A.J. Cook, best known as Jennifer "JJ" Jareau on the long-running procedural Criminal Minds, has maintained one of the most stable and enduring family lives in Hollywood. Since marrying her college sweetheart, Nathan Andersen, in 2001, the couple has welcomed two sons and navigated significant health challenges, all while integrating their real-life family into the fabric of Cook's professional television career.
The Foundation: Meeting at Utah Valley University
The story of A.J. Cook’s family begins long before the bright lights of a Hollywood set. While attending Utah Valley State College (now Utah Valley University), Cook met Nathan Andersen in a film class. This encounter in the late 1990s served as the catalyst for a relationship that would defy the typical "celebrity marriage" statistics. Unlike many actors who find partners within the industry after achieving fame, Cook and Andersen built their relationship on a foundation of shared history and academic roots.
At the time, Cook was a burgeoning actress with a background in competitive dance, while Andersen was focused on his own creative and entrepreneurial interests. Their shared passion for film provided a common language, but it was their mutual commitment to a life outside the frantic pace of the entertainment industry that would eventually define their marriage. This period was crucial for the couple, as it allowed them to establish a private bond before Cook’s career skyrocketed with films like The Virgin Suicides and Final Destination 2.
August 3, 2001: The Wedding Day
After several years of dating, A.J. Cook and Nathan Andersen officially tied the knot on August 3, 2001. The timing of their wedding was significant, occurring just as Cook was beginning to secure more prominent roles in television and film. By choosing to marry early in her career, Cook anchored her personal life, providing a sense of stability that she often credits for her ability to handle the pressures of a demanding filming schedule.
The couple opted for a relatively private life from the start. While they occasionally appeared together on red carpets, Nathan Andersen largely stayed out of the traditional "Hollywood husband" spotlight, focusing on his own career path. This balance—having one partner in the public eye and the other maintaining a more private professional life—is often cited by relationship experts as a key factor in the longevity of high-profile marriages.
The Expansion of the Family: Welcoming Mekhai Allan Andersen
Seven years after their wedding, the Andersen family celebrated a major milestone. On September 13, 2008, A.J. Cook gave birth to their first child, a son named Mekhai Allan Andersen.
Mekhai’s arrival coincided with Cook’s tenure on Criminal Minds, which had premiered in 2005. In a move that delighted fans, the show’s producers decided to mirror Cook’s real-life pregnancy within the show’s narrative. Her character, JJ Jareau, became pregnant, and once Mekhai was born, he was cast to play JJ’s son, Henry LaMontagne.
This decision was more than just a casting convenience; it allowed Cook to spend more time with her infant son while on set. Mekhai became a recurring presence on the show for over a decade, allowing viewers to literally watch him grow up on screen alongside his mother. This professional-personal hybrid arrangement is rare in the industry and spoke to the value the production placed on Cook’s contribution to the series.
A Second Addition: Phoenix Sky Andersen
The family timeline continued to evolve in 2015. On July 23, 2015, the couple welcomed their second son, Phoenix Sky Andersen. Just as they had done with Mekhai, the producers of Criminal Minds integrated Cook’s second pregnancy into the show’s storyline.
Phoenix followed in his older brother’s footsteps, appearing on the show as JJ’s second son, Michael LaMontagne. By this point, the Andersen family had become an integral part of the Criminal Minds "family." For fans, the blurred lines between Cook’s real family and her fictional one created a deep sense of investment in her personal life.
The name "Phoenix" carried a weight of renewal and strength, themes that would become even more relevant to the family in the years following his birth. As the family grew, Cook and Andersen remained committed to raising their children in a grounded environment, often sharing glimpses of their outdoor-focused lifestyle, which included surfing, hiking, and travel.
Facing Adversity: Nathan Andersen’s Health Journey
One of the most significant and challenging chapters in the A.J. Cook and Nathan Andersen family timeline occurred in the late 2010s. While the couple typically kept their private struggles away from the tabloids, they eventually shared that Nathan had been diagnosed with cancer.
The specifics of the diagnosis were kept relatively private during the initial treatment phase, but the impact on the family was profound. In various social media posts and interviews, Cook praised her husband’s resilience and the strength their family found during this period. In 2019, Nathan Andersen publicly shared that he was "cancer-free," a milestone that the family celebrated with deep gratitude.
This health crisis served to strengthen the bond between Cook and Andersen. It also shifted Nathan’s professional focus toward health-conscious and sustainable ventures. He became a co-founder of Walter Sky, a premium apparel brand that focuses on minimalist, high-quality clothing designed for longevity—a philosophy that mirrors the couple’s approach to their personal lives.
A.J. Cook’s Husband and Family Timeline: Key Milestones
The following table summarizes the critical dates and events that have defined the family’s journey from the late 1990s through the present.
| Year | Milestone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1990s | First Meeting | Met in a film class at Utah Valley University (then UVSC). |
| 2001 | Marriage | Tied the knot on August 3, 2001, in a private ceremony. |
| 2005 | Criminal Minds Debut | A.J. Cook begins her career-defining role as Jennifer Jareau. |
| 2008 | Birth of Mekhai | First son, Mekhai Allan Andersen, born on September 13. |
| 2008 | Mekhai's TV Debut | Mekhai begins playing Henry LaMontagne on Criminal Minds. |
| 2015 | Birth of Phoenix | Second son, Phoenix Sky Andersen, born on July 23. |
| 2015 | Phoenix's TV Debut | Phoenix joins the cast of Criminal Minds as Michael LaMontagne. |
| 2019 | Health Milestone | Nathan Andersen announces he is cancer-free after a rigorous battle. |
| 2020-2022 | Career Expansion | A.J. Cook directs episodes of Criminal Minds and moves into the Evolution era. |
| 2026 | Silver Anniversary Milestone | The couple approaches 25 years of marriage. |
The Role of Nathan Andersen: More Than an "Actor's Husband"
While A.J. Cook is the face of the family in the media, Nathan Andersen has built a distinct identity as an entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable living. His brand, Walter Sky, was born out of a desire for simplicity and functionality, reflecting the family’s penchant for travel and the outdoors.
Andersen’s influence on the family timeline is seen in their lifestyle choices. The family is frequently seen in nature, whether it is surfing on the California coast or exploring more remote locations. This focus on "real life" over "red carpet life" has helped their children maintain a sense of normalcy despite having a world-famous mother.
Nathan’s role as a cancer survivor has also influenced the family's public advocacy. They have used their platform to support various health-related causes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and the power of a strong support system during medical crises.
Parenting in the Public Eye: The Andersen Approach
A.J. Cook and Nathan Andersen have been remarkably consistent in their parenting philosophy. Despite their sons appearing on a major television network, the couple has been careful to ensure that Mekhai and Phoenix have childhoods that are as traditional as possible.
- Limited Public Exposure: Aside from their scripted roles on Criminal Minds, the children are rarely seen at industry events or in paparazzi photos.
- Focus on Education: The couple has prioritized schooling and extracurricular activities, such as sports and arts, over professional acting careers for their children.
- Real-Life Skills: Nathan Andersen often shares content showing the boys learning hands-on skills, emphasizing a "do-it-yourself" mentality.
- Integration, Not Exploitation: By allowing the boys to play her on-screen children, Cook was able to keep her family close during long workdays, rather than sending them off to auditions for other projects.
This approach has allowed the boys to treat acting as a fun hobby or a way to spend time with their mother, rather than a high-pressure career path. As of 2026, both sons have grown into young men with interests that extend far beyond the soundstages of Hollywood.
The Long-Term Success of the Cook-Andersen Marriage
In an industry where marriages often last only a few years, the 25-year trajectory of Cook and Andersen is an anomaly. Their success can be attributed to several factors that are evident throughout their timeline:
- Shared History: Meeting before fame provided a baseline of trust that wasn't predicated on career status.
- Privacy Boundaries: They have been selective about what parts of their lives they share with the public, protecting the sanctity of their home.
- Mutual Support: Whether it was Nathan supporting A.J. during the intense Criminal Minds filming schedule or A.J. supporting Nathan through his cancer battle, the partnership has remained reciprocal.
- Adaptability: They have evolved from college students to young professionals, then to parents, and eventually to survivors of health adversity, adapting their roles within the family as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has A.J. Cook been married?
A.J. Cook married Nathan Andersen on August 3, 2001. As of 2026, they have been married for 24 years and are approaching their 25th wedding anniversary. Their relationship is considered one of the most enduring in the television industry.
Do A.J. Cook’s real-life children appear on Criminal Minds?
Yes, both of A.J. Cook’s sons have played her character’s children on the show. Mekhai Allan Andersen played Henry LaMontagne, and Phoenix Sky Andersen played Michael LaMontagne. This allowed the family to stay together during the show's extensive production cycles.
What kind of cancer did Nathan Andersen have?
The couple chose not to disclose the specific type of cancer Nathan was diagnosed with to maintain their privacy. However, they confirmed in 2019 that he had successfully completed treatment and was cancer-free. He has since been an advocate for health and wellness.
What does A.J. Cook’s husband do for a living?
Nathan Andersen is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of the clothing brand Walter Sky. The company specializes in minimalist, high-performance apparel. Before his entrepreneurial ventures, he was involved in various creative projects and has occasionally worked in fashion and lifestyle photography.
Where do A.J. Cook and her family live?
The family primarily resides in the Los Angeles area to remain close to the production hubs for Criminal Minds: Evolution and other projects. However, they are known for spending significant time in the mountains and near the ocean, reflecting their love for the outdoors.
Is Mekhai Andersen still acting?
While Mekhai Andersen is well-known for his recurring role as Henry LaMontagne on Criminal Minds, he has not pursued a wide range of other acting roles. His appearances have largely been limited to the show where his mother stars, as the family has prioritized his education and a normal upbringing over a full-time acting career.
Final Practical Guidance for Fans
For those following A.J. Cook’s journey, her family timeline serves as a testament to the fact that it is possible to balance a high-octane career with a stable, loving home life. The best way to keep up with the family's current endeavors—such as Nathan’s work with Walter Sky or A.J.’s directorial projects—is to follow their official social media channels, where they occasionally share updates that balance professional news with personal milestones.
