10 Essential A.J. Cook Movies And TV Shows That Defined Her Career (Including Her Latest BAU Role)

A.J. Cook, the Canadian actress best known for her iconic role as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, continues to captivate audiences with her enduring presence in the world of crime drama and horror. As of December 2025, her career is anchored by the massive success of the Paramount+ revival, *Criminal Minds: Evolution*, where she has taken on some of her character’s most emotionally demanding storylines to date, proving her depth beyond the procedural format. This article dives into the essential roles that have shaped her film and television career, from her early breakout performances to her current status as a beloved member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team. From her subtle, early work in indie films to her leading roles in major horror franchises, Cook has built a diverse and compelling filmography. While the procedural drama has been her primary home for nearly two decades, her work outside the BAU showcases a versatile talent capable of handling supernatural thrillers, dark dramas, and even lighthearted comedies.

A.J. Cook: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Andrea Joy Cook, born on July 22, 1978, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, began her professional life not in front of a camera, but on a stage as a competitive dancer. By the age of 17, she transitioned into acting, quickly landing roles that would set the stage for her long-term career. Her early work established a strong foundation, often seeing her cast in roles that required a mix of vulnerability and strength, a duality that would later define her most famous character.

Her career trajectory is marked by a consistent presence in both film and television, achieving mainstream recognition early on and cementing her status with a powerhouse television franchise. Below is a detailed look at her profile and key works:

• Full Name: Andrea Joy Cook
• Date of Birth: July 22, 1978 (Age 47 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
• Spouse: Nathan Andersen (m. 2001)
• Children: Two sons (Mekhai Allan Andersen and Phoenix Sky Andersen)
• Breakout Role (Film): Kimberly Corman in Final Destination 2 (2003)
• Signature Role (TV): Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau in Criminal Minds (2005–2020) and Criminal Minds: Evolution (2022–Present)

Selected Filmography Highlights

Cook’s film career, though less voluminous than her television work, includes several cult classics and genre favorites:

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• The Virgin Suicides (1999): Mary Lisbon
• Out Cold (2001): Jenny
• Final Destination 2 (2003): Kimberly Corman
• Misconceptions (2008): Miranda Bliss
• Least Among Saints (2012): Cheryl
• Wer (2013): Kate Moore
• Back Fork (2019): Nida

Selected Television Highlights

• Higher Ground (2000): Shelby Merrick
• Criminal Minds (2005–2020): Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (Main Role)
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2012): Debbie Shields (Guest Role)
• Criminal Minds: Evolution (2022–Present): Supervisory Special Agent JJ Jareau (Main Role)

The Enduring Legacy of Jennifer "JJ" Jareau in Criminal Minds: Evolution

For millions of fans, A.J. Cook is synonymous with Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, the former BAU media liaison who evolved into one of the team's most capable and compassionate profilers. Her tenure on the show spans over 15 seasons, beginning with the original *Criminal Minds* in 2005 and continuing with the highly anticipated revival, *Criminal Minds: Evolution*.

The revival, which streams on Paramount+, has allowed Cook to explore a darker, more personal side of the Supervisory Special Agent. The show, which follows the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they track an interconnected network of UnSubs, has put JJ at the heart of intense emotional storylines, particularly those involving her family life.

Most recently, the storyline has focused on the health of her husband, Will LaMontagne Jr. (played by Josh Stewart), and the emotional toll it takes on her and her partnership with David Rossi. The depth of her performance in these recent seasons has been praised for bringing a new layer of raw vulnerability to a character known for her composure under pressure. This focus on the personal lives of the profilers, including Emily Prentiss and Penelope Garcia, has been a central and popular element of the *Evolution* series.

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Cook’s commitment to the role is evident, as she has not only starred but also stepped behind the camera, directing an episode of *Criminal Minds: Evolution*, further solidifying her influence on the franchise.

Beyond the BAU: A.J. Cook's Essential Film Roles

While *Criminal Minds* is her career cornerstone, A.J. Cook first gained widespread recognition in the early 2000s for her work in the horror and thriller genres. These roles were crucial in establishing her as a compelling screen presence before she became a household name on television.

1. Final Destination 2 (2003)

This is arguably A.J. Cook's most famous movie role. She starred as Kimberly Corman, the protagonist who has a premonition of a massive highway pile-up, saving a group of strangers from a deadly disaster. The film is a landmark entry in the horror genre and showcased Cook’s ability to carry a major studio film. The infamous log truck scene remains one of the most terrifying sequences in modern horror cinema.

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2. The Virgin Suicides (1999)

One of her earliest and most critically acclaimed roles, Cook played Mary Lisbon in Sofia Coppola’s atmospheric and haunting debut film. Although a smaller role, being part of this iconic, aesthetically rich movie based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, gave her early exposure to the indie film world and critical recognition.

3. Wer (2013)

Returning to the horror-thriller genre, Cook starred as Kate Moore in this found-footage-style werewolf film. The movie is a dark, intense take on the classic monster myth, with Cook leading the investigation into a brutal family murder. This project allowed her to flex her thriller muscles, a genre she has a natural affinity for.

4. Out Cold (2001)

A fun, early 2000s comedy, *Out Cold* saw Cook take on the role of Jenny, a love interest in a ski-resort setting. It stands out in her filmography as a lighter, more comedic performance, proving her versatility outside of the serious, high-stakes roles she is best known for.

The Future: What's Next for A.J. Cook?

As of late 2025, A.J. Cook’s primary focus remains on the ongoing production of *Criminal Minds: Evolution*. The success of the revival has ensured that the BAU team, including Supervisory Special Agent JJ Jareau, will continue to investigate complex cases, providing a steady stream of new content for her dedicated fanbase. The latest seasons have deepened her character’s relationships with Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and the rest of the team, promising more compelling drama ahead.

While she occasionally takes on independent film projects like 2019's *Back Fork*, which was a passion project, Cook’s long-term contract with the *Criminal Minds* franchise ensures that her presence on television will remain strong for the foreseeable future. Her ability to maintain a successful career in a demanding procedural drama while also exploring directorial roles speaks volumes about her dedication and passion for the craft.