By Sheila Annette Cook
Special to The Truth
Former TPS Student, Branden Cook is soaring to new heights as he blossoms into a famous actor. Born in Toledo, he attended Old West End Academy and Elmhurst Elementary before moving to Charlotte, NC with his mom, Terrilynn Cook.
He enjoyed football and played for the Redskins, an intramural team in Toledo. In his journey through school, he was introduced to theater in the fourth grade by his then teacher, Brenda Huff (current OWEA Teacher).
From there, as they say, the rest was history!
Branden continued being involved in theater throughout elementary, middle and high school! He starred in many stage productions throughout the years and began his official acting career in high school by participating as a background extra and in small supporting roles.
In 2013, Branden attended Wake Forest University as the Presidential Scholar in Theater! He continued his pursuit of acting by relocating to London, England and obtaining his graduate degree at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts!
Since then, he has built his resume to include a starring role on NBC’s Chicago PD (Season 8 – Episode 15) and his newest project, Masters of the Air, which began airing January 26 on AppleTV and is produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. Branden is a die-hard OSU fan and returns to Toledo often where his grandparents, Bishop Edward T. Cook and First Lady Sheila L. Cook, as well as other family members reside.
Ed. Note: Sheila Annette Cook is the Community/Family Resource & Outreach
Professional Services and YMOE Advisor, TPS Family and Community Advisory Board, Martin Luther King Jr. Academy for Boys