Many people know A.J. Cook as the actress who plays JJ on the TV show Criminal Minds. But not many people know much about her husband, Nathan Andersen. He stays away from the public eye, but he has his own interesting story. In this article, you will learn about his life, his career, his family, and how he met his famous wife.
Quick Bio : Nathan Andersen
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nathan Andersen |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1978 |
| Age (2026) | 48 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Height | Around 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 3 inches (reports vary) |
| Profession | Businessman, fashion designer, co-founder of Walter Sky |
| Education | Utah Valley University (film studies) |
| Spouse | A.J. Cook (married since August 3, 2001) |
| Children | Two sons: Mekhai Allan Andersen and Phoenix Sky Andersen |
| Brother | Wesley Andersen (business partner) |
| Health | Thyroid cancer survivor, cancer-free since 2019 |
| Net Worth | Around $4 million (estimated) |
Early Life and Education
Nathan Andersen was born on May 25, 1978, in the United States. Not much is known about his childhood or his parents, since he likes to keep his personal life private. He has one brother, Wesley Andersen, who later became his business partner.
Nathan studied film at Utah Valley University in Salt Lake City. During his time there, he first tried to work in the entertainment industry. But after some time, he realized that acting and Hollywood were not the right path for him. He felt that his real strength was in business, not in front of the camera.
How He Met A.J. Cook
Nathan met his future wife, A.J. Cook, in a film class at Utah Valley University. They became close friends first, and their bond grew stronger over time. Their relationship became even stronger after A.J. moved to Salt Lake City.
The couple got married on August 3, 2001. At that time, A.J. Cook had not yet become famous. She started her well-known role on Criminal Minds years later, so Nathan has been by her side since before her big career success. In 2021, they celebrated 20 years of marriage. A.J. shared sweet photos on social media, talking about their journey together and their two sons.

Career and Walter Sky
After leaving the entertainment world, Nathan Andersen decided to focus on business. He joined a friend’s startup and worked there for about ten years, learning how to run a company and manage a team.
Later, Nathan wanted to build something of his own. He teamed up with his brother, Wesley, and together they created a clothing brand called Walter Sky in 2018. The brand makes simple, strong, and useful clothes for people who love the outdoors, like hikers and travelers. Nathan has said the clothes are made for people who want quality pieces that work in many different places and weather conditions.
Starting the brand was not easy. Many people did not understand his idea for the clothing style at first. But Nathan kept working on his designs and did not give up. Over time, Walter Sky grew into a respected outdoor clothing brand.
Family Life
Nathan Andersen and A.J. Cook have two sons together. Their first son, Mekhai Allan Andersen, was born in 2008. Their second son, Phoenix Sky Andersen, was born in 2015, just one day after A.J.’s birthday. Interestingly, both boys have appeared in small roles on Criminal Minds, playing the children of A.J.’s character, JJ.
Nathan is known as a hands-on and loving father. He often shares photos of fun moments with his sons, like hiking, playing at the beach, or spending time outdoors. The family tries to keep a normal life away from too much media attention, even though A.J. is a well-known actress.
Health Struggle
In 2019, Nathan Andersen shared some very personal news. He posted a photo showing a scar on his neck and told his followers that he was cancer-free. He had been dealing with thyroid cancer, though he did not share many details about the illness itself.
Many fans and followers sent him kind messages after his post. Some people also shared their own stories about facing the same type of cancer. A.J. Cook later spoke about how this hard time in their life affected her personally and even shaped how she played her character on Criminal Minds: Evolution.

A Private Life by Choice
Even though his wife is famous, Nathan Andersen has chosen to stay mostly out of the spotlight. He does not do interviews often, and he keeps a fairly private social media presence. He is known for being calm, adventurous, and focused on his family and his work rather than public attention.
This is part of what makes his story interesting. He built his own career, faced a serious illness, and supported his family, all while staying out of the Hollywood spotlight that follows his wife.
Final Thoughts
Nathan Andersen may be known to many people simply as A.J. Cook’s husband, but his life shows much more than that one label. He is a businessman, a fashion designer, a devoted father, and a cancer survivor who chose to build a quiet and meaningful life away from fame. His story is a good reminder that success and happiness do not always need a spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nathan Andersen?
Nathan Andersen is an American businessman and fashion designer. He is best known as the husband of actress A.J. Cook, who plays JJ on Criminal Minds.
How did Nathan Andersen meet A.J. Cook?
They met in a film class while studying at Utah Valley University. Their friendship grew into a relationship, and they later got married.
What company did Nathan Andersen start?
He co-founded Walter Sky, a clothing brand, together with his brother Wesley Andersen. The brand makes outdoor clothing for travel and adventure.
Does Nathan Andersen have children?
Yes, he has two sons with A.J. Cook: Mekhai Allan Andersen and Phoenix Sky Andersen. Both boys have appeared in small roles on Criminal Minds.
Did Nathan Andersen have cancer?
Yes, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He shared in 2019 that he was cancer-free, and he has remained healthy since then.




