Cognata attended the Boston Arts Academy (2006) where he majored in theatre. In 2008, Cognata made his television debut in a national commercial for Subway and performed with the poetic entertainment group called ARTiculation. The Boston Herald writes in a 2009 article, "Give the creativity and enthusiasm of this highly talented group of young poets a chance. Their performance is good enough to make even a cynic believe in the power of art." Cognata then moved to New York City and Los Angeles to obtain television roles including Julian Robbins, brother-in-law to battalion chief Wallace Boden on NBC's Chicago Fire (2018), and recurring as Tito, Lip's intern on Showtime's Shameless (2016). He appeared in Hallmark's Romance at Reindeer Lodge (2017). In addition to his work in film and TV, Cognata represented his hometown in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2006), where he performed the play A More Perfect Union.

Killer Whales
Father T-Dale
2022

Julia
Martin · (1 episode)
2022

A Deadly Obsession
Kellen
2012

Trash Bags
Miles

The Fix
Andre Spencer · (1 episode)
2019

Good Trouble
Derrick · (1 episode)
2019

grown-ish
Officer Dickson · (1 episode)
2018

9-1-1
Officer Crawford · (1 episode)
2018

Romance at Reindeer Lodge
Greg
2017

Slamma Jamma
Lizare
2017
Downpour Summer
Brendan
2016

Life in Pieces
Realtor Don · (1 episode)
2015

The Assault
Jordan
2014

The Last Ship
Firefighting Sailor · (1 episode)
2014

Sins of the Preacher
Police Officer
2013

Chicago Fire
Julian Robbins · (2 episodes)
2012

Shameless
Tito · (2 episodes)
2011

Breakdance Academy
Kyle
2010

Castle
Darren Ives · (1 episode)
2009