A. J. Cook is a Canadian actress best known for portraying Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on the long-running crime drama Criminal Minds. Born Andrea Joy Cook on July 22, 1978, in Oshawa, Ontario, she has built a steady career spanning film, television, and directing while maintaining a relatively private personal life.
As of 2026, she continues to be closely associated with the Criminal Minds franchise through its Paramount+ continuation, Criminal Minds: Evolution.
Early Life and Background
Cook was raised primarily in nearby Whitby, Ontario, and attended Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute. She has three siblings: Nathan, Paul, and Angela. Her father, Mike, worked as a teacher, and her mother, Sandra, worked as a psychiatrist.
As a child she was declared legally blind in the second grade due to severe astigmatism and wore thick glasses or contacts for years. She later underwent a procedure involving a Visian ICL implant that significantly improved her vision. Before acting, she trained competitively as a dancer in jazz, tap, and ballet from the age of four.
She decided to pursue acting around age 16. Her first professional job was a McDonald’s commercial in 1997, followed by a guest role on Goosebumps and appearances in television films.
Career Breakthrough and Early Roles
Cook’s film breakthrough came in 1999 when Sofia Coppola cast her as Mary Lisbon, one of the five sisters, in The Virgin Suicides. She followed with roles in Higher Ground (2000), the snowboard comedy Out Cold (2001), and the horror sequel Final Destination 2 (2003), in which she played Kimberly Corman. She also appeared in the first season of the series Tru Calling (2003–2004).
Criminal Minds and Long-Term Success
In 2005 Cook joined the original cast of CBS’s Criminal Minds as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, initially a media liaison who later became a full profiler. She remained a series regular for the bulk of the show’s 15-season CBS run (2005–2020), with a brief absence early in Season 6 that was reversed after strong fan support.
Her real-life sons appeared on the series: Mekhai Andersen played JJ’s son Henry, and Phoenix Andersen later played younger son Michael. Cook has also directed episodes of the show, including work in Season 14 of the original series and later seasons of Criminal Minds: Evolution.
The franchise returned on Paramount+ in 2022 as Criminal Minds: Evolution. Cook continued as JJ. In late 2026, Paramount+ announced that Season 20 (the fifth season of Evolution) would be the final season, scheduled to air in 2027. Cook marked the news with a Halloween post featuring a tombstone for her character and the caption “Rest in peace JJ (for now).”
Personal Life
Cook married photographer and businessman Nathan Andersen on August 3, 2001. The couple met in a film class at Utah Valley University. They have two sons: Mekhai Allan Andersen (born September 2008) and Phoenix Sky Andersen (born July 2015). The family lives in the Los Angeles area.
Cook was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has generally kept her personal life low-profile while balancing long-running television work with family.
Net Worth
Celebrity Net Worth estimates A. J. Cook’s net worth at $10 million as of recent updates. The figure primarily reflects nearly two decades of steady television work on Criminal Minds and its continuation, along with earlier film roles and directing credits. Other public estimates have ranged lower (around $5–6 million in some secondary reports), but the $10 million figure is the most commonly cited by major trackers.
Exact salaries and residuals are not publicly detailed, and net-worth numbers remain estimates.
FAQ
How old is A. J. Cook?
She was born on July 22, 1978, making her 48 years old in 2026.
Who is A. J. Cook married to?
She has been married to Nathan Andersen since August 3, 2001.
Does A. J. Cook have children?
Yes. She and her husband have two sons, Mekhai (born 2008) and Phoenix (born 2015). Both have appeared on Criminal Minds as JJ’s children.
What is A. J. Cook’s most famous role?
She is best known for playing Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on Criminal Minds and its continuation Criminal Minds: Evolution.
Is Criminal Minds: Evolution ending?
Yes. Paramount+ announced that Season 20 will be the final season, expected to air in 2027.
Conclusion
A. J. Cook has built a durable career defined by longevity rather than flash. From early film roles and dance training to more than 15 years as JJ on one of television’s longest-running procedurals, she has remained a consistent presence while expanding into directing. With Criminal Minds: Evolution approaching its conclusion, her next chapter remains open, but her association with the franchise is firmly established.
You May Also Like: McKenna Grace Net Worth 2026: Career, Earnings & How the Young Star Built Her Fortune
