Andrea Joy Cook, better known by her stage name A.J. Cook, is a prominent Canadian actress. She is most recognized for her role as Jennifer Jareau, a Supervisory Special Agent on CBS’s crime thriller ‘Criminal Minds.’ The show has been on the air since 2005, and it is currently in its 13th season. Cook, who was born in the Canadian city of Oshawa, has always had an interest in acting. Her acting career began with a guest appearance on the TV show ‘Goosebumps.’ ‘The Virgin Suicides,’ a drama film released in 1999, was her first picture. The film, on the other hand, was a flop. She began acting in the American Canadian drama series ‘Higher Ground’ the following year, in which she played one of the lead parts. She began participating in the police crime thriller ‘Criminal Minds’ a few years later, which brought her a lot of attention and recognition. The show has the potential to be her most important work to date. She has also appeared in films such as ‘Least Among Saints’ and ‘Final Destination 2’ over the years. Cook, who is also noted for her stunning beauty, was ranked 88th on the 2014 ‘Maxim Hot 100’ list.
Childhood and Adolescence
Andrea Joy Cook was born in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, on July 22, 1978, to Michael and Sandra Cook. Nathan, Paul, and Angela are her three siblings.She attended Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute in Whitby, Ontario, where she grew up.
Because of severe astigmaatism, she was certified legally blind at a young age. With the use of contacts and thick glasses, she was able to rectify her vision. She had to have surgery later on as well.She began dancing as a child and went on to take jazz, tap, and ballet courses. She had intended to create a dancing studio before deciding to pursue a career in acting.
Career of A.J Cook
A.J. Cook’s first acting role was in the TV series ‘Goosebumps,’ which was based on American author RL Stine’s popular Goosebumps horror story book series. ‘His Father’s Shoes’ and ‘Elvis Meets Nixon’ were her next appearances on television.
She made her cinematic debut in the drama ‘The Virgin Suicides’ in 1999. The next year, she became well-known for her role in the film ‘Higher Ground,’ in which she played one of the main characters. The show was well-received and well-received. However, it was forced to be cancelled after one season due to the sale of its broadcast network.
She starred in the British Canadian horror thriller ‘The Ripper’ in 2001. She made her feature film debut two years later in ‘Final Destination 2’, an American supernatural horror thriller that was a box office hit.She starred in the American supernatural drama ‘Tru Calling,’ which first aired on the Fox network in 2003. The plot of the show revolved around a medical student who was doing her internship in a mortuary.
When a body appears to come to life and asks for assistance, her life takes an unexpected turn. Despite its intriguing plot, the show garnered mediocre ratings in the United States.She starred in the horror television film ‘Bloodsuckers,’ directed by Matthew Hastings, in 2005. The show was met with mixed reviews.
In the same year, she began starring in ‘Criminal Minds,’ which has been her most important role to date. The show was a big hit, receiving a slew of prizes and nominations. It received positive feedback.She starred in the romantic comedy film ‘I’m Reed Fish,’ directed by Zackary Adler, in 2006. The movie received mixed reviews.
After that, A.J. Cook starred in the 2007 horror thriller ‘Night Skies.’ The film was directed by Roy Knyrim and followed a group of friends who are abducted by aliens on their trip to Las Vegas.She also had a brief role in the psychological horror thriller ‘Mother’s Day.’ Her most recent films were ‘Least Among Saints’ (2012), in which she played a supporting role, and ‘Wer,’ in which she played a lead role.
Major Projects of A.J Cook
One of Cook’s early efforts was an American supernatural drama series called ‘Tru Calling.’ The story, which was created by Jon Harmon Feldman, followed a 22-year-old medical student who was doing her internship in a mortuary. When a corpse awakens and asks for her help, her life is turned upside down.A.J. Cook played the protagonist’s best friend in the show. Eliza Dushku, Zach Galifianakis, Shawn Reaves, and Matt Bomer also appeared in the series.
Her performance in the American police procedural crime drama ‘Criminal Minds’ was well received. The show first aired in 2005 and has remained on the air for the past twelve years. The series, which was created by Jeff Davis, follows an FBI team and focuses on how they catch criminals by examining their behavior.
Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Lola Glaudini, Shemar Moore, and Matthew Grey Gubler were among the cast members. Several prizes have been given to the show, including the Image Award and the People’s Choice Award.
In the 2014 American horror thriller ‘Wer,’ Cook plays the starring role. The picture, directed by William Brent Bell, stars her as a lawyer who discovers her client is a werewolf. Vik Sahay, Simon Quarterman, and Sebastian Roché also appeared in the film.
Achievements & Awards
For her role in the TV movie “Bring Ashley Home,” A.J. Cook was nominated for a Prism Award.
In addition, she was placed 88th on the Maxim Hot 100 2014 list.
Personal Experiences of Cook
In 2001, A.J. Cook married Nathan Anderson, her longtime boyfriend. Their two kids, Mekhai, born in 2008, and Phoenix Sky, born in 2015, live with them in Los Angeles, California.Cook is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is a Christian.
Estimated Net Worth
A. J. Cook’s Net Worth: A. J. Cook is a Canadian actress with a $5 million dollar net worth. She is well known for her co-starring role on the television show “Criminal Minds.” A. J. Cook was born in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, and aspired to be a professional dancer as a child.