The Netflix star has gained recognition due to his latest part in \’Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.\’ Find out more about Cooper below.
Cooper Koch
rapidly gained recognition due to his part in Netflix’s anthological show
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
The actor, who was born in Los Angeles, portrayed the character of
Erik Menéndez
One of the two Menendez brothers sentenced for murdering their parents in 1989, Cooper prepared for his role by exploring Erik’s background. This information came to light through an interview where Erik shared details about himself. Given that Cooper has appeared in just a few productions beyond this notable role, viewers are eager to learn more about him outside of his compelling portrayal of Erik.
Hollywood Life
Has compiled five facts about Cooper, listed below!
Cooper Koch portrayed Erik Menendez in the film.
Monsters
While speaking with
TheWrap
In a September 2024 interview, Cooper discussed how he successfully adopted his character\’s role.
I transformed my trailer into Erik’s space, filling it with his photos on the walls along with some of mine,\” Cooper noted. \”I spent time watching footage of myself as a child and observed how my parents interacted with me, instilling in me a sense of appreciation for them and our family dynamics. I paid close attention to every detail about Erik and absorbed everything he did. Additionally, I surrounded myself with my own music collection and various types of journals—each one helping me connect more deeply with who he was.
The series reignited interest in the Menendez brothers\’ case alongside newly discovered evidence. During a press conference held on October 24, 2024, the Los Angeles District Attorney
George Gascón
suggested a new sentencing date for Lyle and Erik, which may lead to their immediate release on parole, subject to the judge’s ultimate ruling. After receiving this information, Cooper issued a statement via his sibling Payton Koch on Instagram Stories since he doesn’t use social media himself. In the message, he said, \”The outpouring of emotion I feel is immense along with an optimistic outlook towards what happened today. District Attorney Gascon\’s suggestion brings back a fresh wave of potential that Lyle and Erik might at last regain freedom after years in prison. However, our path isn\’t complete yet.\”
He continued,
“
There are vital stages remaining: the judge needs to approve the new sentencing, and should this occur, the parole board has to determine that their time behind bars adequately corresponds to the offense committed. Our steadfast backing continues to be essential.
– not only for the brothers\’ freedom to secure their release, but also for every survivor of sexual assault striving to have their voices heard. I look forward to seeing Erik and Lyle freed from all of this soon.
In April 2025, Cooper went to the retrial of the Menendez brothers in Van Nuys, California, as required.
Newsweek
.
Cooper Koch Has a Twin Brother
Cooper has a twin brother named
Payton Koch
Payton may not be an actor, but he operates within the entertainment sector as a film editor. Actually, according to his IMDb profile, Payton received an Emmy nomination. Some of his standout work includes editing several episodes from various TV series.
Only Murders in the Building
and
American Horror Story.
Cooper Koch’s family is involved in the entertainment industry.
Apart from his brother, Cooper hails from a family of performers. His IMDb profile reveals that his dad is also involved in the entertainment industry.
Billy Koch
, who has served as a visual effects editor on several movies, like
Jerry Maguire
and
Space Jam
. His grandfather,
Hawk Koch
He is a film producer and formerly served as the President of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild.
Cooper’s great-grandfather,
Howard W. Koch
, served roles as both a producer and director. Notable highlights of his career encompass
The Manchurian Candidate
and
Airplane II: The Sequel.
Cooper Koch Got His First Film Role in 2018
Cooper secured his initial role in 2018 with the movie
West 40s
And gradually secured additional parts. Among his most notable works are
They/Them, Swallowed
and
Power Book II: Ghost
.
Even though he was raised in Los Angeles County, Cooper relocated to New York City, earning his BFA in Acting from the Pace University School of Performing Arts.
Cooper Koch Is Dating a Guy
Cooper and his boyfriend,
Stuart McClave
In March 2025, they made their debut appearance publicly as a couple. Although Cooper remained tight-lipped about his relationship when discussing it briefly for some time, he eventually opened up about his and Stuart’s affection during the GLAAD Media Awards.
While being interviewed on the red carpet during an event with
Entertainment Tonight
At the event, Cooper spoke passionately about Stuart, stating, \”He has kept me centered and brought me back to reality during tough times; he supports and comforts me like nobody else. He truly is the most amazing partner one could hope for.\”