Why Jennifer Aniston’s New Role Is Stirring Painful Family Memories

Jennifer Aniston is stepping into one of the most emotionally charged roles of her career.

The actress is set to play a difficult mother in the upcoming Apple TV+ adaptation of Jennette McCurdy’s best-selling memoir, "I’m Glad My Mom Died."

However, the part is more than just a character. It also echoes of Aniston’s turbulent childhood and strained relationship with her late mother, Nancy Dow.

In a casting decision that shocked and intrigued Hollywood, Aniston will portray Debra McCurdy, the overbearing, narcissistic mother of the former "iCarly" actress Jennette McCurdy, in a 10-episode dramedy based on the latter’s explosive memoir.

The book recounts how Debra exerted unhealthy control over her daughter’s life and career before her death in 2013.

It is a role that resonates deeply with Aniston, whose own relationship with her mother was marked by conflict and estrangement.

"This is a very poignant role for Jen to say the very least," a source told the Daily Mail after news of her casting broke. “She loved Jennette’s story and is very passionate about bringing it to life. Of course, the book is a topic that Jen and many other daughters of difficult mothers can relate to.”

Aniston is also serving as executive producer on the series, continuing her creative partnership with Apple TV+, where she currently stars in "The Morning Show" alongside Reese Witherspoon.

Jennifer Aniston has spoken publicly over the years about the emotionally complex relationship she shared with her late mother, Nancy Dow, who passed away in May 2016 at the age of 79.

The two had been estranged for years, reportedly reconciling only weeks before Dow’s death, after the actress paid her a final visit during a period of declining health.

“It is with great sadness that my brother John and I announce the passing of our mother Nancy Dow,” Aniston said in a statement to PEOPLE Magazine at the time. “She was 79 years old and passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends after enduring a long illness. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve our loss.”

Despite the solemn tone, the years leading up to Dow’s passing were anything but peaceful for the "Friends" star.

In a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Aniston revealed how growing up with her mother left deep emotional scars.

“Because she was a model, she was gorgeous, stunning,” she recalled. “I wasn’t. I never was. I honestly still don’t think of myself in that sort of light, which is fine.”

“She was also very unforgiving,” Aniston continued. “She would hold grudges that I just found so petty.”

The tension between mother and daughter ran so deep that Aniston chose not to invite Dow to her 2015 wedding to actor Justin Theroux.

It wasn’t the only sign of distance between the two women. Dow published a book in 1999 titled "From Mother and Daughter to Friends: A Memoir," which reportedly laid bare personal details of their fractured bond, without Aniston’s blessing.

The estrangement grew more painful in Dow’s final years. According to In Touch Weekly, Aniston’s May 12, 2016, visit was their first reunion in more than four years, brought on by Dow’s multiple strokes, which left her unable to speak or walk.

“Jen must have had a wake-up call and wanted to see her mother one last time before she passes,” a source told the outlet.

Dow ultimately left Aniston out of her will entirely, according to reports published two months after her death.

Despite their difficult past, Aniston has also made efforts to recognize the positive lessons she absorbed from her mother.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, she shared memories from her upbringing.

“I was never allowed to have a sugary piece of anything, and I was also served spelt bread,” she recalled. “I grew up in one of those holistic households... so I’ve sort of lived by that.”

She added, “My mom drilled into me the importance of drinking water,” and said she was taught early on to “put on face cream and eye cream.”