Janet Cooke is an American journalist best known for playing Author in Jimmy's World.
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Best Known For:Jimmy's World
Breakthrough:Won a Pulitzer Prize for the fabricated story Jimmy's World in 1981
10 Quick Facts About Janet Cooke
- Full Name: Janet Cooke
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Journalist
- Known For: Jimmy's World
- Date of Birth: July 23, 1954
- Age: 72 years old
- Place of Birth: Toledo, Ohio
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Net Worth: $362,000-$5,175,000 (Estimated range)
- Salary: $61,000-$264,000 (Estimated range)
Janet Cooke Age
Janet Cooke is about 72 years old as of 2026. Janet Cooke was born in 1954.
Education
She attended University of Toledo, where she earned a Bachelor's degree.
- University of Toledo
- Qualification: Bachelor's degree
Career & Work
Janet Cooke's career includes news and reporting roles with The Washington Post and Toledo Blade.
Organization: The Washington Post
Role: Reporter
Period: 1980–1981
Organization: Toledo Blade
Role: Reporter
Period: 1977–1979
Details: Toledo, Ohio
Rise to Fame
Janet Cooke rose to prominence for her role on Jimmy's World.
Notable Works
- Work: Jimmy's World (Author, 1980) — Fabricated story about an 8-year-old heroin addict
Lesser Known Facts
- Cooke returned her Pulitzer Prize after admitting the story was a fabrication.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Janet Cooke
- Gender: Female
- Occupation: Journalist
- Nationality: American
- Living Status: Alive
- Ethnicity: Black / African
Birth & Background
- Date of Birth: July 23, 1954
- Age: 72
- Birthday: July 23
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Place of Birth: Toledo, Ohio
Measurements
- Hair Color: Black
Family & Relationships
- Marital Status: Divorced
Net Worth & Income
- Salary: $61,000–$264,000 (Estimated range)
- Net Worth: $362,000–$5,175,000 (Estimated range)
- Source of Income: Broadcast employment and related professional work
