The American actor, writer, and comedian Josh Cooke has been a familiar face on television and film for two decades, but his recent activities in late 2024 and 2025 have solidified his status as a versatile and enduring talent in Hollywood. As of this current date, December 9, 2025, fans are buzzing about his significant recurring role in the long-running crime drama *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* and his starring turn in the highly-anticipated 2025 sci-fi adventure film, *Xeno*.

Cooke's career is a masterclass in range, moving seamlessly from sitcoms and comedy films to intense dramatic roles that challenge his acting chops. This deep dive explores his complete biography, his pivotal work as FBI Agent Harrison Clay, and the details of his latest cinematic project, ensuring you have the freshest and most comprehensive update on one of the industry's most reliable character actors.

Josh Cooke: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Joshua Gregory Cooke, simply known as Josh Cooke, has built a career on his ability to inhabit a wide variety of characters, often bringing a blend of sharp wit and dramatic weight to his performances. His journey from a young actor in Philadelphia to a staple of prestige television is detailed below.

• Full Name: Joshua Gregory Cooke
• Date of Birth: November 22, 1979
• Age (as of 2025): 46 years old
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Writer, Comedian, Musician
• Notable Early Work: His early career saw him starring in sitcoms like *Committed* (2005), *Four Kings* (2006), and *Big Day* (2006), which established his comedic timing.
• Breakthrough Roles: Cooke gained significant recognition for his role as the lab technician Louis Greene on the acclaimed series *Dexter*.
• Major Film Appearances: He is known for roles in films such as *I Love You, Man* (2009), *Quarantine 2: Terminal* (2011), and the comedy sequel *Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation* (2008).
• Recent Television Highlights: His more recent television work includes playing Dan Penbraith on the Netflix hit *Grace and Frankie* (2019–2020), Loudon Wainwright Jr. in the National Geographic series *The Right Stuff* (2020), and Bert Singer in *The Equalizer* (2021).

The Late-Career Surge: Agent Harrison Clay and the SVU Universe

One of the most significant and sustained roles in Josh Cooke’s recent career has been his recurring part as FBI Agent Harrison Clay on the iconic NBC series, *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (SVU). This role has provided him with a high-profile platform, showcasing his dramatic prowess to millions of viewers globally.

Cooke’s character, Agent Harrison Clay, is a key figure in the FBI's investigation unit, often serving as a necessary liaison and sometimes a point of tension for Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and the SVU squad. The nature of his appearances—typically involving complex, multi-jurisdictional cases—adds a layer of procedural realism and federal authority to the narratives.

His involvement in the series has spanned multiple seasons, with his character playing an instrumental part in several critical storylines. Most notably, Agent Harrison Clay was featured prominently in Season 26, Episode 6, titled "Rorschach," which aired in 2024.

The role of Agent Clay requires a nuanced performance, one that balances the cold, methodical approach of an FBI investigator with the emotional weight of the crimes being investigated. Cooke's portrayal has been lauded for its intensity and believability, making Harrison Clay a memorable recurring entity in the expansive *Law & Order* universe. The extended run of his character into 2024 ensured his continued relevance on one of television's longest-running dramas, keeping him firmly in the public eye.

A New Frontier: Starring in the 2025 Sci-Fi Adventure Film, Xeno

Beyond his television commitments, Josh Cooke made a significant leap back to the big screen in 2025 with the release of the sci-fi adventure film, *Xeno*. This project represents a fresh direction for the actor, placing him in a family-oriented science fiction narrative that is a departure from his typical drama or comedy roles.

The film, directed by Matthew Loren Oates, premiered in theaters nationwide on September 19, 2025. Cooke was an active participant in the promotional circuit, attending the Los Angeles special screening of *Xeno* at The Culver Theater, further highlighting his commitment to the project.

Details on the *Xeno* Project

*Xeno* is described as a Sci-Fi, Adventure, and Family film with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. The plot revolves around a young girl who, after befriending a strange new entity, uncovers a secret that could dramatically alter the fate of both their worlds. The tagline "One bond. Two worlds." encapsulates the emotional and interdimensional scope of the movie.

Cooke is part of an ensemble cast that includes notable talents such as Wrenn Schmidt, Trae Romano, and Omari Hardwick. His role in *Xeno* is a key element of the film's dramatic structure, allowing him to explore a different genre and audience than his police procedural work on *SVU*.

The movie's release schedule further confirms its status as a major 2025 project for Cooke. Following its theatrical run in September, *Xeno* was scheduled for a DVD and Blu-ray release on November 25, 2025, ensuring its availability to a broader home-viewing audience.

This dual focus on a major recurring television role (Agent Clay) and a starring role in a wide-release feature film (*Xeno*) demonstrates the actor's current momentum and topical authority in the entertainment industry.

Topical Authority: The Versatility of Josh Cooke's Filmography

Josh Cooke's impressive career is defined by his versatility, allowing him to transition effortlessly between genres, a trait that lends him significant topical authority. His ability to appear in everything from network sitcoms to critically-acclaimed dramas and major studio films is a testament to his skill as a character actor. His filmography is rich with projects that have resonated with various audience segments over the past two decades.

The following list of roles showcases the breadth of his work, highlighting the many entities and franchises he has contributed to:

• Sitcoms and Comedy: *Committed*, *Four Kings*, *Big Day*, *Better With You*, *Retired at 35*, and the film *Bachelor Party 2*.
• Crime and Drama Series: *Dexter* (Louis Greene), *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (Agent Harrison Clay), *The Equalizer*, *Bull*, and *S.W.A.T.*.
• Science Fiction and Adventure: *Quarantine 2: Terminal*, *Castle Rock* (Reeves), and the 2025 film *Xeno*.
• Historical and Biographical: *The Right Stuff* (Loudon Wainwright Jr.), a series detailing the lives of the Mercury Seven astronauts.
• Streaming Hits: *Grace and Frankie* (Dan Penbraith) and a guest appearance on *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*.

This extensive and varied resume, which includes over 30 television and film credits, underscores why Josh Cooke remains a relevant and sought-after actor in 2025. Whether he's delivering comedic relief, intense dramatic confrontations, or navigating a sci-fi adventure, his presence consistently elevates the production. Fans eagerly await news of his next project, especially given the success of his recent work on *SVU* and the high-profile release of *Xeno*.