PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Aniston's rarely seen half-brother John Melick emerges a day after their mother's death 

Jennifer Aniston's half-brother John Melick has been living in relative obscurity, until she mentioned him in a statement annoucing the death of their mother Nancy Dow.

The 56-year-old assistant director was spotted running errands in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley a day later on Thursday.

For the first time perhaps, John was noticed by more than the casual observer as he left an auto body shop with paperwork in one hand.

Getting out: Jennifer Aniston's rarely seen half-brother John Melick emerged to run errands in LA on Thursday - a day after the passing of their mother Nancy Dow

Getting out: Jennifer Aniston's rarely seen half-brother John Melick emerged to run errands in LA on Thursday - a day after the passing of their mother Nancy Dow

John bore perhaps only a shadow of a resemblance to the 47-year-old former Friends star as seen in the strong jawline

Wearing khaki cargo shorts and a blue T-shirt along with flip flops, John looked like any other California dude.

John, who has remained close to Jennifer despite her feelings towards their mother during the past 20 years or so, no doubt wanted to keep busy.

See the resemblance? The 56-year-old assistant director bore a shadow of a resemblance to his famous younger sister Jennifer

See the resemblance? The 56-year-old assistant director bore a shadow of a resemblance to his famous younger sister Jennifer

Normal: John looked like any other California dude in cargo shorts, T-shirt and flip flops

Normal: John looked like any other California dude in cargo shorts, T-shirt and flip flops

Married with children: John is married and has two children, son John IV and daughter Eilish K. who is also a budding actress

Married with children: John is married and has two children, son John IV and daughter Eilish K. who is also a budding actress

Jennifer, meanwhile, one of the world's biggest celebrities, is also one of the world's most private when it comes to her family.

The death of Jennifer's mother has left many questioning who is the star's brother John Melick?

When the actress announced the passing of estranged mother Nancy on Wednesday she included her sibling in her official media comment.

Family tree: The death of Jennifer's mother revealed to many that she had a brother, John Melick (pictured with the actress in 1997) who was her mother's son with first husband Jack Melick

Family tree: The death of Jennifer's mother revealed to many that she had a brother, John Melick (pictured with the actress in 1997) who was her mother's son with first husband Jack Melick

In the statement provided to People, Jennifer said: 'It is with great sadness that my brother John and I announce the passing of our Mother Nancy Dow. She was 79 years old and passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends after enduring a long illness.'

For many it was the first time they had heard of Jennifer having a brother.

John is actually the actress' older half-brother, whom Nancy had with her first husband Jack Melick.

Nancy was married to the pianist from 1956 to 1961 and four years later, Nancy married Jennifer's father, John Aniston.

Passed away: When the 47-year-old announced the passing of estranged mother Nancy Dow (pictured two months ago) on Wednesday she included her sibling in her official media comment

Passed away: When the 47-year-old announced the passing of estranged mother Nancy Dow (pictured two months ago) on Wednesday she included her sibling in her official media comment

Nancy - a bit part actress and model - was married to John Aniston until 1980 with the couple splitting when Jen was nine.

John, like his sister, also works in Hollywood however, prefers to stay out of the limelight.

According to US Weekly, John has worked behind-the-scenes as an assistant director and second assistant director on films for close to three decades.

In the biz: John (pictured with Jen's father John Aniston also in 1997) works in Hollywood as an assistant director 

In the biz: John (pictured with Jen's father John Aniston also in 1997) works in Hollywood as an assistant director 

The 56-year-old has worked on film Thirteen as well as The Sarah Silverman Program and the MTV Awards.

John is married and has two children son John IV and daughter Eilish K., who is budding actress.

John is not however, Jennifer's only sibling, she has another half-brother Alex - who goes by AJ - whose father is John Aniston.

Jennifer has long tried to keep her family life private especially in wake of then tensions between her and her late mother.

Nancy had in the past been publicly critical of her daughter leading to the pair being estranged for years.

Reportedly the mother and daughter had reconciled just prior to Nancy's death.

Nancy reportedly had suffered a series of strokes in the last few years and lost the ability to speak and walk prior to her passing.

A source told People despite their struggles, Jennifer loved her mother very much.

'No matter how complicated and difficult the relationship between Nancy and Jennifer may have been, it is heartbreaking for any daughter to lose her mother.

'Nancy fought a very long battle, with many ups and downs, and Jennifer is grateful for the happy times they shared. [Jennifer] is pulling close to her husband and family and feels so supported by their love.'

Private: Jennifer (pictured on April 13) has long tried to keep her family life private especially in wake of then tensions between her and her late mother, which reportedly were put behind them just prior to Nancy's death

Private: Jennifer (pictured on April 13) has long tried to keep her family life private especially in wake of then tensions between her and her late mother, which reportedly were put behind them just prior to Nancy's death

 

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