AJ Cook In Criminal Minds - A Look At Her Lasting Impact

She's a Canadian performer, Andrea Joy Cook, born on July 22, 1978, and she's widely recognized for playing Jennifer 'JJ' Jareau on the CBS series "Criminal Minds." This show, as a matter of fact, was a police drama that first appeared on CBS and ran for a rather impressive fifteen seasons. That's a very long time for any program to stay on the air, showing just how much folks loved it and its cast.

Her work on the program was, in some respects, a major part of its appeal, with her character being a key piece of the team. Even now, you can catch her returning to her role on "Criminal Minds: Evolution" for Paramount+, which is, you know, heading into a second season sometime later this year. It's pretty cool how she continues to embody this beloved figure, keeping the story going for a whole new generation of watchers.

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Table of Contents

• A Look at AJ Cook's Beginnings
• Who is AJ Cook's Jennifer Jareau in Criminal Minds?
• What Happened to AJ Cook in Criminal Minds Season 6?
• How Has AJ Cook's Character Evolved in Criminal Minds?
• What Other Projects Has AJ Cook Been In Besides Criminal Minds?
• The Enduring Appeal of Criminal Minds and AJ Cook
• A Glimpse into AJ Cook's Personal Life
• Notable Moments for AJ Cook in Criminal Minds Revival
• Looking Ahead for AJ Cook and Criminal Minds

A Look at AJ Cook's Beginnings

Andrea Joy Cook, known to most as AJ Cook, first came into the world on July 22, 1978. She is, as you might know, a Canadian performer, which perhaps adds a certain something to her acting style. Her early life began in Oshawa, Ontario, a place where, as a matter of fact, she spent her formative years. It's interesting to think about how those early surroundings might shape a person's path, especially someone who goes on to become a public figure.

She didn't grow up alone, either. AJ Cook and her three brothers and sisters spent most of their time growing up in Whitby, a town that, you know, played a significant part in her childhood. Having several siblings can certainly make for a lively home, and it's something that often influences a person's character as they get older. Her family background is, in some respects, quite grounded.

Her father, for example, makes his living as a teacher, a profession that involves guiding and educating young minds. Her mother, on the other hand, holds a position as a sheriff and also works for someone who studies the human mind, a psychiatrist. These varied careers in her immediate family might have, in a way, given her a diverse perspective on life and people, which could be useful for an actress.

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It seems that her interest in performing started quite early, too. At the rather young age of four, Cook, you know, began her journey into what would become her chosen field. This very early start suggests a natural inclination or perhaps an early discovery of her passion for the arts. It's pretty common for actors to begin their craft at a young age, often through dance or other creative outlets, and it appears she was no exception to that general trend.

Who is AJ Cook's Jennifer Jareau in Criminal Minds?

When you think about "Criminal Minds," it's very likely that one of the first characters who pops into your head is Jennifer 'JJ' Jareau. AJ Cook, you know, really made this special agent a household name for many. She's perhaps best recognized and most loved for bringing JJ to life on screen, a role she inhabited for a good portion of the show's run. It's pretty clear that her portrayal resonated deeply with a large audience, making JJ a truly beloved character.

JJ's role on the team was, in some respects, quite important, acting as a crucial piece of the puzzle for the Behavioral Analysis Unit. She was, basically, an integral part of the show's core group of profilers, helping to communicate their findings and manage their public image. Her presence was, you know, a constant for many seasons, offering a sense of stability and warmth amidst the often dark and intense stories the show explored.

For over a decade, AJ Cook, as Jennifer JJ Jareau, graced our screens week after week. Many viewers remember her for her character's sharp abilities and quick responses, which, in a way, made her stand out. She was, you know, a key figure in the hit psychological crime program, playing a character that fans truly connected with. It's quite something to be part of a show for such a long stretch, especially one that captures so much public attention.

What Happened to AJ Cook in Criminal Minds Season 6?

It came as quite a shock to many when AJ Cook, who plays Jennifer JJ Jareau, left "Criminal Minds" during its sixth season. Fans were, you know, rather surprised by this sudden change, especially since her character was so popular and had become such a familiar face on the program. People had grown very fond of JJ, so her departure caused quite a stir among the show's dedicated following, leading to many pleas for her return.

Her exit from the show was, as a matter of fact, both sudden and, for many, quite unexpected. At the time, CBS, the network that aired the show, stated that AJ Cook temporarily stepped away from "Criminal Minds" because of what they called "creative reasons." This meant that the decision wasn't, you know, tied to financial matters, but rather to choices being made about the show's direction or story. It's a bit of a mystery, in some respects, what those specific creative reasons truly were, but that was the explanation given.

The reaction from the audience was, you know, very strong, with many fans openly expressing their disappointment and actively asking for her character to come back. It just goes to show how much of an impact AJ Cook had made with her portrayal of JJ. When a character is so beloved, their absence is, you know, felt deeply by the people who watch the show regularly. This outpouring of support really highlighted how important she was to the program's success and its connection with viewers.

How Has AJ Cook's Character Evolved in Criminal Minds?

Over the many years that AJ Cook has played Jennifer Jareau in "Criminal Minds," her character has, in a way, gone through a good number of changes and developments. In the revival series, "Criminal Minds: Evolution," for example, AJ Cook herself shared some thoughts on how JJ's appearance has shifted. She revealed a deliberate reason why JJ, you know, looks much more tired and perhaps a bit worn down in the newer episodes. This suggests a conscious effort to show the toll of her work and experiences on her character.

Cook also discussed how her character, JJ, would face a significant personal struggle, which she referred to as a "devastating loss." This particular loss, you know, was something that would take JJ to what were described as "strange places" in her personal journey. It implies a deep emotional impact that would affect her character's path and reactions within the show. These kinds of character developments are, as a matter of fact, what often keeps long-running shows feeling fresh and engaging for viewers.

A specific moment of shock for JJ was, you know, in the second episode of what was referred to as "season 18," when her husband, Will, played by Josh Stewart, was involved in something unexpected. Cook has, you know, spoken about saying a kind of goodbye to her long-time TV husband, which points to a significant storyline for her character. These personal challenges and the way JJ deals with them are, in some respects, a big part of her character's growth and appeal.

The "Criminal Minds: Evolution" series on Paramount+ has given JJ a new direction, and Cook has, you know, talked about this with "Good Housekeeping." She even shared a little preview, a season 2 teaser, which suggests that JJ's story continues to unfold in interesting ways. It seems her character is still very much at the heart of the show, adapting to new circumstances and, you know, dealing with the ongoing pressures of her work and personal life.

What Other Projects Has AJ Cook Been In Besides Criminal Minds?

While most people probably know AJ Cook best for her work as Jennifer JJ Jareau on "Criminal Minds," her career as a performer actually stretches back quite a bit further. She has, you know, been involved in the world of entertainment since she was a child, which is pretty neat. This means she has a good deal of experience beyond just her most famous role, having started her acting journey at a rather young age.

Her acting work extends to other television dramas, too. For example, she's also known for her role in a TV show called "Higher Ground." This shows that her talent isn't, you know, limited to just one type of program. It's always interesting to see actors take on different kinds of parts, and this particular role highlights her range in the television landscape.

Beyond the small screen, AJ Cook has also appeared in several films that have, you know, gained some attention. She was in "The Virgin Suicides," a film that many people remember. She also took part in "Final Destination 2," which is, you know, a movie that falls into a different kind of genre. And, as a matter of fact, she was also in a film called "Out Cold." These movie roles demonstrate her ability to work in various formats and, you know, alongside different casts.

So, while her "Criminal Minds" character is definitely her most recognized, it's pretty clear that AJ Cook has a broader body of work. Her presence in both television series and feature films, you know, shows her dedication to her craft and her willingness to explore different kinds of stories. It’s pretty cool how she has managed to build such a varied career over the years, appearing in projects that span different genres and styles.

The Enduring Appeal of Criminal Minds and AJ Cook

"Criminal Minds" managed to stay on the air for a truly impressive fifteen seasons, with its final episode first being shown on February 19, 2020. That's a very long run for any television program, and it speaks volumes about its popularity and the connection it made with its audience. AJ Cook was, you know, a part of this show for fourteen of those fifteen seasons, which means she was there for almost the entire journey, contributing significantly to its long-lasting success.

The show's enduring appeal is, in some respects, quite remarkable. It's a police drama that captivated viewers for well over a decade, and its lasting legacy is, you know, something that AJ Cook herself has spoken about. She sat down with Buzzfeed to talk about the show's continued importance and how it has stayed with people even after its initial run ended. It's pretty clear that the program, and her role within it, holds a special place in the hearts of many.

The fact that "Criminal Minds" has been brought back as "Criminal Minds: Evolution" for Paramount+ really highlights its continued popularity. It shows that there's still a strong desire from viewers to see these characters and stories continue. AJ Cook is, you know, reprising her role in this new version, which is a testament to her character's importance and her own enduring connection to the program. It's pretty cool how the show has, in a way, found new life on a streaming platform.

The show's ability to keep people interested for so long, and then to return for new seasons, suggests a very strong foundation. It's not every day that a series gets to have such a long life, first on network television and then on a streaming service. AJ Cook's consistent presence throughout most of its run has, you know, definitely been a key factor in maintaining that continuity and familiarity for fans. Her character, Jennifer JJ Jareau, is, as a matter of fact, deeply woven into the fabric of the show's identity.

A Glimpse into AJ Cook's Personal Life

Beyond her well-known character on "Criminal Minds," AJ Cook also has a personal life that, you know, seems to be quite full. She is, as a matter of fact, a proud mom to two sons, who are said to look very much like her. This aspect of her life, her role as a mother, is something that many people might find relatable and endearing. It's pretty common for fans to be curious about the lives of the people they see on screen, and her family life is a part of that.

She is also a loving wife to her husband, Nathan Andersen. Having a supportive partner is, you know, often a very important part of managing a demanding career like acting. Her family unit, with her husband and two sons, paints a picture of a grounded personal life, which is, in some respects, a nice contrast to the intense and often dark subject matter of the show she's famous for. It's pretty clear that she values her family very much.

The balance between a very public career and a private family life is something that many performers navigate. For AJ Cook, it seems she has, you know, built a strong personal foundation with her husband and children. It's quite nice to hear about this side of her, as it gives a more complete picture of the person behind the character. Knowing these details can, you know, help fans feel a deeper connection to the individuals they admire on screen.

Notable Moments for AJ Cook in Criminal Minds Revival

The return of "Criminal Minds" as "Evolution" has brought with it some pretty significant moments for AJ Cook's character, JJ. For instance, Cook has, you know, talked about the process of saying a kind of farewell to her long-time TV husband, Will, which suggests some emotional scenes for her character. These kinds of character developments are, as a matter of fact, very important for keeping the story moving and giving the actors interesting material to work with.

Another big moment in the revival involved a reunion that many fans had been hoping for. Matthew Gray Gubler, who plays Dr. Spencer Reid, made a brief but, you know, deeply emotional appearance. This cameo happened during the funeral of Will Lamontagne Jr., who was JJ's husband. For fans of "Criminal Minds," seeing these characters together again, even for a short time, was, you know, a very meaningful event. Cook has spoken about this reunion, too, which highlights its importance.

Cook also shared a rather interesting anecdote about getting a slap from the late Linda Lavin in a recent episode. These kinds of behind-the-scenes stories, you know, often give fans a little peek into the making of the show and the interactions between the performers. It's pretty clear that these experiences, both on and off screen, contribute to the richness of her work on the series. She has, you know, talked about these specific moments in interviews, giving people a sense of what goes into making the program.

Looking Ahead for AJ Cook and Criminal Minds

The story of "Criminal Minds" continues, and with it, AJ Cook's involvement. "Criminal Minds: Evolution" is, you know, moving forward, with news that season 19 has already started filming. This means that viewers can look forward to more episodes featuring AJ Cook as Jennifer JJ Jareau, continuing her character's journey. It's pretty exciting for those who have followed the show for so long to know that more stories are on the way.

Cook's continuing role in the revival series suggests that her character, JJ, remains a central figure in the team's efforts. The fact that the show is going into a second season on Paramount+ later this year, you know, indicates its success on the streaming platform. It's a clear sign that the audience is still very much invested in these characters and the unique way the show tells its crime stories. Her presence is, in a way, a key reason for that continued connection.

With new seasons being made, it means there will be more opportunities for AJ Cook to explore different facets of JJ's life and work. The discussions she's had about her character's new direction and the teasers for upcoming episodes, you know, hint at ongoing developments. It's pretty clear that her time as Jennifer Jareau is far from over, and fans can expect to see her on their screens for a while yet. Her long-standing commitment to this character is, as a matter of fact, quite impressive.