Saucy at 50 Jen’s wild birthday bash
Her friends are going all out to surprise her
After a tumultuous year that saw the devastating end of her second marriage to Justin Theroux, Jennifer Aniston would have been excused for approaching her 50th birthday next week with feelings of trepidation.
But the much-loved star – who found fame on hit sitcom Friends back in the ’90s – is determined to celebrate the February 11 milestone in style. And while she might be unlucky-in-love, she’s certainly lucked in on the friend front, with her best pal, talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres, planning the party of a lifetime.
A source reveals, “Ellen joked on her show about throwing Jen a party, but she was absolutely serious. She and her wife Portia de Rossi have invited all Jen’s loved ones to a huge celebration at their Beverly Hills mansion, and they’re going all-out to make it the most exquisite and lavish bash.
“After such a tough year, they’re determined that she has the best night ever and will be surrounded by people who adore her.”
The source says Ellen, 61, has used her A-list pulling power to secure Jennifer’s favourite bands to play, including The Crash Kings and Coldplay, while LA’s best cocktail mixologists have been drafted in to create a tequila bar. Dinner will be a six-course affair, followed by fireworks.
“Ellen has made sure that all Jen’s Friends co-stars will be there and have planned surprise speeches. Her father John is likely to have everyone in tears with a heartfelt tribute to his daughter who he’s incredibly close to.”
And this isn’t the only celebration, with Jennifer booking a luxury escape with close pals after the party. Our source says she’s still healing from the end of her marriage to Justin, 13 years after her first divorce from Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt.
“Jen does her best to put on a brave face, but the truth is she could do with taking a break and reflecting on all she’s been through over the years,” tells the source. “She relies heavily on counselling, but also on the support of her amazing friends. She hasn’t found lasting love, but she still counts herself very lucky.”
Pick-me-up
And despite reports that the single star is planning some subtle cosmetic work to mark turning 50, Jennifer has insisted publicly that she’s relaxed about getting older.
“I don’t think life stops after 50 – if anything, it gets more and more exciting,” she said recently. “For some reason, we don’t honour or pay respect to ageing. It’s something that we look at as a negative and yet every single person on this planet does it.
“I don’t understand why it’s not something that’s celebrated, why there’s some sort of an expiration date on who you are as a person worth watching and a story being told about you.”
And to anyone who might feel sad that she doesn’t have children, Jennifer’s quick to put them in their place.
“We don’t need to be married or mothers to be complete,” she asserts. “We get to determine our own ‘happily ever after’ for ourselves.”
As well as looking fitter and more fabulous than ever, Jennifer also oozes confidence.
“I don’t feel much different than I felt in my 20s, except I feel physically better,” she revealed. “I also love myself more. That’s the most beautiful thing that reflects out is inner confidence and inner sort of love.”
With that attitude, it’s no surprise Jennifer – who works out for an hour each day – was named the Most Beautiful Woman Alive in 2016 by
People magazine. Recently, she revealed she’d added boxing to her fitness regime.
“There’s something about the mental aspect of boxing – the drills – your brain has to work, you’re not just sitting on a bike. It’s amazing.”
When it comes to diet, Jennifer follows a sugar-free, low-carb, high-protein eating plan. Breakfast is avocado and eggs, while lunch and dinner are vegetables, salad and chicken or fish. For snacks? Frozen grapes.
And now, with her 50th just days away, Jennifer’s friends are hoping her next decade brings all the happiness and joy she deserves.
Says one, “Jen is one of those people you just love being around. She’s a people magnet. She’s had some big lows in her life but also amazing highs, so we’re all just hoping she continues to be happy.”