Andrea Joy Cook (born July 22, 1978) is a Canadian
actress more commonly known as
A. J. Cook. She has appeared in several
Hollywood films and
television shows including
The Virgin Suicides,
Out Cold,
Final Destination 2. Currently she plays
Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau in
Criminal Minds.
Biography
Early life
Cook was born in
Oshawa,
Ontario and spent most of her life growing up in
Whitby. Her father, Mike, is a teacher and her mother, Sandra, is a
sheriff and works for a psychiatrist.
[A. J. Cook Biography (1978-)] She has three siblings named Nathan, Paul and Angela. Cook is a member of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[A.J. Cook - Trailer - Showtimes - Cast - Movies - New York Times] As a devout
Mormon, she accepts only roles that do not conflict with her faith. At four years of age, Cook began taking
jazz,
tap and
ballet lessons. She danced competitively for many years before deciding at the age of 17 that she wanted to try
acting.
