When Anne with an E first dropped its second season on Netflix, everyone was talking about the same thing. It wasn't just Anne’s usual antics or the gorgeous scenery of Prince Edward Island. It was the tall, quiet boy with the sketchbook. Cory Grüter-Andrew, the actor who played Cole Mackenzie, stepped into a role that basically didn't exist in the original books.
Think about that for a second. Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote Anne of Green Gables over a century ago. Cole is a total invention of showrunner Moira Walley-Beckett. It was a risky move, honestly. Purists usually hate when you mess with the source material. But Cory's performance was so raw and quiet that he became an instant fan favorite.
He didn't just play a character. He gave a voice to a group of people who were largely erased from the history of that era.
The Mystery of Cole Mackenzie: Who is Cory Grüter-Andrew?
If you were watching TV around 2017 or 2018, you probably recognized Cory from somewhere else. The guy was everywhere for a minute. Before he was the sensitive artist in Avonlea, he was Aden in The 100. That’s a massive jump—from a post-apocalyptic warrior to a bullied farm boy in the 1890s.
Cory is a Canadian actor, born in 2001, which made him just a teenager when he took on the role of Cole. It’s wild to think about a 16-year-old carrying that much emotional weight. He’s also popped up in things like Legends of Tomorrow and the horror flick Summer of 84. But Cole? Cole is the one that stuck.
Why? Because Cory played him with this sort of haunting stillness.
You’ve seen those actors who try too hard to look "tortured." Cory didn't do that. He just looked... lonely. When his character was being tormented by Billy Andrews or that awful teacher Mr. Phillips, you could see the internal walls going up. It felt real.
Breaking the Mold of the Books
A lot of people Google "Who played Cole Mackenzie" because they're looking for him in the original novels and coming up empty.
You won't find him there.
Cole was added to explore the "kindred spirits" theme from a queer perspective. In the show, Cole eventually realizes he’s gay after meeting Aunt Josephine Barry (who is also implied to be queer in this version). This was a huge deal for representation. Cory has mentioned in interviews that he felt a big responsibility playing a character that so many people—especially queer youth—related to.
The Impact of That Famous "Coming Out" Scene
There’s a specific scene in the "Memory Has as Many Moods as the Temper" episode. You know the one. Anne and Cole are talking, and he basically admits he’s like Aunt Josephine.
It’s one of the most beautiful moments in the series.
- The Dialogue: It wasn't flashy.
- The Setting: It felt intimate and safe.
- The Reaction: Anne’s acceptance was the "kindred spirit" ideal in action.
Cory’s acting here was top-tier. He didn't use big gestures. It was all in the eyes and the way he held his breath. He made us feel the terror of 1890s laws—where being yourself was literally a crime—and the relief of finally being seen.
Honestly, it’s one of those performances that stays with you. Even now, years after the show was (tragically) canceled, fans are still making edits of Cole on TikTok.
Where is Cory Grüter-Andrew Now?
Since Anne with an E ended in 2019, Cory hasn't slowed down, though he’s kept a somewhat lower profile compared to some of his co-stars. He’s been in projects like The Order and Sophie Jones.
But for most of us, he’ll always be the boy who left the farm to find his tribe in the city.
He’s grown up quite a bit. If you look at his recent stuff, he’s still got that distinct look—sharp features and that intense gaze—but he’s definitely moved past the "teen artist" phase. He’s a working actor who seems to pick projects that actually mean something.
What People Often Get Wrong
Some folks think Cole was just a "token" character. That’s kind of a lazy take. If you watch the character arc, he’s essential to Anne’s growth. He teaches her that not everyone fits into the "happily ever after" marriage box that society was obsessed with back then.
He also gave the show a chance to talk about art as a survival mechanism. Cory had to "fake" being an artist (he’s admitted he can’t draw to save his life), but he made the act of drawing look like a prayer.
Why We Still Miss the Show
Let’s be real: we’re all still a little bitter about Season 4 getting the axe.
Cole’s story felt like it was just beginning. He moved to Charlottetown to live with Aunt Jo, and we were supposed to see him thrive in an environment where he could finally be an artist. We missed out on seeing Cory play a version of Cole that wasn't constantly in "survival mode."
That’s probably why the search volume for the actor who played Cole Mackenzie stays so high. People want closure.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you’re still feeling that Anne with an E void, here’s how to keep the vibe alive:
- Watch "Summer of 84": It’s a completely different vibe for Cory (80s thriller), but it shows his range.
- Follow the Cast: Most of the Avonlea kids are still friends. Seeing Cory, Amybeth McNulty, and Dalila Bela interact on social media is the wholesome content we need.
- Read the Books (With a Caveat): If you haven't read L.M. Montgomery's work, do it. Just keep in mind that Cole won't be there. You'll have to keep Cory's version in your head as a "secret" character living in the background.
- Support Indie Projects: Actors like Cory often do smaller, more interesting films. Keep an eye on his IMDB for those festival gems.
Cole Mackenzie wasn't just a role. He was a shift in how we tell classic stories. Cory Grüter-Andrew took a character who wasn't even "supposed" to be there and made him the heart of the show. That’s not just acting; that’s making history.
