Jennifer Aniston's Father Shielded Her From Showbiz  6/29/05

Jennifer Aniston's parents were so desperate for his daughter to avoid a career in showbiz, they didn't own a TV or take her to the cinema.

The Friends beauty, whose father John was a soap opera actor, refused to listen her parents' wishes for her to become a professional - and she is glad they eventually accepted her career choice.

She says, "My mother didn't believe in television. I know it sounds silly, because my dad was on a daytime soap, but I wasn't even allowed to go to the movies until I was 12!

"Although my father believed in me, he strictly advised me not to get into this business. He told me I'd get chewed up and spat out. Stability, you know, become a lawyer, doctor - something other than an actress.

"I know he was only protecting his little girl, but now his advice has changed a little. He just tells me to be smart and choose wisely."