Nathan Cook (actor)

Nathan Earl Cook was an American actor.

Early life

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.

Career

After moving to Los Angeles in 1975, Cook was popularly known for roles on two television series: playing Milton Reese, a high school basketball player on The White Shadow, and portraying security head Billy Griffin on Hotel. Between these two, he had a shorter role as Detective Virgil Brooks in Hill Street Blues.
Cook made frequent appearances as a celebrity guest on the game shows Body Language, Super Password, and the $25,000 and $100,000 Pyramids. He helped a contestant win a $100,000 Pyramid Tournament of Champions in 1988.
He also appeared as a celebrity in the 1987 game show pilot for Money in the Blank.

Personal life

Cook was involved for a time with actress Alfre Woodard before marrying his wife, Cara. Together they had two children, son Cameron Edward Cook and a second child, born in 1986.
Cook was an accomplished jazz flute player.
His eldest brother, Edward Cook was a ballet dancer and choreographer in Europe.

Death

Cook was admitted to Santa Monica Hospital on June 11, 1988, where he was taken after complaining he was having trouble breathing. He died an hour later from a severe allergic reaction to penicillin.
His body is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.