Andrea Joy Cook, professionally known as A.J. Cook, is a distinguished Canadian actress celebrated primarily for her iconic role as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on the renowned CBS crime drama series Criminal Minds (2005–2020, 2022–). Cook’s versatile career spans film, television, and directing, marked by compelling roles, enduring fan loyalty, and consistent critical praise, positioning her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents
Who is A.J. Cook?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Andrea Joy Cook |
| Age | 47 years |
| Parents/ Family | Mike Cook (dad) and Sandra Cook (Mom) |
| Siblings | Nathan, Paul, and Angela |
| Husband | Nathan Andersen |
| Sons | Mekhai Allan and Phoenix Sky |
| Net Worth | Approximately $5 million – $8 million |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Plastic Surgery | Lens implant surgery |
| Movies | Criminal Minds, Final Destination 2, The Virgin Suicides, Tru Calling, and Out Cold |
| Eye color | Blue |
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Early Life and Background
Andrea Joy Cook was born July 22, 1978, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She was raised in Whitby alongside three siblings—Nathan, Paul, and Angela—by her parents Mike, a teacher, and Sandra Cook, a psychiatrist. Of English, Scottish, and Northern Irish descent, Cook was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but is no longer a practicing member.
From an early age, she battled vision challenges caused by severe astigmatism, which was later corrected through surgery and lens implants. An accomplished dancer since age four, Cook trained rigorously in jazz, tap, and ballet, which nurtured her performing talents and confidence before transitioning to acting at 16.
Education
Cook attended Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute in Whitby before enrolling at Utah Valley University, where she met her future husband, Nathan Andersen, in a film class.
Career Beginnings and Early Roles
Cook’s career began with a 1997 McDonald’s commercial, followed by guest appearances on Goosebumps and TV films like In His Father’s Shoes and Elvis Meets Nixon. Her feature film debut was in 1999 as Mary Lisbon in Sofia Coppola’s critically acclaimed drama The Virgin Suicides, a pivotal role that showcased her early emotional depth. In the same year, she took a lead role in the TV series Higher Ground as Shelby Merrick, a troubled teenager, earning industry and audience recognition.
The series was brief, lasting one season, but marked Cook’s first major television breakthrough.
Rising Stardom in Film and TV
Throughout the early 2000s, Cook built her filmography with prominent roles in horror and thriller genres, including Ripper (2001), Wishmaster 3 (2001), and notably Final Destination 2 (2003) as Kimberly Corman, a leading character in a popular franchise. Alongside film, she appeared in lighter fare like the snowboard comedy Out Cold (2001), displaying her versatility. Recurring television roles followed in shows such as Dead Like Me and Tru Calling, further establishing her as a talented actress with a range of characters.
Breakthrough and Legacy with Criminal Minds
Cook’s most defining role came in 2005 when she joined Criminal Minds as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, the FBI’s communication liaison and a beloved fan favorite. The series elevated her status, running for 15 seasons and solidifying her as a core cast member. Despite a brief exit in 2010 amid budgetary constraints, overwhelming fan support spearheaded her return in subsequent seasons.
Cook also explored directing within the franchise, including an episode in Season 14 and the revival series Criminal Minds: Evolution. Her portrayal of JJ blends strength, emotion, and intelligence, earning critical acclaim and a steadfast viewer base.
Later Career and Media Presence
Following Criminal Minds finale in 2020, Cook took a short break from acting to prioritize family but remained active in the industry. She guest-starred in the series 9-1-1 (2022) and starred alongside co-star Josh Stewart in the film Back Fork (2019). Beyond acting, Cook served as a spokeswoman for Proactiv, extending her media impact, and featured in Maxim magazine’s 2014 winter issue.
Her continued involvement in directing and selective acting projects reflects a matured and sustained career in entertainment.
Husband, Sons, and Criminal Minds
A.J. Cook has had a long-standing relationship history centered primarily around her husband, Nathan Andersen. Here is a detailed relationship timeline and information about her residence. A.J. Cook met Nathan Andersen during their high school years in the early 1990s in Aurora, Ontario. They became close friends and eventually started dating.
The couple married on August 3, 2001, after being together for several years. Cook moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to be with Nathan following their relationship progression. They have two sons together: Mekhai Allan, born in September 2008, and Phoenix Sky, born in July 2015.
Both sons have appeared on Criminal Minds portraying Jennifer Jareau’s children, blending Cook’s personal and professional worlds. A.J. Cook and Nathan Andersen currently reside in Los Angeles, California, with their children. Additionally, the couple owns a Yorkshire Terrier named Zara.
Known to be close friends with actress Meghan Ory, Cook maintains a private yet engaged family life balanced with her career.
Net Worth and Influence
A.J. Cook has an estimated net worth in 2025 ranging between $5 million and $8 million according to multiple credible sources. However, a conflicting report from a 2025 article on MediaMass claims a substantially higher net worth of $215 million, citing her earnings and business ventures, but this story appears to be disputed and likely exaggerated. The most consistent and widely accepted estimates place her net worth closer to the $5-8 million range based on her acting career and related earnings.
Cook’s major income source has been acting, especially her role in Criminal Minds. In the early 2010s, she earned approximately $100,000 per episode on Criminal Minds, with salary increases negotiated over the years as the show gained popularity. She faced contract and salary challenges, including a period when her contract was not picked up due to network decisions, followed by successful negotiations for increased pay equity with co-stars in the 2010s.
According to some reports — though disputed for accuracy — A.J. Cook allegedly has diverse investments and business ventures. There are claims of substantial stock investments, real estate holdings, and ownership of several restaurants in Ottawa (including the “Fat Cook Burger” chain). She is said to own a Canadian football team named the “Oshawa Angels” and has launched a brand of vodka and a perfume line, plus a fashion brand.
Key Filmography Highlights
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Virgin Suicides | Mary Lisbon | Feature film debut |
| 2000 | Higher Ground | Shelby Merrick | Lead TV role |
| 2001 | Ripper | Molly Keller | Horror film lead |
| 2001 | Out Cold | Jenny | Comedy role |
| 2003 | Final Destination 2 | Kimberly Corman | Franchise leading role |
| 2003–04 | Tru Calling | Lindsay Walker | Recurring TV role |
| 2005–20, 22– | Criminal Minds | Jennifer “JJ” Jareau | Signature TV role, director |
| 2019 | Back Fork | Nida | Film role with co-star |
| 2022 | 9-1-1 | Guest Star | TV guest appearance |
Social Media and Public Engagement
Cook maintains an active presence on social media, notably on Instagram (@ajcook) and Twitter (@ajcookofficial), where she connects with fans and shares glimpses of her professional projects and family life.
Plastic Surgery
Cook’s plastic surgery journey primarily centers around a medically necessary procedure rather than cosmetic enhancements. In 2007, she underwent lens implant surgery to correct severe astigmatism and improve her vision, a health-driven operation that allowed her to stop wearing thick glasses and contact lenses. This corrective lens implant significantly improved her eyesight and contributed to a brighter, more expressive look on screen.
Throughout her career, there have been rumors speculating about cosmetic procedures like Botox, fillers, rhinoplasty (nose job), or breast augmentation, but there is no concrete evidence that A.J. Cook has undergone any such plastic surgery. She has consistently maintained that her beauty is natural, and she embraces a down-to-earth and authentic image. Fans and commentators often attribute subtle changes in her appearance over the years to natural aging, makeup artistry, weight changes, and camera effects rather than surgical enhancements.
who is A.J. Cook’s real husband?
A.J. Cook’s real husband is Nathan Andersen. They met while attending Utah Valley University and got married in 2001.
what is A.J. Cook’s real name?
A. J. Cook’s real name is Andrea Joy Cook.
why does A.J. Cook look different?
A.J. Cook looks different in recent appearances, especially in “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” because it was a deliberate creative choice to reflect the realistic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her character J.J. Jareau. Cook wanted her character to appear exhausted, with little to no makeup and simple or undone hair, portraying a more authentic, tired look as a full-time wife and mother during challenging times.
Additionally, J.J.’s storyline involves her husband facing a severe medical issue, which parallels Cook’s real-life experience with her husband’s cancer diagnosis. These elements combined to create a more raw and less polished appearance for Cook’s character, contributing to why she looks different compared to previous seasons of the show. She has also recently cut her hair, adding to the change in her look.
where does A.J. Cook live?
A.J. Cook currently lives in Los Angeles, California. She and her husband Nathan Andersen have made their home in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, near the beach.
how much does A.J. Cook make per episode?
A.J. Cook’s salary per episode on “Criminal Minds” was reported to be around $100,000 during the 2013-2014 period. Since then, she and her co-star Kirsten Vangsness negotiated pay raises to reach parity with their male co-stars, reflecting increases in their earnings. However, the exact current per-episode salary for A.J. Cook in the recent “Criminal Minds: Evolution” series has not been publicly disclosed but is likely higher than her earlier reported rate due to these negotiations and her long-term role on the show.