Rachael Leigh Cook became a household name in the ’90s with her breakthrough role in the hit teen romance She’s All That (1999). Since then, the actress has evolved her career, transitioning into various genres and expanding her work into television, voice acting, producing, and public service. Here’s a look at her journey from the iconic She’s All That to her recent work.
#1. She’s All That (1999)
Cook’s portrayal of Laney Boggs in She’s All That skyrocketed her to fame. The film, a modern retelling of My Fair Lady and Pygmalion, features Cook as a nerdy girl transformed into a beauty queen thanks to a high school bet. The scene where Laney descends the stairs in a red dress while Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me” plays became iconic, and the film remains a teen classic.
#2. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Cook built on her early success by starring in the live-action adaptation of Josie and the Pussycats in 2001. The film, based on Archie Comics characters, became a cult favorite over time despite being a box office disappointment upon its release. Cook played Josie McCoy, the lead singer of the fictional band alongside Tara Reid and Rosario Dawson.
#3. Shift to Television
Cook successfully transitioned to TV, starring in the Steven Spielberg-produced miniseries Into the West (2005). She made notable guest appearances in Ghost Whisperer, Criminal Minds, and recurring roles on Las Vegas and Psych. She also starred in the TNT series Perception alongside Eric McCormack from 2012 to 2015.
#4. Voice Acting Success
Cook expanded into voice acting, notably voicing Tifa Lockhart in various Final Fantasy projects, including Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and Kingdom Hearts II. She also voiced characters in Robot Chicken and Star Wars: The Old Republic, further showcasing her versatility.
#5. Collaborating with Ex-Husband Daniel Gillies
Cook married actor Daniel Gillies in 2004, with whom she had two children before their divorce in 2021. Together, they starred in the independent film Broken Kingdom (2012), which they also produced.
#6. Living as a Vegetarian
A practicing vegetarian since age 15, Cook has spoken about her dietary choices and lifestyle. While she is not a strict vegan, she continues to advocate for plant-based diets without judging others’ choices.
#7. Hallmark Channel Success
In 2016, Cook made her Hallmark debut in Summer Love. She found a comfortable home on the network, starring in multiple holiday and romance films, including Autumn in the Vineyard and Frozen in Love. Her work with Hallmark has been fruitful, and she even co-wrote and produced some of the films, such as Frozen in Love.
#8. Return to She’s All That with He’s All That (2021)
After over two decades, Cook returned to the She’s All That franchise in the gender-swapped Netflix reboot He’s All That. While the film wasn’t a direct sequel, Cook played the mother of the female lead, continuing her legacy in the modern reimagining of the story that launched her career.
#9. Starting Her Production Company
Cook founded her own production company, Ben’s Sister Productions, named after her younger brother Ben. She has produced multiple films, including Love, Guaranteed (2020), in which she also starred alongside Damon Wayans Jr. Her company allows her to have more control over the projects she takes on and create new opportunities.
#10. Recent Work: A Tourist’s Guide to Love (2023)
Cook’s latest project is A Tourist’s Guide to Love, a Netflix original film she produced and starred in. The romantic comedy, set and filmed in Vietnam, tells the story of a woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery while undercover in the tourism industry. The film highlights Vietnam’s beauty and culture, and Cook’s collaboration with writer Eirene Tran Donohue ensured the narrative focused on the country’s positive attributes beyond its wartime history.
#11. Public Service and Advocacy
Outside of acting, Cook has been an advocate for arts education, serving as an arts education advocate under President Obama’s Champions of Change initiative. She also launched a scholarship program in 2012 to help students pursue their educational goals, further cementing her dedication to public service.
