How 'Criminal Minds' Role Led A.J. Cook to Uncover Real-Life Child Predator (Exclusive)
Discover how A.J. Cook's role in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' enabled her to unveil a child predator in a real-life scenario. Dive into the exclusive interview where she shares insights on identifying predators beyond the screen.
A J Cook Says Appearing on Criminal Minds Helped Her ID Actual Pedophile
Michael Yarish/Paramount+
Criminal Minds actress A.J. Cook recently put her on-the-job training to the test in real life.
At 45 years old, Cook has portrayed Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau for almost twenty years on Criminal Minds and its spinoff Criminal Minds: Evolution. With her extensive experience, she immediately recognized a problem when faced with a suspicious individual off set.
The actress shared with We that she has learned some things she didn't expect to know, but they have been useful in her life. She recently encountered a pedophile and was able to identify him. However, she felt helpless in that situation, not knowing what to say or do. Later on, it was revealed that he was indeed a pedophile, and she felt a sense of validation.
The actress admitted that the show she is on is quite dark, but she finds it useful to have that perspective as a mother. Aisha Tyler and her husband Nathan Andersen have two sons, Mekhai who is 15 and Phoenix who is 8.
Aisha Tyler, known for her role as forensic psychologist Dr. Tara Lewis in the Criminal Minds universe since 2015, shared that being on the show has changed the way she views other crime shows and documentaries.
A J Cook Says Appearing on Criminal Minds Helped Her ID Actual Pedophile
A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau and Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis in “Criminal Minds: Evolution” Monty Brinton/Paramount+
Tyler, who is 53 years old, shared, "I will be like, ‘Oh, that guy absolutely did it.’ I mean, look at his facial expression. Look at how he’s looking up and right instead of down and left. He’s obviously lying.’"
She also acknowledged that the show has made her “much more of a skeptic.”
Tyler shared that she spends a significant amount of time observing people's non-verbal cues in real life and while watching other things. She emphasized the importance of internalizing the ways in which individuals communicate without using words.
The actress expressed her hope that her skepticism is reflected in a protective manner rather than a negative one, particularly when interacting with her family members.
She explained that she often tells people to delete certain things, not open specific messages, or avoid reading certain content. She believes that not being able to distinguish what is real can have a negative impact on mental health. It becomes difficult to navigate the world when you are unsure about the authenticity of the information being received.
Tyler jokingly suggested that perhaps this quality makes her a great wing woman.
"I tend to get more vocal in a bar," she shared with Us. "I'll be like, 'That guy is not trustworthy! Don't leave with him!'"
Get ready for the premiere of Season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount+ this Thursday, June 6th.
Editor's P/S:
Criminal Minds actresses A.J. Cook and Aisha Tyler have shared how their experiences on the show have impacted their real-life perspectives. Cook, who plays Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, has used her on-screen training to identify a suspicious individual off set. This experience highlights the valuable and transferable skills that can be gained from working in law enforcement-related fields.
Tyler, who portrays forensic psychologist Dr. Tara Lewis, has become more observant of people's non-verbal cues and skeptical of information. She emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself from potentially harmful content and being aware of the impact of false or misleading information on mental health. Both actresses acknowledge the potential benefits of their heightened awareness and use it to safeguard themselves and others, particularly in social situations.
