Press
'GOOK' The movie features noteworthy performances, which help the movie eventually take its shape as a head-first, inspired endeavor. Curtiss Cook Jr. is particularly captivating as Keith, expressing with huge emotion in one scene his personal motivation for hating Eli so much, and later at a hospital presenting a visceral idea of using that aggression on himself. ROGEREBERT.COM by Nick Allen January 28, 2017
A ‘Mother Courage’ Deployed to Africa “As Eilif, Mr. Cook evolves from a cocky, naïve young man to a cockier, ruthless soldier (he brags about cleverly tricking, then killing, civilians); we also see that when peace briefly breaks out, he’s been turned into a cold killing machine that cannot be stopped”. NEW YORK TIMES By CHARLES ISHERWOOD JAN. 19, 2016
New York’s ‘Mother Courage’ Echoes Hollywood’s Angst Over Race“Particularly noteworthy are the three children, Deandre Sevon (Swiss Cheese), Curtis Cook Jr. (Eilif)…”Deadline by Jeremy Gerard January 19, 2016
'Naz & Maalik '-“This drama is a day in THE LIFE look at the unique experience of being young, gay, black and Muslim in Brooklyn. Anchored by award-winning, naturalistic lead performances from Kerwin Johnson, Jr. and Curtiss Cook, Jr., Indiewire said the film is 'intimate, authentic, and feels decidedly relevant in today's current context.'”-BROADWAY WORLD (1/22/2016) Theatrical Run Info, by TV News Desk
'Naz & Maalik'-“Naz & Maalik” feels authentic, and Mr. Johnson and Mr. Cook bring their characters completely alive. NEW YORK TIMES (1/21/16) Review by Stephen Holden
'Naz & Maalik'-“Anchored by lead performances from newcomers Kerwin Johnson and Curtiss Cook, Jr., writer-director Jay Dockendorf’s film is intimate, authentic, and feels decidedly relevant in today’s current context.”The Playlist By Katie Walsh January 19, 2016
Theater Work
Classic Stage Company's 'Mother Courage And Her Children'
A ‘Mother Courage’ Deployed to Africa “As Eilif, Mr. Cook evolves from a cocky, naïve young man to a cockier, ruthless soldier (he brags about cleverly tricking, then killing, civilians); we also see that when peace briefly breaks out, he’s been turned into a cold killing machine that cannot be stopped”. NEW YORK TIMES By CHARLES ISHERWOOD JAN. 19, 2016
New York’s ‘Mother Courage’ Echoes Hollywood’s Angst Over Race“Particularly noteworthy are the three children, Deandre Sevon (Swiss Cheese), Curtis Cook Jr. (Eilif)…”Deadline by Jeremy Gerard January 19, 2016
Long Wharf Theater and Philadelphia Theater Company's 'Brownsville Song b-side for Tray'
THEATER REVIEW: 'brownsville song (b-side for tray)' is powerful and timely-We know from the beginning that Tray (Curtiss Cook Jr., in a masterfully natural performance) dies; Lee’s script jumps forward and backward in time to tell his story.- Philadelphia Citypaper By Mark Cofta May 5, 2015
Curtiss Cook Jr. was nominated For Outstanding Debut during Long Wharf's production of Brownsville Song (b-side for tray) by the Connecticut Critics Circle
Vimeo (Staff Picks)
Music Videos
Short Film
Amateur won the Audience Award at NBC Universal's Short Cuts Festival
(link below)
About
The son of artists, Curtiss Cook Jr. has been acting for as long as he can remember; as an adult, he has grown into a confident and passionate performer. Proud of his New York upbringing, he's had the privilege of studying at The Harlem School of the Arts, Shakespeare Lab Jr., and HB Studios.
His acting career leaped into action when Curtiss starred in short and feature films such as Ryan Koo’s Amateur and Jay Dockendorf’s Naz & Maalik. In addition to his film accomplishments, he’s also been in commercials for Sprite and Dave & Buster’s.
A versatile actor, he gained his regional theater debut in Brownsville Song (b-side for tray) for The Long Wharf Theater and The Philadelphia Theater Company. Following this success, Curtiss made his Off-Broadway debut in the Classic Stage Company’s production of Mother Courage and Her Children, starring as the role of Eilif.
Through his many successes, Curtiss has gained a tremendous amount of experience and is eager for the next opportunity. Knowing that this is just his beginning, Curtiss Cook Jr. is ready to unlock his fullest potential as an artist.
REEL
Representation
Management: Connecting Talent Company - Jody Prusan
Legit Agent: Take 3 Talent Agency - Eddie Rabon
Commercial Agent: Ingber & Associates - Carole Ingber