Jennifer Aniston opens up about her plastic surgery, says she’ll never inject “s**t into my face”
Jennifer Aniston emerged as a household name with her portrayal of Rachel on the iconic television show Friends. Now at 54, this star continues to thrive within the competitive realm of Hollywood.
Breaking away from the possibility of being pigeonholed post-Friends was a concern, but Aniston successfully navigated beyond her character, Rachel. Her recent accolades come for her performance in the dramatic series, The Morning Show.
With her ascent in Hollywood came rumors about cosmetic enhancements. Aniston chose to reveal her surgery’s backstory and openly discuss such private matters. Here is a comprehensive look at the esteemed actress’s journey.
Born into a clan with deep entertainment roots in Sherman Oaks, California, on February 11, 1969, Aniston was the daughter of prominent actress Nancy Dow and soap opera legend John Aniston.
Tracing Jennifer Aniston’s Beginnings
Aniston’s early life in New York seemed cheerful until the age of nine when her father left, shattering the family unit, including her brother John’s life.
The bond between Jennifer Aniston and her father experienced its flux, yet Aniston chose not to hold grudges, in spite of his abandonment of her, her brother, and their mother.
“People in my circle often wonder how I even communicate with him,” Aniston reflected during a 2015 interview with the Hollywood Reporter. “But what do you gain from holding on to such negative feelings? It’s harmful. Humans err. Humans are imperfect. Not forgiving someone prevents them from learning and improving as people,”
Aniston credits her disposition as a cherished, respected, and happy colleague to experiences from her youth, although she recognizes they are distinctly different from the challenges she faces today.
In conversation with Sandra Bullock for Interview Magazine, Bullock admired Aniston for her ability to exude joy and positivity. Bullock inquired about Aniston’s secret to staying upbeat amidst setbacks.
“It’s probably due to witnessing grown-ups being unpleasant to each other and my exposure to certain aspects of human behavior in my unstable childhood environment. I internalized the conviction that I did not want to mimic that behavior or become that type of person,” Aniston shared.
From Aspiring Actress to Becoming Rachel on ‘Friends’
A career in acting was on Aniston’s horizon. She honed her craft in the drama department at New York City’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
After her 1987 graduation, Aniston set her sights on Hollywood, and soon after, she landed roles in various television series like Molly, Ferris Bueller, and The Edge. These were the stepping stones on her path to stardom, but little did she know a monumental opportunity awaited her.
In 1994, Aniston snagged a role in the nascent sitcom, Friends. The show, which revolved around the lives of six friends in New York City, was a hit right from its debut.
She brought to life Rachel, a sheltered young woman who courageously breaks away from her privileged upbringing to start anew alongside her new-found companions. The iconic Warner Brothers Studios’ Stage 24 in Burbank, California, became the set for 236 episodes over a decade-long run.
The final episode drew an audience of over 50 million in the United States, catapulting Aniston and her fellow cast members – Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer – into a different stratosphere of fame.
As Friends soared, so did their salaries. Reports suggest that during the final seasons, the cast earned a staggering $1 million per episode.
‘Friends’ Cast Royalties: A Fortune That Keeps On Giving
Despite the conclusion of Friends nearly two decades ago, the ensemble is believed to rake in approximately $20 million each year solely from syndication, as they reportedly receive a 2% share, per The Independent. Netflix is also said to have shelled out an immense $80-$100 million to keep the series on its platform until 2019.
Every Friends character left a unique imprint, and Aniston’s Rachel was no exception, blossoming into a Bloomingdale’s fashion icon. The cultural reach of Friends spanned beyond the screen: Rachel’s hairstyle set trends, the theme song became a radio staple, and many aspired to replicate Chandler Bing’s comedic delivery.
Aniston’s performance not only made her a well-known face but also earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 2002 and a Golden Globe in 2003 for her outstanding work.
But beyond fame, Aniston treasures the lifelong friendships she formed on set.
“Our bond was genuinely enjoyable,” she reminisced.
A Reunion Filled with Emotion
“Back in our early days, during renegotiations, the studio tried to intimidate us by suggesting the show could continue without all six of us—which was unthinkable,” Aniston shared.
Last year’s HBO Special Friends: The Reunion brought the cast together once again. It was an emotionally charged and nostalgic event for both the actors and fans. Aniston admitted that the reunion was so personal at times that she needed to step away from the cameras.
Confronted with the past amid the familiar sets, Aniston found the experience unexpectedly poignant. “It was like greeting my past, reminding me of tougher times when I believed life would be endlessly beautiful. Coping with those memories, especially in the presence of filming equipment and my natural emotional openness, required me to take breaks. I’m curious how they managed to edit around it,” she said.