A.J. Cook On Within Magazine - 60 Seconds Interview
She has been in the mix with criminals for a good few years now, and after recently celebrating their 200th episode, "Criminal Minds" actress A.J. Cook takes the infamous 60 second rundown for Within Magazine. Read the interview below.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Respectful, Protective and Unconditional.
How did you get into acting?
I started dance when I was 4 and I grew up in a house that encouraged creativity. For as long as I can remember, I've been choreographing dance routines or making up plays. Toward the end of highschool, I sort of just made a natural transition into acting. My very first agent worked out of my dance studio. It was a tiny little agency, but I got work. I was very lucky. I haven't looked back since.
What was the last film you saw that moved you?
American Hustle really did a number on me mainly because of Jennifer Lawrence. She's a beast. There's nothing she can't do. She played that character to perfection. The whole cast was incredible. I love characters that are extremely flawed. They're my favorite to play and after watching this movie, it lit the acting flame inside of me. David O. Russel is my dream director. No one tells a story quite like him.
If you could play any character, past or present?
I loved the 1996 film Marvin's Room which was based on the 1990 play by Scott McPherson. It's filled with wonderfully dysfunctional and flawed characters. I did a piece from this play back in collage and I was the role of Lee. In the movie Lee is played by the brilliant Meryl Streep.
If you weren't an actress, what career would you have?
I probably would have opened a tiny dance studio somewhere.
My parents are amazing people. They're still married and they are best friends. It's adorable. My father is the calm in the middle of the storm. He has such a quiet strength about him that has always impressed me. I don't think I've ever heard him speak ill of anyone my entire life. They have both been a beautiful example to myself and my siblings.
Favourite childhood memory?
Every summer I would go camping with my Grandparents. They would take all of my siblings and cousins to the lake. Everyday we would fish and ride bikes and hike and every night all the kids would do some kind of production. Whether it be a dance routine, lip syncing to Whitney Houston or doing some horrible play we made up. My grandparents always made us feel like we were stars.
What do you look for in a man?
A good heart and a sense of humor. I've witness my hubby on several occasions take the shoes off of his feet and give them to a perfect stranger on the street. He has a heart of gold. He also has a wicked sense of humor. He's definitely not a saint!
I think it's important to do something physical on a first date. Like going on a hike or a stroll/jog along the beach. That way you can see how the other person moves. I think it's a little more exciting than sitting at a table eating dinner.
Worst chat up line you have heard?
You spend a lot of time in your car in L.A. I was driving on the freeway and I noticed that the guy in the car next to me had written a note that he was holding up for me to see. It said "You're hot. Call me". His phone number was scribbled on it. I almost called him just so I could find out if that ever actually worked for him!
Today is your last day on Earth, how would you spend it?
I would spend it on the beach with my beautiful husband and son.
Do you have any bad habits?
I drive too fast. I spend way too much time driving. It makes me crazy. I just want to get there as fast as possible. I have to really make an effort to slow down. One day I challenged myself to not drive over the speed limit. I have never been flipped off so many times in my life. I actually turned it into a game! Everyone drives over the speed limit here.
Now you're living in the US, what do you miss about your birthplace, Canada?
I miss my family and friends the most. Canada has really good junk food, too. Chocolate bars and chips. They have dill pickle and ketchup flavored chips. It sounds gross, but it's so good. I also miss the Canadian kindness. Everyone is just so genuine.
You danced competitively for many years, would you ever take up a role on strictly come dancing?
I think it's unfair when someone with a dance background is on the show. The whole point of the show is to see someone improve over a short period of time. That's what I love about it. You should be able to tell who is the professional and who is the celebrity. I'm no where near the professional level, but I do have that dance background.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be like a fine wine and just get better with age. Men do it. Why can't women? I feel like I'm just getting started. I hope to still be doing what I love, but on an even deeper level. I want to create and produce. I hope to have a few of my passion projects on the go for the world to see.
Finally, Criminal Minds has made a great impact here in the UK. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans across the pond?
Thank you so much for your passion! I am the first to admit that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. We love making Criminal Minds and I hope that shows through in our chemistry on screen. Thank you for embracing our little BAU family. Here's to season 10 and beyond!
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