5 Shocking Revelations About AJ Cook Today: Life After JJ Jareau In 2025

Andrea Joy Cook, known professionally as A.J. Cook, is experiencing one of the most creatively expansive periods of her career in 2025, moving beyond her iconic role as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau. The Canadian actress is currently anchoring the newest season of *Criminal Minds: Evolution*, but her recent activities—including a major directorial debut and a return to the horror genre—show a star actively shaping her own narrative, both on and off-screen. As of December 2025, her professional life is a blend of familiar comfort and exciting new challenges, all while she continues to be candid about balancing her personal life, marriage, and past trauma in recent revealing interviews.

The latest updates confirm that Cook is not just returning to her beloved character, but is also stepping behind the camera and expanding her filmography with a high-profile horror project, proving she is far from slowing down. Fans are getting a deeper look into the star's life than ever before, thanks to a series of honest public discussions where she has opened up about her personal struggles and the realities of being a working mother in Hollywood.

Andrea Joy Cook: Full Biography and Profile

Andrea Joy Cook is a Canadian actress and director best known for her long-running role as Jennifer "JJ" Jareau on the CBS crime drama *Criminal Minds* and its revival, *Criminal Minds: Evolution*.

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• Full Name: Andrea Joy Cook
• Date of Birth: July 22, 1978
• Place of Birth: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Profession: Actress, Director, Producer
• Marital Status: Married
• Spouse: Nathan Andersen (m. 2001)
• Children: Two sons: Mekhai Allan Andersen (b. 2008) and Phoenix Sky Andersen (b. 2015). Both sons have appeared as her character's children (Henry and Michael LaMontagne) on *Criminal Minds*.
• Career Start: Began her career as a competitive dancer before transitioning to acting at age 17.
• Key Film/TV Roles:
  • *The Virgin Suicides* (1999) as Mary Lisbon
  • *Out Cold* (2001) as Jenny
  • *Tru Calling* (2003–2004) as Lindsay Walker
  • *Criminal Minds* (2005–2020) / *Criminal Minds: Evolution* (2022–Present) as Jennifer "JJ" Jareau

The Evolution of JJ Jareau: Directorial Debut and Emotional Storylines

A.J. Cook’s professional life today is heavily dominated by her work on the Paramount+ revival series, *Criminal Minds: Evolution*. The show's newest season, which premiered in 2025, has placed her character, JJ Jareau, at the center of some of the most emotionally challenging storylines of the entire franchise.

The actress has been vocal in recent interviews about navigating JJ's grief and the uncertainty surrounding her on-screen husband, Will LaMontagne (played by Josh Stewart), whose character was written off the show. Cook has discussed the difficulty of moving forward with JJ's personal life story without Will, a character who has been a staple of the show's domestic side.

However, the most significant professional milestone for Cook in 2025 is her directorial debut on an episode of *Criminal Minds*. She described the experience as a "full-circle episode twist," calling the shots in a project she has been a part of for two decades. This shift from acting to directing is a major career development, showcasing her desire for creative control and her deep understanding of the show's universe and characters.

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Furthermore, Cook has publicly expressed her excitement and gratitude regarding the return of former co-star Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid, who is expected to feature in the new season, a move that has thrilled the dedicated fan base.

Candid Conversations: Marriage, Trauma, and the Real A.J. Cook

Beyond her on-screen roles, A.J. Cook has been making headlines in 2025 for her exceptionally candid interviews, offering fans an unprecedented look into her private life.

In a revealing appearance on the podcast "Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson," Cook opened up about her long-standing marriage to Nathan Andersen, personal trauma, and her creative journey. She described the conversation as feeling like a genuine therapy session, discussing the personal struggles she has faced and the internal battle of pretending to be an extrovert for years, despite being naturally introverted.

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These discussions have provided a deeper understanding of the woman behind the highly professional and composed character of JJ Jareau. Cook's willingness to share her experiences with trauma and marriage has resonated with many, adding a layer of authenticity to her public persona and strengthening her connection with her audience. Her personal life, which includes her husband Nathan Andersen and their two sons, Mekhai and Phoenix, remains a central focus of her happiness, with her children famously playing the role of her on-screen children, Henry and Michael LaMontagne, a unique and heartwarming detail of the show.

A Return to Horror: Final Destination: Bloodlines

In a major development outside of the BAU, A.J. Cook is making a significant return to the horror genre, where she previously starred in films like *The Virgin Suicides* and *Final Destination 2*.

In May 2025, Cook attended the world premiere of the newest installment in the iconic horror franchise, *Final Destination: Bloodlines*, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. While details about her specific role in the film are tightly guarded, her presence at the premiere confirms her involvement in the highly anticipated movie. This project marks a thrilling new chapter, showcasing her versatility as an actress and appealing to a different segment of her fan base who remember her early-career horror roles.

The move to a major studio horror film like *Final Destination: Bloodlines* is a clear signal that Cook is actively seeking roles that challenge her and expand her career beyond the procedural drama genre she has dominated for nearly two decades. This film is set to be one of the biggest non-*Criminal Minds* projects of her career in 2025.

What’s Next for A.J. Cook?

As 2025 progresses, A.J. Cook is poised for continued success on multiple fronts. Her directorial debut on *Criminal Minds: Evolution* is a critical step, establishing her as a creative force behind the camera. This new skill set could lead to future directing opportunities both within and outside the *Criminal Minds* universe, following in the footsteps of many successful actor-directors.

The new season of *Criminal Minds: Evolution* continues to explore complex themes, including the emotional fallout of Will LaMontagne's storyline and the dynamic between the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team members. Cook's interviews suggest a deeper, more vulnerable portrayal of JJ Jareau than ever before, focusing on the character's internal life as a working mother and profiler.

With the release of *Final Destination: Bloodlines*, A.J. Cook will once again be in the spotlight of a major theatrical release, exposing her to a new generation of filmgoers. Her career today is a powerful testament to longevity and reinvention in Hollywood, successfully balancing an iconic TV role with new creative endeavors in directing and film.