Nathan Earl Cook (April 9, 1950 – June 11, 1988) was an American actor.

Nathan Cook
Born
Nathan Earl Cook

(1950-04-09)April 9, 1950
DiedJune 11, 1988(1988-06-11) (aged 38)
OccupationActor
Years active1974–1988
SpouseKara Cook (1984–1988; his death)[1]
Children2

Life

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Cook was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduation from Penn State University, he was hired as a member of the repertory company at Actors Theatre of Louisville in Kentucky. His eldest brother, Edward Cook (born December 22, 1947, died 1995) was a ballet dancer and choreographer in Europe. After moving to Los Angeles in 1975, he was popularly known for roles on two television series. He played Milton Reese, one of the high school basketball players, on The White Shadow (1978–1980). He also played security head Billy Griffin on Hotel (1983–1988). Between these two he had a shorter role (1981–1982) as Detective Virgil Brooks in Hill Street Blues. An accomplished jazz flute player, he was involved for a time with the actress Alfre Woodard[citation needed] before marrying Cara Cook and having two children in 1984 and 1986.

He also made frequent appearances as a celebrity guest on the game shows Body Language, Super Password, and the $25,000 and $100,000 Pyramids, including helping a contestant win a $100,000 Pyramid Tournament of Champions in 1988.[2] He also appeared as a celebrity in the 1987 game show pilot for Money in the Blank.

Death

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Cook died on June 11, 1988, from a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. His body is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1974 Abby Tafa Hassan
1979 The Last Word Officer Caine
1983 National Lampoon's Vacation Man Giving Directions

References

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  1. ^ St. George, Donna (June 19, 1988). "Nathan W. Cook, 38, Actor on TV's 'Hotel'". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. D14. Archived from the original on December 25, 2013.
  2. ^ Video on YouTube
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