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AJ Cook’s Husband Nathan Andersen: 5 Shocking Secrets About The Man Behind 'JJ' Jareau’s 24-Year Marriage

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Andrea Joy Cook, the beloved actress known worldwide as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau on the hit CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, has built a career on solving the most complex mysteries. Yet, off-screen, the mystery surrounding her own life, particularly her decades-long marriage, often sparks the most curiosity among fans. As of late December 2025, AJ Cook and her husband, Nathan Andersen, are still going strong, a rare feat in Hollywood that has spanned over two decades.

Their relationship is a testament to resilience, partnership, and a shared life that includes two children who have even made appearances alongside their famous mother. While AJ Cook's on-screen persona is constantly in the spotlight, her real-life partner maintains a fascinating, low-key profile as an entrepreneur and designer. This is the deep dive into the surprising secrets of Nathan Andersen and the foundation of their enduring love story.

AJ Cook: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

The woman who brought the complex, compassionate, and tough-as-nails JJ Jareau to life has a career marked by both early success and enduring television fame. Here is a look at the comprehensive profile of the Canadian actress, Andrea Joy Cook.

  • Full Name: Andrea Joy Cook
  • Known As: A.J. Cook or AJ Cook
  • Date of Birth: July 22, 1978
  • Age: 47 (as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Profession: Actress, Director, Producer
  • Spouse: Nathan Andersen (m. 2001)
  • Children: Two sons, Mekhai Allan Andersen and Phoenix Sky Andersen
  • Notable Roles: Jennifer "JJ" Jareau in Criminal Minds and Criminal Minds: Evolution, Lindsay Block in The Virgin Suicides, and Kimberly Corman in Final Destination 2
  • Estimated Net Worth: $5 Million (as of 2025)

1. He’s Not a Hollywood Actor—He’s a Resilient Fashion Entrepreneur

One of the biggest surprises for fans expecting a typical celebrity pairing is Nathan Andersen’s profession. He is not an actor, director, or producer. Instead, he is a dedicated American entrepreneur and fashion designer.

His primary venture is the clothing line Walter Sky, where he serves as the Founder and Designer. The brand, which he co-founded with Wes Andersen, focuses on creating essential, high-quality apparel for men.

Nathan Andersen’s work at Walter Sky is driven by a focus on meticulous detail and durability. He has spoken about wanting to create a wardrobe that is both practical and enduring, reflecting a personal philosophy of simplicity and quality over fast fashion trends. This quiet, creative pursuit stands in stark contrast to the high-octane world of Hollywood crime dramas.

2. Their Love Story Started in a College Film Class

The foundation of AJ Cook and Nathan Andersen’s long-lasting marriage is a sweet, down-to-earth college romance. The couple met while they were both students at Utah Valley University in Salt Lake City.

They reportedly first crossed paths in a film class, a fitting start for a relationship that would eventually see AJ become a major television star. Their connection was immediate and strong, leading to a surprisingly quick engagement and wedding.

After dating for only about eight months, they tied the knot on August 3, 2001. This early commitment, made before AJ Cook’s career exploded with Criminal Minds, suggests their bond was built on genuine connection rather than celebrity status.

3. Nathan Andersen is a Cancer Survivor Who Shared His Journey

Perhaps the most powerful and personal detail about Nathan Andersen is his successful and courageous battle with cancer. While he generally maintains a private life, he has publicly shared glimpses of his health journey, showcasing his incredible resilience.

In late 2019, Nathan posted a photo on social media revealing a scar on his neck, indicating his fight against the disease. He has been open about the challenges, even sharing a positive update that he would not require chemotherapy, calling it the "most positive update we've had lately in this cancer journey."

This personal struggle has undoubtedly strengthened the couple’s bond, highlighting their partnership through one of life's most difficult challenges. The fact that he is a survivor is a powerful testament to his fortitude and their family's support, giving their life story a depth that goes beyond the red carpet.

4. Their Real-Life Sons Play Their Mother’s TV Children

In a charming blend of fiction and reality, AJ Cook’s family life has been seamlessly woven into the fabric of Criminal Minds. Both of her sons with Nathan Andersen, Mekhai Allan Andersen and Phoenix Sky Andersen, have appeared on the show as her character JJ Jareau’s children.

Mekhai, their first son, was born in 2008 and was cast as JJ's son, Henry LaMontagne, on the show. Later, when their second son, Phoenix, was born in 2015, he was introduced as JJ’s second son, Michael.

This unique arrangement allowed AJ Cook to mix her work life with her family life, creating a special memory for her children and providing a layer of authenticity to the show. It’s a perfect example of how the Cook-Andersen family supports each other, bringing their private world into her professional one in a meaningful way.

5. He’s the Anti-Will LaMontagne Jr. (Her TV Husband)

For millions of fans, AJ Cook's character, JJ Jareau, is married to Will LaMontagne Jr., played by actor Josh Stewart. The on-screen relationship is a central part of the *Criminal Minds* narrative, especially in the recent revival, *Criminal Minds: Evolution*, where the fate of Will's character became a major plot point.

The contrast between the fictional Will and the real-life Nathan Andersen is striking. Will is a former New Orleans police detective, a man of action who often deals with the same dangerous world as JJ. Nathan, by contrast, is a quiet, creative entrepreneur focused on his fashion line, Walter Sky, and his family.

This difference highlights the reality of AJ Cook's life: she leaves the drama and the crime behind on the set. Her marriage to Nathan Andersen provides a grounding, stable, and private life away from the high-stakes world of the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit). Their 24-year marriage, built on a college romance and shared family experiences, is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the quiet, real-life love story is the most enduring one of all.

The success of AJ Cook and Nathan Andersen’s relationship is rooted in their ability to maintain privacy, support each other’s unique careers—her in Hollywood, him in fashion design—and navigate life's toughest challenges, including his cancer battle, as a united front. They are a true Hollywood anomaly: a couple whose decades-long stability is the most fascinating story of all.

aj cook husband
aj cook husband

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