glimpse into the personal motivations that often drive public figures.
What's Next for Jennifer Aniston? A "Horrible Bosses" Sequel and Broadway Ambitions
Even with decades of success under her belt, Aniston isn't slowing down. She's got her sights set on exciting new projects and revisiting beloved roles. Fans of the "Horrible Bosses" films, where Aniston played the hilariously inappropriate Dr. Julia Harris, will be thrilled to hear she's open to a sequel.
She told People that she's already discussed it with co-stars Jason Bateman and Charlie Day. "The characters are hilarious, and we need comedy. I personally think comedy is a necessity," she stated, emphasizing her love for the genre and the fun they had making those films.
But perhaps her most surprising revelation was a long-held personal ambition: performing on Broadway. "That's on my bucket list," she shared. "It's just about finding the time and the right material. But I absolutely have to do a play on Broadway." It's a testament to her dedication to the craft and her desire to continue challenging herself as an artist, proving that even a star of her magnitude still has dreams to chase.
Aniston also touched upon deeply personal topics, including her fertility struggles and IVF treatments. She's been outspoken in addressing false narratives that claimed she didn't want children in order to prioritize her career, revealing that she has been trying to embrace motherhood for years. This commitment to transparency resonates deeply with her audience, solidifying her as not just a talented actress, but a relatable and authentic human being.
The Enduring Legacy of Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston's journey is a powerful reminder that behind every success story are personal struggles, difficult decisions, and an unwavering passion. From ignoring her father's well-intentioned warnings to making bold choices like turning down "SNL," she has carved out a career that continues to evolve and inspire. With her current success on "The Morning Show" and exciting future prospects like a potential "Horrible Bosses" return and a Broadway debut, it's clear that Jennifer Aniston's star will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
Jennifer Aniston dishes on her surprising decision to pass on a Saturday Night Live casting offer in the early '90s, revealing her 'self-righteous' reasons and how it led her to Friends. Find out what she said on the Armchair Expert podcast!
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Sources
- Variety - TV News (Zack Sharf)
- Business Insider (Amanda Goh)
- Cinema Express Desk
- Geo News Digital Desk
- The News Digital
- Female First