A. J. Cook

A. J. Cook is a Canadian actress best known for her role as Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss on the American television series Criminal Minds. She has appeared in a range of film and television projects including the supernatural film Final Destination 2 and the drama series Higher Ground, collaborating with figures and institutions across Hollywood, Toronto, and the Canadian entertainment industry. Cook's career spans roles in genre films, network dramas, and independent productions, and she has been recognized by industry organizations and fan communities.

Early life and education

Andrea Joy Cook was born in Elmira, Ontario and raised in Clinton, Ontario, the daughter of an elementary school teacher and a business-owner who encouraged early participation in performance arts. As a youth she studied dance at local studios and trained in ballet and tap dance before moving into competitive cheerleading with teams that competed at events associated with All Star Cheerleading circuits and regional championships. Cook attended Cameron School of Performing Arts programs and later enrolled in performing arts workshops linked to institutions like Second City and conservatory-style programs in Toronto. During her teens she appeared in modelling and television commercials produced in collaboration with Canadian broadcasters such as CBC Television and production houses working with the Canadian Film Centre.

Career

Cook’s early screen work began with guest appearances on Canadian series and supporting roles in films produced in association with companies like New Line Cinema and Dimension Films. Her breakout film role came as Kimberly Corman in the horror sequel Final Destination 2, directed by David R. Ellis, which connected her to franchises and filmmakers including Wes Craven-era genre producers. Transitioning to television, Cook co-starred in the drama series Higher Ground, produced by Éric Bress and streaming on networks associated with Fox Family Channel alumni, working alongside cast members who later joined productions from The WB and UPN.

In 2005 she joined the ensemble cast of Criminal Minds, developed by Jeff Davis (writer and producer), portraying Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss and collaborating with co-stars such as Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, and Paget Brewster. Her work on the series involved partnerships with production entities including CBS Television Studios and directors from episodic television who had histories with series like Law & Order and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Cook also returned to feature films with roles in independent projects associated with festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival and worked on made-for-television movies distributed by networks like Lifetime and Hallmark Channel. Outside acting, Cook has supported charitable organizations and campaigns connected to causes promoted by public figures and institutions including Ronald McDonald House Charities and celebrity-led philanthropic events.

Personal life

Cook married photographer and writer Nathan Andersen in 2001; the couple maintains residences that split time between Los Angeles and Vancouver Island. They have two children and have been involved with community initiatives in collaboration with Australian and North American organizations tied to youth arts programs and healthcare charities. Cook has spoken in interviews with outlets such as Entertainment Weekly and participated in fan conventions alongside casts from series like Supernatural and The X-Files, interacting with communities organized through platforms like Comic-Con International and fan-run events honoring television history.

Filmography

- Final Destination 2 (2003) — Kimberly Corman; produced by New Line Cinema; director David R. Ellis - Higher Ground (TV series) (2000) — series regular; produced by Kevin Williamson-era collaborators - Criminal Minds (2005–2017, 2019) — Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss; series created by Jeff Davis (writer and producer); aired on CBS - Independent film and television projects screened at festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival and regional festivals associated with SXSW and Fan Expo circuits - Guest appearances and TV movies for networks including Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, and cable series associated with Showtime and USA Network

Awards and nominations

Cook has been recognized by fan-voted awards and television-focused organizations, receiving nominations and wins in categories honoring ensemble casts and genre performances. Her ensemble work on Criminal Minds was noted in polls conducted by entertainment outlets such as TV Guide and industry fan communities tied to People (magazine), while her film work was acknowledged at genre and regional film festivals affiliated with institutions like the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

Category:1978 births Category:Canadian film actresses Category:Canadian television actresses Category:Living people