Nathan Andersen is best known as the husband of Canadian actress A.J. Cook, who plays Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on the hit CBS series Criminal Minds. While his wife has spent over two decades in the Hollywood spotlight, Nathan has built a quieter life for himself as an entrepreneur, fashion designer, and devoted father. Together, the couple has shared a strong marriage since 2001 and raised two sons. This article explores Nathan Andersen’s early life, career, marriage, and the personal journey that has shaped him into the man behind one of television’s most beloved actresses.
Nathan Andersen Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Nathan Andersen |
| Name Spelling | “Andersen” with an “e” |
| Known For | Husband of actress A.J. Cook; founder of Walter Sky |
| Nationality | American |
| Raised In | Utah, USA |
| Birth Date | Not publicly confirmed |
| Age | Not publicly confirmed |
| Education | Utah Valley University (studied film) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, fashion designer |
| Company | Walter Sky (co-founded with his brother, Wesley Andersen) |
| Spouse | A.J. Cook (married August 3, 2001) |
| How They Met | In a film class at Utah Valley University |
| Children | Mekhai Allan Andersen (b. September 13, 2008); Phoenix Sky Andersen (b. July 2015) |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Health | Diagnosed with cancer in 2019; later reported cancer-free |
| Interests | Canyoneering, climbing, outdoor adventures, beach life |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Current Life | Focused on family, Walter Sky, and a private outdoor lifestyle |
Early Life and Family Background
Nathan Andersen grew up in Utah, close to the Wasatch mountain range. He was raised by a family that loved adventure and the outdoors. His grandfather was a free-spirited inventor, his mother was a fearless thrill-seeker, and his father was an accomplished athlete who later became an international businessman. This environment gave Nathan the confidence to explore nature, climb, and test his limits from a young age. While his exact birth date is not widely known, he is an American entrepreneur who has always carried a deep love for the wilderness and a spirit of independence that was shaped by his family’s adventurous lifestyle.
Nathan Andersen’s Education
Nathan attended Utah Valley University, where he studied film. It was in a film class there that he met his future wife, A.J. Cook. After they began dating, Cook moved to Salt Lake City to be with him while he finished his education. While some sources list a Nathan Andersen with a PhD in geoscience from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, those records belong to a different individual with the same name and do not pertain to the husband of A.J. Cook. After graduating college, Nathan briefly entered the Hollywood entertainment world but soon realized it was not the right path for him.
Nathan Andersen’s Career and Professional Life
After leaving the entertainment industry, Nathan invested time and capital into a friend’s startup, where he worked for almost a decade. Although the company was successful, he yearned for a life free from a desk. He eventually founded Walter Sky, a clothing brand focused on minimalism and high performance. Before launching his own company, Nathan explored several industries, proving that it is never too late to pursue your true passions. His career journey reflects a man who values purpose and freedom over traditional corporate success, choosing to build something that aligns with his personal values and lifestyle.
Nathan Andersen and Walter Sky
Nathan Andersen is the founder and designer of Walter Sky, a clothing brand he co-founded with his brother, Wesley Andersen. The idea for Walter Sky came from Nathan’s personal frustration with the clothing options available on the market. He wanted garments that could handle any environment while still looking clean and simple. The brand uses innovative fabrics like Nuyarn® merino wool and odor-extinguishing threads to create clothes that are durable, comfortable, and stylish. Today, Walter Sky offers a purposefully limited collection of everyday apparel designed for people who want to do more and worry less about what they wear.
Nathan Andersen’s Relationship With A.J. Cook
Nathan and A.J. met in a film class at Utah Valley University, and their connection was immediate. A.J. has described the moment as something out of a movie. “It was one of those super cheesy moments where the room stands still, our eyes connected, the air got sucked out of me,” she told Southbay Magazine. “It was like I saw his soul, and I knew him in that instant”. Their relationship grew from a shared love of film and storytelling, and they quickly became inseparable. Their bond has remained strong for over two decades, built on mutual respect, shared adventures, and a deep understanding of each other’s lives.
Who is A.J. Cook?
A.J. Cook is a Canadian actress born Andrea Joy Cook on July 22, 1978, in Oshawa, Ontario. She is best known for her role as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, a role she has played since 2005. Cook began her career as a competitive dancer before moving into acting. Her film credits include The Virgin Suicides, Out Cold, and Final Destination 2. She has also directed episodes of Criminal Minds and continues to star in the revival series Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount+.
Nathan Andersen and A.J. Cook’s Marriage
Nathan Andersen and A.J. Cook married on August 3, 2001. Their wedding was a small and intimate celebration, and the couple has been together for nearly 25 years. On their 20th anniversary, Cook shared a heartfelt Instagram post that read, “20 years young, this marriage of ours. We’ve got these two amazing boys, a wrinkled old wedding dress and hearts in our eyes to show for it”. The couple resides in Los Angeles, where they have built a loving home and continue to support each other’s careers and personal passions.
Children and Family Life
Nathan and A.J. are the proud parents of two sons. Their first child, Mekhai Allan Andersen, was born on September 13, 2008. Their second son, Phoenix Sky Andersen, arrived in July 2015. Both boys have appeared on Criminal Minds alongside their mother, playing the sons of her character, JJ. Family life is a central part of Nathan’s world. He is often seen walking his boys to school in Hermosa Beach, California, and the family enjoys spending time together outdoors and away from the busy entertainment industry.
Nathan Andersen as a Father
Nathan Andersen is a devoted and hands-on father to his two sons, Mekhai and Phoenix. He is often described as a family man who prioritizes his children’s well-being and happiness. The Walter Sky team profile notes that when he is not on an adventure, he can be found walking his boys to school in Hermosa Beach. Nathan shares a close bond with his sons and has supported their appearances on Criminal Minds, where they have shared scenes with their mother. His approach to fatherhood reflects the same values he brings to his business: simplicity, presence, and a love for life’s simple joys.
Active On Social media
Nathan Andersen keeps a fairly low-key social media presence, but he is most active on Instagram under the handle @nathanandy, where he shares a mix of family moments, travel photos, and updates about his clothing brand Walter Sky. He has used this platform to celebrate milestones with his wife, A.J. Cook, including heartfelt anniversary and birthday tributes. He also appears on Twitter with the same handle, often interacting with Cook and sharing personal updates. While he does not maintain a public Facebook or LinkedIn profile for his personal life, his social media activity remains focused on family, adventure, and his business, reflecting his preference for a private life away from Hollywood.
Life Away From Hollywood
Despite being married to a famous actress, Nathan Andersen has deliberately chosen a life away from the Hollywood spotlight. He is a private person who prefers the quiet of the outdoors and the company of his family over red carpets and celebrity events. When he is not working on Walter Sky, he can be found canyoneering in slot canyons, climbing in nature, or spending time at the beach. His lifestyle is a reflection of his belief that true fulfillment comes not from fame, but from living a life aligned with your values and passions. This grounded approach has helped the couple maintain a strong and stable marriage.
Interests and Outdoor Lifestyle
Nathan is an avid outdoorsman who loves adventure and physical challenges. Growing up near the Wasatch range in Utah, he developed a deep connection with nature that has stayed with him throughout his life. He enjoys canyoneering, ascending into slot canyons around the world, and pushing his limits in the wild. This love for adventure is what inspired him to create Walter Sky, a brand designed for people who want to explore without being weighed down by their gear. When he is not on the road, he enjoys waking up by the beach in Hermosa Beach and spending time with his family.
Nathan Andersen’s Health Journey
In 2019, Nathan Andersen faced a serious health challenge when he was diagnosed with cancer. The news was a difficult time for the family, but A.J. Cook stood by his side throughout his treatment. Nathan underwent surgery and treatment, and by September 2019, reports confirmed that he was cancer-free. His journey through illness brought the family even closer together and reminded them of what truly matters in life. Nathan’s resilience and recovery have been an inspiration, and he continues to live a healthy and active lifestyle, focusing on his family, his work, and his passion for the outdoors.
Net Worth and Financial Life
Nathan Andersen has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and fashion designer. While his exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed, his financial life is tied to his work as the founder of Walter Sky, a premium clothing brand. Unlike the billionaire short-seller Nathan Anderson of Hindenburg Research, who has an estimated net worth of around $5 million, Nathan Andersen married to A.J. Cook has achieved financial stability through his own business ventures and smart investments. He leads a comfortable life in Los Angeles with his family, prioritizing experiences and freedom over material wealth.
Where Is Nathan Andersen Now?
As of 2025, Nathan Andersen continues to live in Los Angeles with his wife, A.J. Cook, and their two sons. He remains actively involved in running Walter Sky, the clothing brand he co-founded with his brother. He also continues to pursue his outdoor passions, finding time for adventures and exploring nature. The family recently celebrated a milestone as Mekhai appeared on Criminal Minds: Evolution with his mother, and Nathan has been a supportive presence throughout. While he prefers to stay out of the public eye, his life is full of purpose, family, and the simple joys that matter most to him.
Private Life and Legacy
Nathan Andersen’s legacy is not defined by fame or fortune, but by his role as a devoted husband, father, and creator. He has chosen to live a life of purpose and simplicity, finding meaning in his family, his work, and his love for the outdoors. His marriage to A.J. Cook is one of Hollywood’s most enduring relationships, a testament to the power of mutual respect and shared values. Through Walter Sky, he has built something that reflects his beliefs about quality, simplicity, and adventure. Nathan’s story is a reminder that true success is not about being in the spotlight, but about living a life that is authentic and fulfilling.
Conclusion
Nathan Andersen is far more than just the husband of a famous actress. He is an entrepreneur, a designer, an adventurer, and a devoted family man. His life with A.J. Cook is a story of love, resilience, and partnership. Together, they have built a family and a life that is grounded in what truly matters: love, health, and shared adventures. Whether he is designing the next Walter Sky collection, exploring a slot canyon, or simply walking his boys to school, Nathan lives life on his own terms. His story is a quiet but powerful example of how you can find success and happiness by staying true to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nathan Anderson famous for?
Nathan Anderson is famous as the founder of Hindenburg Research, an activist short-selling firm he started in 2017. His firm published investigative reports that exposed alleged fraud and accounting irregularities at major companies, most notably the Adani Group in India and electric truck maker Nikola. The Adani report alone wiped over $100 billion off the conglomerate’s market value.
How did AJ Cook meet her husband?
A.J. Cook met Nathan Andersen in a film class at Utah Valley University in the late 1990s. Cook has described the moment as love at first sight, saying, “It was one of those super cheesy moments where the room stands still, our eyes connected, the air got sucked out of me… It was like I saw his soul, and I knew him in that instant.” After they began dating, she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to be with him while he finished his education.
What does AJ Cook’s husband do for a living?
Nathan Andersen is an American entrepreneur and fashion designer. He is the founder and designer of Walter Sky, a clothing brand he co-founded in 2018 with his brother, Wesley Andersen. The brand focuses on minimalist, high-performance everyday apparel made from innovative fabrics like Nuyarn® merino wool.
What happened to Nathan Anderson?
There are two different people here. Nathan Anderson, the Hindenburg Research founder, announced in January 2025 that he was disbanding his firm after nearly eight years, citing the “all-encompassing” toll of the work and a desire to spend more time with family. Separately, Nathan Andersen (A.J. Cook’s husband) was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 but successfully beat the disease and was reported cancer-free by September of that year.
Who is Nathan Anderson married to?
Nathan Anderson, the founder of Hindenburg Research, keeps his personal life very private and his marital status is not publicly confirmed. However, Nathan Andersen (spelled with an “e”), the husband of actress A.J. Cook, has been married to her since August 3, 2001. The couple met in a film class at Utah Valley University and have two sons together, Mekhai and Phoenix.
What nationality is Nathan?
Nathan Andersen, the husband of A.J. Cook, is American. He grew up in Utah, near the Wasatch mountain range, and currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with his family. Nathan Anderson, the Hindenburg Research founder, is also American and was born in Connecticut.
