In a revealing Vanity Fair interview, Jennifer Aniston opened up about her unexpected friendship with Gwyneth Paltrow – two Hollywood icons linked by their past relationships with Brad Pitt – and shared poignant reflections on her late father’s influence. The conversation peeled back layers on modern Hollywood connections, wellness culture, and enduring personal struggles beneath Aniston’s superstar status.
The Brad Pitt Connection: “How Can We Not?”
When asked if Pitt ever comes up in conversations with Paltrow (who dated the actor from 1994–1997, overlapping with Aniston’s 2000–2005 marriage to him), Aniston responded with characteristic wit: “How can we not? We’re girls.” She clarified, however, that their chats rarely fixate on the past. Instead, the women – bonded by decades in the spotlight’s glare – have forged a practical friendship rooted in mutual support. “Ironically, I went to her and Brad’s engagement party [in 1996],” Aniston revealed, highlighting the full-circle nature of their dynamic years before her own relationship with Pitt began.
Wellness Warriors Swapping Secrets
Beyond any shared romantic history, Aniston emphasized that their connection thrives on exchanging health and lifestyle advice. “We’re always swapping recommendations – ‘What are you doing for this? What are you doing for that? Do you have a new doctor for that?’” she told Vanity Fair. This candid exchange positions Aniston (known for her ageless vitality) and Paltrow (founder of the wellness empire Goop) as trusted confidantes in an industry obsessed with longevity and self-care. Their friendship underscores how shared experiences in Hollywood’s pressure cooker often forge deeper bonds than fleeting tabloid narratives suggest.
The Unfilled Void: Seeking a Father’s Approval
In the interview’s most vulnerable moment, Aniston reflected on her complex relationship with her father, Days of Our Lives star John Aniston, who passed away in 2002. She shared the profound impact of his absence during her rise to global fame: “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.” Aniston acknowledged her lifelong quest for validation: “We had a few of those moments… I was always wanting to get Pop’s approval.” This heartfelt admission reveals the personal sacrifices behind her iconic Friends success and enduring career.
Looking Forward: Lights, Camera, Apple TV+
As Aniston processes these personal reflections, her professional trajectory continues to soar. Fans eagerly await her return as Alex Levy in The Morning Show Season 4, set to premiere on September 17 on Apple TV+. The critically acclaimed drama – exploring power, media, and personal reckoning – mirrors the very themes of identity and legacy Aniston navigated in her Vanity Fair revelations.

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