Jennifer Aniston (born February 11, 1969 as Jennifer Linn Anastassakis in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California) is an American actress best known for playing Rachel Green on the television sitcom Friends. She married actor Brad Pitt on July 29, 2000, and they separated on January 7, 2005. Aniston officially filed for divorce on March 25, 2005 citing irreconcilable differences.

Early life

Her Greek father, an actor, perhaps hoped that Jennifer would follow in his footsteps, so he made Telly Savalas (TV's "Kojak") her godfather and also changed the family name from their original Greek surname Anastassakis to the more American sounding Aniston. After spending a year living in Greece, the family returned to the States, settling in New York where her father John Aniston (Yannis) won a part on the US soap opera Love of Life and later Search for Tomorrow. In 1985, the family moved to Los Angeles when John Aniston started on Days of Our Lives.

Acting career

Attending New York's High School of Performing Arts during 1987, Aniston was a member of the drama club. Her desire to become an actress grew as she worked in off-Broadway productions such as For Dear Life and Dancing on Checker's Grave . She moved to Hollywood and appeared on her first television role in 1989, starring as a regular on the tv show Molloy .

In 1994, the producers of a new NBC show called Friends originally wanted Aniston to audition for the role of Monica Geller, but she persuaded them that the role of Rachel Green was more suited to her character. She played the character until the popular show ended in 2004.

Aniston has also appeared in many Hollywood films including Picture Perfect , The Object of My Affection, Office Space, Rock Star, The Good Girl, Bruce Almighty and Along Came Polly.

Awards

• 1995: Screen Actors Guild Award: Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series, Friends
• 2002: Emmy Award: Best Actress in a Comedy Series, Friends
• 2003: Golden Globe Award: Best Actress in a Comedy Series, Friends

References

• ABC News: Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston Split
• Associated Press: Aniston Files For Divorce From Pitt