Born in Sherman Oaks, California, Jennifer Aniston spent a year of her childhood living in Greece with her family. Her family then relocated to New York City where her parents, John Aniston and Nancy Dow, divorced when she was 9. Jennifer was raised by her mother and her father landed a role, as Victor Kiriakis, on the daytime soap Days of Our Lives. Jennifer had her first taste of acting at age 11 when she joined the 'Rudolf Steiner' School's drama club. It was also at the 'Rudolf Steiner' School that she developed her passion for art. She began her professional training as a drama student at New York's High School of the Performing Arts. In 1987, after graduation, she appeared in such Off-Broadway productions as "For Dear Life" and "Dancing on Checker's Grave". In 1989, she landed her first television role, as a series regular on Molloy. She also appeared in The Edge, Ferris Bueller, and had a recurring part on Herman's Head. By 1993, she was floundering. Then, in 1994, a pilot called "Friends Like These" came along. Originally asked to audition for the role of Monica, Aniston refused and auditioned for the role of Rachel Green, the suburban princess turned coffee peddler. With the success of the series Friends, Jennifer has become famous and sought-after as she turns her fame into movie roles during the series hiatus.



The Switch (2010): $8,000,000
The Bounty Hunter (2010): $8,000,000
Marley & Me (2008): $8,000,000
The Break-Up (2006): $8,000,000
Rumor Has It... (2005): $8,000,000
Along Came Polly (2004): $5,000,000
Rock Star (2001): $3,000,000
Picture Perfect (1997): $2,000,000

Married boyfriend of 2-1/2 years, Brad Pitt in Malibu, CA. [July 29, 2000] Daughter of actors John Aniston and Nancy Dow. The late Telly Savalas was her godfather. Listed in "People Weekly"s "Most Intriguing People" list. [December 25, 1995] Became estranged from her mother, who made unflattering statements about her in a tabloid. As a result, she refused to invite her mother to her wedding. When she was 11, a painting she had done was displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Attended Fiorello La Guardia School of Music, Art & Performing Arts, New York City. Also known as the "Fame" School. Named one of E!'s "Top 20 Entertainers of 2001.". [2001] She offered to be Matthew Perry's personal trainer in a bid to help him lose weight. [2002] She and husband Brad Pitt reached a settlement with Damiani International Jewelers. The pair claimed the company agreed to never reproduce their wedding rings, but it manufactured and sold "Brad and Jennifer" rings in 18-karat white or yellow gold for about $1,000 apiece. Under the settlement, Pitt will design jewelry for Damiani that Aniston will model in ads, and Damiani will stop selling the "Brad and Jennifer" copies. [January 11, 2002] Won award: International Star of Stars - The Scorpio Multimedia Cable TV Awards. [2002] Her older half-brother, John T. Melick, worked as 2nd assistant director for the award winning Thirteen (2003), starring Holly Hunter. Although she is half Greek, she does not like Greek food. She is also not fond of Chinese, Indian or spicy foods. Was a schoolmate of Chastity Bono. Often plays a waitress - her characters in "Friends" (1994), Office Space (1999), The Iron Giant (1999) and Along Came Polly (2004) were all waitresses. Shares a birthday with singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow, actor Burt Reynolds, singer Kelly Rowland, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, and Alaska Governor/Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Announced on 1/7/05 that she and husband Brad Pitt were separating after 4-1/2 years of marriage. Filed for divorce on 3/25/05, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized on 10/2/05. Had worked as a telemarketer, bike messenger and waitress before making it as an actor. Has said that her favorite food is Mexican, and that (when they were still together), she and Brad Pitt would get Mexican food and margaritas three times a week. Godmother of Courteney Cox and David Arquette's daughter, Coco Riley Arquette. In 2003 she was ranked #1 on Forbes' 2003 "Celebrity 100 List" According to the magazine, she made $35 million in 2003. Has a younger half-brother, Alexander Aniston [b. 1989]. Was named "Woman of the Year" by GQ magazine in 2005 Behind the scenes of "Friends" (1994), Aniston was very close friends with co-star Matthew Perry. Met ex-husband Brad Pitt on a blind date. Best friend of Courteney Cox. Good friend of Andrea Buchanan. They both directed the short film, Room 10 (2006). Has two dogs, Norman (a corgi-terrier mix) and Dolly (a white German shepherd). Her niece was born in 1998. Her birth name is Jennifer Aniston, not Jennifer Anastasakis. Her father John Aniston had changed the spelling of his last name to Aniston from Anastasakis before his marriage to Nancy Dow, and the last name that appears on Jennifer's birth certificate is Aniston. Granddaughter of Yaya Joanna Aniston, Gordon McLean Dow and Louise Grieco Dow. One of 115 people invited to join AMPAS in 2007. Noted that she was inspired to direct Room 10 (2006) by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who directed a short film in 2006. Her Czech dubbing voice is actress Miriam Chytilová. She started to train in karate, encouraged by her best friend, 'Courteney Cox' Arquette, who holds a brown belt in the sport. Is of Greek (father's side) and Italian and Scottish (mother's side) descent. Good friend of Catherine Keener.