WELCOME TO THE PARTY!

Stars toast to People's 50th anniversary as they look back at their own milestone moments

JENNIFER ANISTON

The actress has learned a lot—but the wonder remains

There are three boxes in the garage of Jennifer Aniston’s Los Angeles home that she absolutely treasures. “They’re filled with trinkets and journals and pictures. Just life,” says the actress-producer, 55. “If anybody wants to find out the truth of everything, they can just go in there.” No doubt the memorabilia reflects the LolaVie founder’s fiercely loyal group of friends and her beloved dogs. Not to mention her three decades in Hollywood—from her roles in movies like The Break-Up, Cake and Murder Mystery to her current portrayal of news anchor Alex Levy on Apple TV+’s The Morning Show. But of course the most indelible are surely from the 10 seasons she starred as Rachel on the megahit comedy Friends, whose cast was first featured on People’s cover in 1995.

When did you realize you wanted to be an actress?

Probably when I was onstage for the first time when I was about 11. I was in a Nativity play, and I played the archangel. From that moment on I caught the bug.

What’s been the most important lesson you’ve learned along the way?

There’s so many. Patience, be kind, to respect your fellow actors. And just tell the truth.