While millions of viewers recognize AJ Cook as the sharp, steadfast Jennifer "JJ" Jareau on the long-running CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, her life off-screen tells a grounded story of a decades-long partnership. For over two decades, Cook has shared her life with her husband, Nathan Andersen. Unlike many Hollywood couples whose relationships play out under constant tabloid scrutiny, Cook and Andersen have built a quiet, enduring family life away from the heavy glare of the spotlight.
Andersen isn't an actor chasing box office numbers or a pop star riding radio charts. Instead, he carved out a distinct path as an entrepreneur, fashion designer, and adventure travel enthusiast. Understanding his background reveals how mutual support, shared creative roots, and a low-profile lifestyle can survive inside the entertainment industry.
How AJ Cook and Nathan Andersen Met
Long before Criminal Minds made Cook a household name, their story began in a film class at Utah Valley University in Salt Lake City. Both students shared an interest in the mechanics of cinema and storytelling. What started as a campus friendship quickly deepened into a serious romance.
When Cook's acting career began pulling her toward broader opportunities, distance tested the relationship. To bridge the gap, Cook eventually relocated to Salt Lake City to be closer to Andersen, prioritizing their bond while she navigated the unpredictable early stages of an acting career.
On August 3, 2001, the couple officially tied the knot. Rather than rushing into marriage under the pressure of sudden fame, they committed to each other before Cook landed her breakout television roles. That foundational stability has often been cited by fans and profile writers as the bedrock of their longevity. They reached their twenty-year milestone in 2021, moving well past the average Hollywood marital lifespan.
Nathan Andersen Career and Business Ventures
While Cook spends her time on soundstages and film sets, Andersen operates in the worlds of design and commerce. Born on May 25, 1978, he initially explored various avenues within the creative arts before discovering his true footing in business.
After completing his education at Utah Valley University, Andersen spent time testing the waters of the entertainment and film production industries. However, he soon realized that his strengths leaned far more toward structural entrepreneurship than performance. He partnered with a colleague to build a startup venture, dedicating nearly a decade of focused effort to scaling it into a stable enterprise.
His entrepreneurial journey didn't stop there. Combining a personal passion for outdoor exploration, climbing, and active travel, Andersen co-founded Walter Sky, a functional apparel and clothing brand emphasizing technical utility, minimalist design, and durability. Run alongside his brother Wesley Andersen, the brand reflects his practical, adventure-driven ethos. Rather than leaning on his wife's celebrity status to market his products, Andersen keeps his business ventures largely separate from Hollywood culture, focusing instead on technical design and material performance.
Family Life and Raising Children
The couple shares two sons, integrating their family life directly into the fabric of their careers on rare, organic occasions. Their first son, Mekhai Allan Andersen, was born in September 2008. True to form for a tight-knit family, Mekhai made an early appearance on television, playing Henry LaMontagne—JJ's oldest son—on Criminal Minds.
The family expanded in July 2015 with the arrival of their second son, Phoenix Sky Andersen. His birth brought a unique family story: the couple had been told they might not have more children, making Phoenix an unexpected and celebrated surprise. Reflecting that journey, they chose the name Phoenix to signify rising against expectations. Just like his older brother, young Phoenix also stepped onto the Criminal Minds set as an infant, playing JJ's second son, Michael, in a seamless blend of family and professional life.
The family resides in Los Angeles, balancing school runs, creative projects, and outdoor travel. Despite living in a city defined by media exposure, they maintain strict boundaries regarding their private life, sharing only occasional glimpses of their travels and milestones on social media.
Overcoming Private Hurdles
Every long-term relationship faces unexpected trials, and the Andersons are no exception. Behind the polished red-carpet appearances lies a shared resilience.
In late 2019, Andersen shared a candid, unfiltered look at a personal health battle via social media, posting about a successful procedure to remove a neck growth and celebrating being cancer-free. Rather than turning a private medical scare into a massive media spectacle, the couple handled the challenge quietly, relying on each other and close family support. Moments like these highlight why their partnership resonates with fans: they weather genuine storms out of the public eye while keeping their core unit steady.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nathan Andersen do for a living?
Nathan Andersen is an entrepreneur and fashion designer. He is best known as a co-founder of the technical apparel brand Walter Sky, which he established alongside his brother.
When did AJ Cook and Nathan Andersen get married?
The couple married on August 3, 2001, after meeting as students at Utah Valley University. They have been married for over two decades.
Do AJ Cook and Nathan Andersen's children act?
Yes, both of their sons—Mekhai and Phoenix—have made brief appearances on Criminal Minds playing the onscreen children of their mother's character, Jennifer Jareau. However, these were special family cameos rather than full-time acting careers.
Where do they live?
The family primarily resides in Los Angeles, California, maintaining a home base close to the entertainment industry while preserving a quiet, private family dynamic.
