Nathan Andersen may not be a Hollywood star, but his life story is one of quiet strength, creativity, and success. Known to many as the husband of actress A.J. Cook, who plays JJ on Criminal Minds, Nathan has built his own identity as an entrepreneur, fashion designer, and outdoor enthusiast. Beyond the glamour of Hollywood, he lives a simple, adventurous life focused on family, creativity, and business.
As the co-founder of Walter Sky, a minimalist clothing brand made for modern explorers, Nathan has turned his love for travel and simplicity into a thriving business. His journey from film student to businessman, from husband to father, and from cancer fighter to survivor is both inspiring and deeply human. In this article, we’ll explore Nathan Andersen’s life, covering his early years, career path, marriage, family, and personal triumphs that define who he is today.
Quick Bio: Nathan Andersen
| Bio Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nathan Andersen |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1978 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 47 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Utah Valley University (Degree in Film & Communication) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Fashion Designer |
| Famous For | Husband of A.J. Cook (Actress), Co-founder of Walter Sky |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | A.J. Cook (Married since August 3, 2001) |
| Children | 2 Sons – Mekhai Allan Andersen & Phoenix Sky Andersen |
| Notable Achievement | Cancer Survivor (Thyroid Cancer – Cancer-Free Since 2019) |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated $4 Million |
| Brand | Walter Sky (Minimalist Clothing Brand) |
| Hobbies | Traveling, Rock Climbing, Nature Exploration, Photography |
| Personality Traits | Calm, Adventurous, Creative, Private |
Nathan Andersen’s Early Life and Education
Nathan Andersen was born on May 25, 1978, in the United States. He grew up in a loving family that encouraged adventure and independence. His father was an athlete who later became a businessman, while his mother enjoyed skiing and outdoor activities. From a young age, Nathan developed a deep love for nature and exploration.
As a child, he spent hours climbing trees, collecting unique items, and finding new places to explore. This adventurous spirit became a lifelong passion. His parents supported his curiosity, helping him grow into a confident and creative person.
After completing high school, Nathan attended Utah Valley University, where he studied Film and Communication. During his time there, he developed an interest in storytelling and visual creativity. While he once dreamed of working in the film industry, his education would later serve as the foundation for his entrepreneurial career and design work.
Career Journey: From Film Dreams to Business Success
After graduating from Utah Valley University, Nathan moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He worked behind the scenes for a while, exploring opportunities related to film and media. However, he soon realized that the fast-paced and attention-driven Hollywood lifestyle didn’t match his personality.
Nathan preferred meaningful, hands-on work over fame. He decided to step away from the entertainment world and start over in a new direction. This bold decision led him into business and entrepreneurship. He joined a startup company and spent nearly a decade gaining experience in leadership, product design, and management.
These years taught him how to build a business from the ground up — lessons that would later help him create his own brand. Nathan’s career path reflects his entrepreneurial spirit, showing that success often comes from following your instincts rather than trends.
Walter Sky: Nathan Andersen’s Clothing Brand
Nathan’s most recognized achievement is the founding of Walter Sky, a modern clothing brand he co-created with his brother, Wesley Andersen. Together, they wanted to design clothes that were simple, durable, and perfect for people who love travel, adventure, and movement.
Walter Sky’s philosophy is all about balance — blending function and fashion. The brand focuses on high-quality materials, minimal designs, and clothes that work in all kinds of weather and settings. Nathan’s idea was to create something timeless — not driven by trends but by purpose.
The name Walter Sky carries a personal meaning for the Andersen brothers, representing both family and freedom. In the early days, not everyone believed in Nathan’s ideas. Some thought his designs were too minimal or unconventional. But Nathan stayed true to his vision, testing fabrics, refining products, and slowly building the brand’s identity.
Today, Walter Sky stands as a trusted name in modern minimalist fashion, admired for its attention to detail and strong connection to the outdoors. Nathan’s journey with the brand shows his determination, creativity, and belief in doing things differently.
Nathan Andersen and A.J. Cook: A Love Story That Lasts
Nathan Andersen met A.J. Cook while they were both students at Utah Valley University. They met in a film class and quickly became close friends. Their shared interests in creativity and storytelling brought them together, and over time, friendship turned into love.
After finishing college, A.J. pursued acting, and Nathan supported her dream wholeheartedly. On August 3, 2001, the couple got married, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership built on trust and understanding.
Even though A.J. became a successful actress, Nathan preferred to stay out of the public eye. Their relationship thrives on mutual respect and humor. A.J. often shares loving posts about Nathan on social media, celebrating their long marriage. She once joked that they were “just babies” when they got married — but their love has grown stronger with time.
Their marriage is a beautiful example of balance: one partner in the spotlight and the other providing strength and stability behind the scenes.
Who is A.J. Cook?
A.J. Cook is a Canadian actress best known for her role as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on the long-running TV series Criminal Minds. She was born on July 22, 1978, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, and began her career in the late 1990s, appearing in shows like Goosebumps and The Virgin Suicides. Over the years, A.J. became widely recognized for her strong and emotional performances on television. Outside of acting, she is known for her kindness, dedication to family, and balanced lifestyle. She has been married to Nathan Andersen since 2001, and together they have two sons, Mekhai and Phoenix, who have both appeared alongside her on Criminal Minds.
Family Life: Nathan Andersen as a Husband and Father
Nathan Andersen is a devoted husband and father of two sons — Mekhai Allan Andersen, born in 2008, and Phoenix Sky Andersen, born on July 23, 2015. Family means everything to Nathan. Despite his busy schedule, he spends plenty of time with his wife and kids, often exploring nature together.
Both of Nathan’s sons appeared on Criminal Minds as the children of A.J. Cook’s character, JJ. This created a unique and heartwarming connection between their real and on-screen family lives.
Nathan’s parenting style is grounded and full of humor. He loves outdoor adventures with his boys — hiking, climbing, and exploring — teaching them to appreciate life beyond screens and city life. His role as a family man reflects his values of love, patience, and presence.
Nathan Andersen’s Battle with Cancer
In 2019, Nathan shared one of the most challenging parts of his life — his fight against thyroid cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock, but Nathan faced it with calm strength and determination.
He underwent treatment and, later that year, announced that he was cancer-free. Nathan even posted a picture showing the scar on his neck as a sign of survival and hope. His wife, A.J. Cook, celebrated the news with an emotional post saying, “Cancer picked the wrong guy to mess with. You won, baby! You’re #cancerfree.”
The experience taught Nathan the value of resilience and gratitude. His story inspired many people who were also battling health challenges, proving that positivity and courage can overcome even the toughest times.
Net Worth and Achievements
Over the years, Nathan Andersen has built a stable and successful career. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $4 million. Most of his earnings come from his business ventures, particularly Walter Sky, which has grown steadily in the fashion and lifestyle industry.
Nathan’s success doesn’t come from fame but from consistency and innovation. His achievements include co-founding a respected clothing brand, surviving cancer, and maintaining a long, loving marriage — all while living life on his own terms.
Lifestyle and Personality
Nathan Andersen’s lifestyle is simple, peaceful, and connected to nature. He enjoys hiking, mountain climbing, and spending time outdoors. His love for travel shows in his photography and in the inspiration behind Walter Sky’s clothing designs.
He keeps a minimalist approach to life, focusing on quality over quantity and experiences over possessions. Nathan rarely shares personal moments online, preferring privacy over publicity. His grounded nature and calm energy make him stand out in a world that often celebrates excess.
Interesting Facts About Nathan Andersen
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He met A.J. Cook in college during a film class.
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He co-founded the clothing brand Walter Sky with his brother, Wesley Andersen.
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Both his sons appeared on Criminal Minds alongside A.J. Cook.
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He is a thyroid cancer survivor and became cancer-free in 2019.
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He loves rock climbing, hiking, and travel photography.
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He values simplicity and mindfulness in both business and personal life.
Lessons from Nathan Andersen’s Life
Nathan Andersen’s life teaches powerful lessons about perseverance, humility, and self-belief. He reminds us that success doesn’t always come from fame; it comes from passion, patience, and staying true to yourself.
His story also shows the importance of family and courage. Whether building a business, facing health challenges, or supporting his wife’s career, Nathan approaches life with quiet strength and positivity.
Final Thoughts
Nathan Andersen may be known to many as A.J. Cook’s husband, but he is much more than that. He is a creative entrepreneur, a loving father, and a survivor who inspires through his actions rather than words. From his early film dreams to launching a successful fashion brand, his life reflects courage, balance, and purpose.
Through his company, Walter Sky, Nathan has created more than just clothing; he has built a brand that mirrors his philosophy of living simply and authentically. His journey is a reminder that you don’t need fame to live an extraordinary life; you just need heart, focus, and the will to keep moving forward.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Nathan Andersen?
Nathan Andersen is an American entrepreneur, fashion designer, and co-founder of the minimalist clothing brand Walter Sky. He is also known as the husband of Criminal Minds actress A.J. Cook. Nathan is admired for his adventurous spirit, calm personality, and creative approach to life and business.
2. What does Nathan Andersen do for a living?
Nathan Andersen is a successful businessman and fashion designer. He co-founded Walter Sky, a clothing brand that focuses on simple, durable, and travel-friendly apparel. His brand reflects his love for nature and adventure, offering stylish yet functional outfits for modern explorers.
3. How did Nathan Andersen meet A.J. Cook?
Nathan met A.J. Cook while studying Film and Communication at Utah Valley University. They became close friends during film class, sharing similar creative interests and values. Their friendship eventually turned into love, leading to a long and happy marriage.
4. When did Nathan Andersen and A.J. Cook get married?
Nathan Andersen and A.J. Cook got married on August 3, 2001, after several years of dating. Their relationship has remained strong for over two decades, built on mutual respect, love, and understanding. Even with A.J.’s fame, they’ve managed to keep their family life grounded and private.
5. How many children do Nathan Andersen and A.J. Cook have?
The couple has two sons — Mekhai Allan Andersen and Phoenix Sky Andersen. Both boys have appeared on Criminal Minds as the on-screen children of A.J. Cook’s character, JJ. Nathan often shares fun outdoor adventures with them, showing his deep love for family and fatherhood.
6. What is Nathan Andersen’s clothing brand Walter Sky about?
Walter Sky is a clothing brand co-founded by Nathan and his brother Wesley Andersen. It focuses on minimalist designs that are both functional and fashionable, ideal for people who travel, explore, and live active lives. The brand’s philosophy centers on quality, simplicity, and timeless style.
7. Did Nathan Andersen have cancer?
Yes, Nathan Andersen battled thyroid cancer and shared his recovery journey publicly in 2019. Despite the challenge, he stayed positive and focused on healing, supported by his wife and family. He later announced he was cancer-free, inspiring many with his resilience and strength.
8. What is Nathan Andersen’s net worth?
As of 2025, Nathan Andersen’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. His income primarily comes from his business ventures, especially Walter Sky, which continues to grow in popularity. Nathan’s financial success reflects his hard work, creativity, and dedication to building his own path.
