LOS ANGELES – In a powerful gesture of charity and nostalgia, actress Jennifer Aniston has agreed to auction off a rare, tastefully nude portrait taken in 1995 to raise funds for COVID-19 relief. The black-and-white image, part of a larger collection by renowned photographer Mark Seliger, is being offered through an exclusive charity auction, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting healthcare organizations providing free testing and treatment for the coronavirus across the United States.

Aniston, 56, shared the news on her Instagram account on May 31, praising Seliger’s initiative and encouraging fans and collectors alike to support the cause.

“My dear friend Mark Seliger is auctioning 25 of his portraits — including mine — to raise money for COVID-19 relief,” she wrote. “All proceeds will go to NAF Clinics, which offers free nationwide testing and healthcare to patients affected by COVID-19. Thank you, Mark, for including me in such a meaningful project.”

A Striking Portrait from the Peak of “Friends” Fame

The photograph in question is a minimalist black-and-white nude taken during the height of Aniston’s breakout fame. Captured in 1995, just one year after the launch of NBC’s Friends, the portrait presents a young Aniston at age 26, seated and partially turned away from the camera. The composition is elegant, carefully avoiding any explicit exposure while still celebrating the actress’s natural beauty and vulnerability.

Originally shot for US Magazine, the image was part of a series by Seliger capturing Hollywood’s brightest stars of the era. Commentators and art critics have praised the photograph’s timeless quality, noting that it reveals both strength and softness — a balance that has come to define Aniston’s enduring public image.

“There’s nothing gratuitous or provocative about the shot,” said media historian Dr. Karen Weiss. “It reflects an era when celebrity portraits could be artistic, sensual, and respectful. And in this context — as part of a charity auction — it serves a noble purpose.”

Part of a Star-Studded Auction

Aniston’s portrait is among 25 being auctioned by Mark Seliger, whose distinctive style and career-spanning work have made him one of the most sought-after celebrity photographers in the industry. Other iconic images in the series include portraits of Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billie Eilish, Oprah Winfrey, and former President Barack Obama.

Seliger’s auction is hosted in partnership with RAD (Red Carpet Advocacy), an organization that collaborates with celebrities to raise funds for causes they are passionate about. The proceeds from Aniston’s photo and the entire auction will go directly to NAF Clinics, a nonprofit providing free and low-cost healthcare services to underserved communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The goal was to bring art and purpose together,” Seliger said in a statement. “Each of these portraits tells a story. I’m grateful to the subjects who allowed their image to serve something greater than themselves.”

The auction, which opened June 1 and runs for two weeks, has already drawn considerable attention from collectors and fans alike. Early estimates suggest that Aniston’s portrait alone could fetch tens of thousands of dollars, with some suggesting it may exceed $100,000.

A Career Defined by Evolution and Resilience

Jennifer Aniston’s participation in the charity auction marks yet another chapter in a career that has seamlessly blended popularity, professionalism, and philanthropy. Rising to fame as the fashion-forward Rachel Green on Friends, Aniston quickly became a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

After the series wrapped in 2004, she transitioned into film, carving a niche in romantic comedies such as The Break-Up (2006), Marley & Me (2008), and Just Go With It (2011). While her roles often carried a light-hearted tone, Aniston’s performances were consistently grounded, earning her a loyal fanbase.

In 2019, she made a triumphant return to television with The Morning Show on Apple TV+, opposite Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell. Her portrayal of veteran anchor Alex Levy garnered critical acclaim and won her a Golden Globe — her first major TV award since Friends.

More recently, she’s been working on the much-anticipated Friends reunion special, celebrating the 26th anniversary of the show’s premiere. While production faced delays due to the pandemic, the project has generated intense buzz among fans of all ages.

Using Fame for Good

Aniston has long been known for her philanthropic efforts, frequently supporting causes related to health, disaster relief, and women’s rights. During the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she was among the celebrities who promoted mask-wearing and supported medical frontliners.

“She’s someone who understands the weight of her influence,” said Diane Mendez, director at NAF Clinics. “Jennifer’s decision to offer such a personal image for public auction speaks volumes about her dedication to helping others.”

Though nude celebrity portraits often generate tabloid speculation, the tone around this auction has remained largely respectful and focused on the charitable mission. Even mainstream media has framed the sale within its artistic and philanthropic context.

“This isn’t about scandal. It’s about legacy, art, and purpose,” wrote Vanity Fair in a recent piece about the Seliger auction. “Jennifer Aniston’s portrait is part of a bigger story — one that speaks to how celebrities can use their image to create real-world change.”

Public Reaction

On social media, reactions to Aniston’s announcement have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans praised her openness and the elegance of the portrait, while many commended her for using a deeply personal image to raise money for those in need.

“This is why she’ll always be America’s sweetheart,” one Twitter user wrote. “Not just for Friends, but for her heart.”

Others reflected on how the photo captured a cultural moment — a young actress at the start of a defining career, now using that image to help during a historic crisis.

“This photo from 1995 has come full circle,” said another user. “Back then, it was about a star rising. Today, it’s about a star giving back.”

Looking Ahead

The auction is expected to close later this month, and Seliger has hinted that if the response remains strong, he may consider a second round of fundraising featuring previously unreleased works.

As for Aniston, she remains busy with both new projects and public advocacy. While she has yet to comment further beyond her initial post, her decision to participate in the auction sends a clear message about the power of art, nostalgia, and generosity during trying times.

In a world still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, Aniston’s gesture serves as a reminder that even the most iconic images can find new life — not just in galleries or coffee table books, but in helping people heal.