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Josh Cooke
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Josh Cooke (born November 22, 1979)[1] is an American actor.
Key Information
Career
[edit]Television
[edit]He played the lead role of Nate Solomon in NBC's 2005 sitcom Committed. He appeared in guest roles on Without a Trace, Century City, Once and Again, 10-8, and Dragnet.
In 2006, he starred in Four Kings, and Big Day, neither of which was renewed. He appeared in Curb Your Enthusiasm.[2] In 2009, Cooke appeared in the Joss Whedon show Dollhouse as Leo Carpenter.[3]
He played Dan Stonewater on the final episode of Scrubs and Rabbi Feldman on the final episode of The King of Queens. In 2009, Cooke played Auggie Harris in Season 6 Episode 7 on Numbers. Cooke played Ben Coles on Better with You, a sitcom which began in 2010 and was cancelled after 22 episodes.
Cooke voiced various characters in Seth Green's Robot Chicken and made several appearances in the Showtime series Dexter as Louis Greene.
Cooke played Joel Stevens, boyfriend of Rachel Bilson's character Zoe Hart, in CW's Hart of Dixie (season 3) and appears as Sue Heck's college professor on whom she has a strong crush in the seventh season of The Middle.
In 2018, he guest starred as Greg in Younger as Caitlin's older boyfriend and as Barry, father to Sheldon's perceived rival, in Young Sheldon. He played Mallory Hanson's boyfriend, Daniel Penbraith for a while in Grace and Frankie. He portrayed Reeves in Castle Rock. He also guest starred as Mason in episode 9 of season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
In 2020, appeared as journalist Loudon Wainwright Jr. in the Disney Plus series The Right Stuff.
Film
[edit]In 2006, Cooke co-starred in the film Wasted as Dixon, alongside Eddie Kaye Thomas and Kip Pardue. Cooke also played Christina Milian's love interest, Eddie, in Snowglobe. He played Eric in Young People Fucking (2007). He appeared in the 2010 film A Fork in the Road. He had a small role in I Love You, Man as Alan, a straight married man in a relationship with Robbie Klaven (played by Andy Samberg).[4] Cooke was one of the lead roles in the 2011 horror film Quarantine 2: Terminal.[5]
Cooke starred as Andy in the 2010 comedy Group Sex, alongside Greg Grunberg and Odette Yustman. Cooke played the lead role as Ron in the 2008 direct-to-DVD film Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation.
Theatre
[edit]In 2016, Cooke was cast in the La Jolla Playhouse premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner and Tony Award nominee Ayad Akhtar's Junk: The Golden Age of Debt as "Robert Merkin." It will be directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes and premiere on July 26, 2016.[6][7][8]
Music
[edit]On November 10, 2015, Cooke released his debut album 'fō under the stage name "fō".[9] It was executively produced by Cooke and Erik Kertes.[citation needed]
Personal life
[edit]Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Partner(s) | Tom | |
| 2006 | Wasted | Dixon | |
| 2007 | Young People Fucking | Eric | |
| 2008 | Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation | Ron | Direct-to-video |
| My Sassy Girl | Yuppie | Direct-to-video | |
| 2009 | I Love You, Man | Alan (bench press guy) | |
| 2010 | A Fork in the Road | Will Carson | |
| Group Sex | Andy | Direct-to-video | |
| 2011 | Quarantine 2: Terminal | Henry | |
| 2012 | 16-Love | Dr. Jim | |
| 2013 | Miss Dial | Soup caller | |
| Finding Joy | Kyle | ||
| 2014 | The Opposite Sex | Kendrick | |
| 2016 | Hail, Caesar! | Box Breakfast A.D. | |
| 2018 | The Middle of X | Casey Foster | |
| 2019 | Framing John DeLorean | Howard Weitzman |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Once and Again | Engineer | Episode: "Experience Is the Teacher" |
| 2003 | L.A. Dragnet | Brad Lee | Episode: "The Brass Ring" |
| 10-8: Officers on Duty | EMT | Episode: "The Wild Bunch" | |
| 2004 | Without a Trace | Justin Pettit | Episode: "Risen" |
| 2005 | Committed | Nate Solomon | Main role; 13 episodes |
| Unscripted | Actor at cafe | Episode 6 | |
| Curb Your Enthusiasm | Dan | Episode: "The Bowtie" | |
| 2006 | Four Kings | Ben Wolf | Main role; 13 episodes |
| 2006–2007 | Big Day | Danny Garfinkle | Main role; 13 episodes |
| 2006; 2008 | Robot Chicken | Various voices | 2 episodes |
| 2007 | The King of Queens | Rabbi Feldman | Episode: "China Syndrome" |
| Snowglobe | Eddie | Television film | |
| 2008 | Notes from the Underbelly | Ian | 3 episodes |
| Saving Grace | Zeke | Episode: "A Little Hometown Love" | |
| 2009 | Dollhouse | Leo Carpenter | Episode: "Echoes" |
| Scrubs | Dan | 2 episodes | |
| Numbers | Augie Harris | Episode: "Shadow Markets" | |
| The Closer | Detective Ranski | Episode: "The Life" | |
| 2010 | In Plain Sight | Henry Doer / Henry Ross | Episode: "When Mary Met Marshall" |
| 2010–2011 | Better with You | Ben Coles | Main role; 22 episodes |
| 2011 | Svetlana | Donor | Episode: "Bringing Up Baby" |
| 2011–2012 | Dexter | Louis Greene | Recurring role; 11 episodes |
| 2013 | Royal Pains | Ben | Episode: "Chock Full O' Nuts" |
| 2013–2014 | Hart of Dixie | Joel Stephens | Recurring role; 17 episodes |
| 2015 | Proof | Liam / Tommy | Episode: "Showdown" |
| 2015–2016 | Longmire | Eamonn O'Neill | 6 episodes |
| 2016 | The Middle | Professor Grant | 2 episodes |
| Elementary | Phil Balsam | Episode: "Murder Ex Machina" | |
| 2017 | Gone | Greg | Episode: "Crystal" |
| Chicago Justice | Ted Reynolds | Episode: "AQD" | |
| 2018 | Blindspot | Andy Taylor | Episode: "Hot Burning Flames" |
| Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt | Ethan Goodman | Episode: "Kimmy Meets an Old Friend!" | |
| Castle Rock | Reeves | 3 episodes | |
| Younger | Greg | Episode: "Girls on the Side" | |
| Young Sheldon | Barry | 2 episodes | |
| S.W.A.T. | Connor Reeves | Episode: "S.O.S." | |
| The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Mason White | Episode: "Vote for Kennedy, Vote for Kennedy" | |
| 2019–2022 | Grace and Frankie | Dan Penbraith | 4 episodes |
| 2019 | Bull | Kevin Weeks | Episode: "Prior Bad Acts" |
| 2020 | The Right Stuff | Loudon Wainwright Jr. | 8 episodes |
| 2021–2024 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Agent Harrison Clay | 3 episodes |
| 2022 | The Blacklist | Walker Burgos | Episode: "Dr. Razmik Maier" |
| The Equalizer | Bert Singer | Episode: "Somewhere Over the Hudson" | |
| 2023 | Saint X | Ethan / Mr. Dolphin Shorts | Recurring role; 5 episodes |
| 2025 | Leanne | Randy | Episode: "Oh, Knoxville" |
References
[edit]- ^ "HISTORY, Nov. 22: President Kennedy is gunned down in Dallas". Spartanburg Herald Journal. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
- ^ "What Are They Up To? Big Day's Josh Cooke", buddytv.com; accessed April 7, 2016.
- ^ "Two More Actors See Terror in the Oculus - Dread Central". www.dreadcentral.com. 5 October 2012. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ "Sunday Morning Man: Josh Cooke!". greginhollywood.com. Archived from the original on 20 March 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ We've Got the First Ever Casting for 'Quarantine 2'!, bloody-disgusting.com; accessed April 7, 2016.
- ^ "Info Loker". Info Loker. Retrieved 20 March 2018.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "La Jolla Playhouse". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ "La Jolla Playhouse". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ "'fō, by 'fō". 'fō. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ "Josh Cooke Theatre Credits". broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- ^ "NOTABLE ALUMNI ACTORS". UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Archived from the original on December 20, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
External links
[edit]- Josh Cooke at IMDb
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
Josh Cooke
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Childhood and family
Josh Cooke was born on November 22, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to parents Gregory and Heidi Cooke.[1][5] He has one sibling, a brother named Jesse Cooke.[1] Cooke grew up in Gladwyne, in the Philadelphia suburbs, and developed an early interest in performing arts.[6][2] In sixth grade, he participated in a summer program at the Walnut Street Theatre, which provided his first exposure to theater.[6] This environment fostered his initial interests in performing arts during adolescence, including acting, writing, and music.[2] During high school, Cooke attended Harriton High School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, where he became a member of the Harriton Theater Company.[1][7] As a senior, he directed a production.[6][2] These experiences solidified his passion for theater and laid the groundwork for his future career aspirations.[2]Formal education
Cooke graduated from Harriton High School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, before relocating to California to pursue advanced studies in the performing arts.[6] He enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majoring in theater, and completed his degree in 2004. During his time at UCLA, Cooke honed his skills in acting techniques, performance methodologies, and collaborative artistic processes essential for stage and screen work.[3] He received specialized training from prominent instructors including Ann Reinking, Lesly Kahn, and Gregory Hines, as well as through programs at Playhouse West in Los Angeles, which emphasized practical application of dramatic theory and ensemble dynamics.[3][6] This rigorous academic preparation equipped Cooke with a strong technical foundation in character development, improvisation, and scene analysis, directly informing his approach to professional performance. Following graduation, he immediately engaged in auditions and accepted introductory roles that allowed him to refine and expand upon the competencies gained from his university training.[8]Professional career
Television roles
Cooke's television career began with guest appearances in the early 2000s, including roles on Without a Trace (2003), Century City (2004), Once and Again (2002), 10-8: Officers on Duty (2003), and Dragnet (2004).[9] These early spots showcased his ability to portray everyday characters in procedural dramas, laying the groundwork for more substantial parts. His breakthrough came with the lead role of Nate Solomon in the NBC sitcom Committed (2005), a short-lived series that explored the quirks of modern relationships through the lens of a young couple navigating commitment issues.[10] Following this, Cooke took on supporting roles as Ben in the NBC comedy Four Kings (2006), where he played one of four lifelong friends sharing an apartment in New York City, and as Danny Garfinkle in the ABC sitcom Big Day (2006), depicting the chaotic preparations for a wedding from multiple perspectives.[11][12] Both shows were canceled after one season, but they highlighted Cooke's comedic timing in ensemble settings. Cooke returned to romantic comedy with the role of Ben Coles in ABC's Better with You (2010–2011), a series examining contrasting relationship styles within a family, which ran for 22 episodes before cancellation.[13] A significant recurring role arrived as Louis Greene in Showtime's Dexter (2011–2012), appearing in 11 episodes across seasons 6 and 7 as a lab intern at Miami Metro Homicide and an avid video game designer.[14] Greene's character arc involved initial admiration for Dexter Morgan evolving into professional rivalries with colleagues like Vince Masuka, personal struggles with relationships, and a misguided obsession that led to his demise, adding tension to the forensic team dynamics.[15] For his work in the ensemble, Cooke received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2012.[16] He continued with guest and recurring appearances, including Eamonn O'Neill in A&E's Longmire (2014–2015, multiple episodes), Joel Stephens in The CW's Hart of Dixie (2013–2015, recurring), and Reeves in Hulu's Castle Rock (2018, 10 episodes), a Stephen King-inspired anthology series.[17] More recently, Cooke portrayed FBI Agent Harrison Clay in NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2021–2024), appearing in four episodes as a federal agent collaborating on sex crimes investigations, demonstrating his versatility in procedural formats. Throughout his career, Cooke has transitioned from lighthearted sitcom leads to complex dramatic supporting characters, contributing to acclaimed ensembles while maintaining a steady presence in both comedies and thrillers.Film roles
Cooke began his film career with an ensemble role as Eric in the 2007 Canadian comedy Young People Fucking, directed by Martin Gero, where he portrayed one half of a couple navigating post-breakup intimacy amid interconnected sexual encounters.[18] In 2008, he took the lead role of Ron in the direct-to-video sequel Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation, a raunchy comedy about a groom-to-be whose bachelor party spirals into chaos with his bumbling friends.[19][20] In 2007, Cooke starred as Eddie Lee in the ABC Family holiday TV movie Snowglobe, playing a young man who enters a magical snow globe world to find love and escape his mundane life.[21][22] His supporting turn as Alan, a gym buddy and straight married man, in the 2009 bromance comedy I Love You, Man opposite Paul Rudd, highlighted his comedic timing in a story of male friendship and wedding preparations.[23] Cooke appeared as Will Carson, an escaped convict entangled in a quirky crime cover-up, in the 2010 indie comedy A Fork in the Road alongside Jaime King.[24][25] In the 2010 sex addiction recovery comedy Group Sex, he led as Andy, a man joining a support group that complicates his personal life further.[26][27] Shifting to horror, Cooke played Henry, a charismatic but unhinged passenger in the 2011 found-footage thriller Quarantine 2: Terminal, set aboard a quarantined plane infected by a rabies-like virus.[28] A small role as Box Breakfast A.D. in the 2016 Coen Brothers satire Hail, Caesar! showcased him in a Hollywood ensemble depicting 1950s studio fixers and star scandals.[29] In the 2019 hybrid docudrama Framing John DeLorean, Cooke portrayed attorney Howard Weitzman in dramatized reenactments exploring the automaker's rise, fall, and cocaine sting trial.[30][31] Throughout his film work, Cooke has balanced lead and supporting parts across genres, from ensemble indies and holiday fare to mainstream comedies and horror, often drawing on comedic sensibilities honed in television to contribute to varied cinematic narratives.[1]Theatre performances
Cooke's early involvement in theatre began during his high school years at Harriton High School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, where he was an active member of the Harriton Theater Company.[6] He performed in various plays and musicals, including a role in the company's production of Cabaret, and took on directing responsibilities during his senior year.[6] For his senior project, Cooke directed a production that earned recognition, contributing to his receipt of the James Pendleton Foundation Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Performance.[3] After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in theater in 2004, Cooke transitioned to professional stage work, beginning with regional and workshop experiences that honed his performance skills.[2] His professional debut came in 2007 as Turk, the charismatic neighbor and love interest in a revival of William Inge's Come Back, Little Sheba at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles.[32] Directed by Michael Pressman, the production explored themes of addiction, loss, and dysfunctional family dynamics through the story of an aging couple grappling with their past, with Cooke sharing the stage alongside S. Epatha Merkerson and Alan Rosenberg.[32] In 2012, Cooke appeared Off-Broadway as Stuart Thorne in Simon Gray's The Common Pursuit at the Laura Pels Theatre in New York City, under the direction of Moisés Kaufman.[33] The comedy-drama followed a group of aspiring writers and intellectuals over two decades, from their optimistic university days to the disillusionments of adulthood, with Cooke's portrayal of the ambitious yet flawed Thorne anchoring the ensemble's interpersonal tensions.[33] Produced by Roundabout Theatre Company, the revival highlighted Gray's witty examination of idealism versus reality.[33] In 2016, Cooke originated the role of Robert Merkin, a junk bond trader, in the world premiere of Ayad Akhtar's Junk at La Jolla Playhouse, directed by Doug Hughes. The play examined themes of greed and corruption in 1980s Wall Street finance.[34][35] Cooke's theatre output has remained limited, prioritizing character-driven roles in intimate, narrative-focused productions over large-scale musicals or commercial runs.[36] These stage experiences, emphasizing live interaction and improvisation, have notably influenced his comedic timing in television roles.[37]Music endeavors
Josh Cooke has maintained a parallel career in music as a songwriter and musician, developing an indie-folk style characterized by odd tunings, idiosyncratic structures, and a cinematic palette.[38] This creative outlet, distinct from his acting work, reflects over a decade of personal development, with Cooke honing his craft independently.[39] He has collaborated with his wife, musician Eleisha Eagle, in shared creative projects, including her contribution of background vocals on select tracks.[40] Cooke's debut album, titled 'fō and released under the stage name "fō" on November 10, 2015, marked the culmination of a 12-year independent project.[40][39] Executive produced by Cooke and Erik Kertes, the self-released album comprises 10 tracks, including "String," "Hammers," "North," "Sleep," "Fire," "Out of Place," "Blue Room," "Chase," "Faded," and "The Cold, Cold Hour."[40] Engineered by Kertes at Speed Shop Sound in North Hollywood, California, and mixed by Sheldon Gomberg with mastering by Joe Palmaccio, the recording features Cooke on guitar, vocals, percussion, and piano (on "Blue Room"), alongside contributions from Kertes on bass, piano, percussion, and melodica; Kiel Feher on drums (for "Hammers"); and Kathleen Sloan on violin.[40] The album's themes center on introspection and raw emotion, delivered through abstract, minimal acoustic compositions.[39][38] It became available on platforms such as Bandcamp, emphasizing its grassroots, DIY ethos.[40] Following the album's release, Cooke continued his musical endeavors, including songwriting and composing for podcasts, and expressed intentions to produce a new record in the mid-2010s.[4] While primarily a studio-based artist, he has engaged in occasional live performances to share his work with audiences.[41]Personal life
Marriage and family
Cooke married singer-songwriter Eleisha Eagle on April 26, 2011.[1] The ceremony was an intimate gathering in Elk, California, attended by a small group of close family and friends, followed by a reception dinner in nearby Mendocino.[42] The couple has one child, born in 2013, though details regarding the child's name, gender, and personal life remain private to protect their privacy.[1][43] As of November 2025, Cooke and Eagle continue their long-term partnership, having been married for over 14 years, and reside in Villanova, Pennsylvania.[44][4]Prior relationships
Cooke and Canadian actress Emmanuelle Vaugier were photographed together at public events, including the 7th Annual Comedy for a Cure Benefit in 2008.[45]Filmography
Films
Cooke began his film career in the mid-2000s, appearing in a mix of comedies, horrors, and dramas, often in supporting roles that showcased his comedic timing.| Year | Title | Role | Genre | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Young People Fucking | Eric | Comedy/Drama | Supporting |
| 2007 | Snowglobe | Eddie | Fantasy/Comedy | Lead (TV film) |
| 2008 | Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation | Ron | Comedy | Lead |
| 2009 | I Love You, Man | Alan | Comedy | Supporting |
| 2010 | A Fork in the Road | Will Carson | Comedy | Supporting |
| 2010 | Group Sex | Andy | Comedy | Supporting |
| 2011 | Quarantine 2: Terminal | Henry | Horror | Supporting |
| 2012 | 16-Love | Kyle | Comedy/Drama | Supporting |
| 2013 | Finding Joy | Kyle | Comedy | Supporting |
| 2013 | Miss Dial | Dan | Comedy | Supporting |
| 2014 | The Opposite Sex | Rick | Comedy | Supporting |
| 2016 | Hail, Caesar! | Box Breakfast A.D. | Comedy | Minor |
| 2018 | The Middle of X | Casey Foster | Drama | Supporting |
| 2019 | Framing John DeLorean | Howard Weitzman | Biographical Drama | Supporting |
Television series
Cooke began his television career with guest appearances in the early 2000s before securing lead roles in short-lived sitcoms. His recurring and guest roles in later series include notable contributions to ensemble casts, such as the Screen Actors Guild Award-nominated ensemble of Dexter in 2012.[46]| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes | Role Type | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Once and Again | Engineer | 1 | Guest | ABC |
| 2003 | 10-8: Officers on Duty | EMT | 1 | Guest | ABC |
| 2004 | Century City | Miles | 1 | Guest | ABC |
| 2004 | Without a Trace | Justin Pettit | 1 | Guest | CBS |
| 2005 | Committed | Nate Solomon | 13 | Lead | NBC |
| 2006 | Four Kings | Ben Wolf | 13 | Main | NBC |
| 2006–2007 | Big Day | Danny Garfinkle | 13 | Main | ABC |
| 2010–2011 | Better with You | Ben Coles | 22 | Main | ABC |
| 2011–2012 | Dexter | Louis Greene | 12 | Recurring | Showtime |
| 2013–2014 | Hart of Dixie | Joel Stephens | 17 | Recurring | The CW |
| 2015 | Longmire | Eamonn O'Neill | 6 | Guest | A&E/Netflix |
| 2015 | Proof | Liam | 3 | Recurring | TNT |
| 2016 | The Middle | Professor Grant | 2 | Guest | ABC |
| 2017 | Bull | Kevin Weeks | 1 | Guest | CBS |
| 2018 | Castle Rock | Reeves | 10 | Recurring | Hulu |
| 2018 | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Mason White | 1 | Guest | Amazon |
| 2018 | Younger | Greg | 1 | Guest | TV Land |
| 2018 | Young Sheldon | Barry Swanson | 2 | Guest | CBS |
| 2018 | S.W.A.T. | Connor Reeves | 1 | Guest | CBS |
| 2019–2020 | Grace and Frankie | Dan Penbraith | 4 | Recurring | Netflix |
| 2020 | The Right Stuff | Loudon Wainwright Jr. | 8 | Recurring | National Geographic |
| 2021 | The Equalizer | Bert Singer | 1 | Guest | CBS |
| 2021–2024 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Agent Harrison Clay | 4 | Guest | NBC |
| 2023 | The Blacklist | Walker Burgos | 1 | Guest | NBC |
| 2023 | Saint X | Gatos | 5 | Recurring | Hulu |