Cooper Koch quickly rose to prominence thanks to his breakout role in Netflix’s anthology series Monsters: The Lyle an Erik Menendez Story. The Los Angeles-born actor portrayed Erik Menéndez, one of the infamous brothers convicted of killing their parents in 1989, and his chilling yet layered performance drew widespread attention. Cooper revealed that he immersed himself in Erik’s personal history to fully embody the role — a commitment that clearly paid off, as it earned him his first Primetime Emmy nomination in 2025.
Still early in his career and with only a handful of credits to his name, Koch has become one of Hollywood’s most closely watched rising stars. Fans are eager to know more about the actor beyond his acclaimed performance, and his Emmy recognition has only amplified that interest.
Hollywood Life has rounded up five facts about Cooper, below!
Cooper Koch Played Erik Menendez in Monsters
While speaking with TheWrap in an interview published in September 2024, Cooper explained how he managed to step into his character’s shoes.
“I turned my trailer into Erik’s room, so I had clothes everywhere, and I had pictures of him on the wall, pictures of me too,” Cooper pointed out. “I looked at videos of me when I was really young, and I watched how my parents treated me, which gave me a level of gratitude for my family and my parents. I listened to [Erik] and watched him religiously. And I had my music, I had all different kinds of journals, all different kinds of things to help me really feel like him and be him.”
This show brought renewed attention to the Menendez brothers’ case along with new evidence found. On October 24, 2024, during a press conference, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón recommended resentencing for Lyle and Erik, with the possibility of immediate parole, pending a judge’s final decision. Following this news, Cooper released a statement through his brother Payton Koch on Instagram Stories, as he does not have social media. The statement read, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude and hope for the progress we’ve seen today. Gascón’s recommendation has ignited a renewed sense of possibility that Lyle and Erik could finally be released after decades behind bars. But, this journey is not over.”
He continued,“There are still critical steps ahead: the judge must endorse the resentencing, and, if that happens, the parole board must recognize the time they have served as fitting for the crime. Our voices, our unwavering support, remain crucial-not just for the brothers to ensure their release, but also for every victim of sexual abuse fighting to be heard. I hope to see Erik and Lyle soon. Free from all of this.”
In April 2025, Cooper attended the Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing in Van Nuys, California, per Newsweek.
Cooper Koch Has a Twin Brother
Cooper has a twin brother named Payton Koch. Payton isn’t an actor, but he works in the entertainment industry as a film editor. In fact, per his IMDb page, Payton was nominated for an Emmy Award. Among Payton’s most notable credits as a series editor were for multiple episodes of Only Murders in the Building and American Horror Story.
Cooper Koch’s Family Works in Entertainment
Aside from his brother, Cooper comes from a family of entertainers. According to his IMDb page, Cooper’s father is Billy Koch, who has worked as a visual effects editor on multiple films, such as Jerry Maguire and Space Jam. His grandfather, Hawk Koch, is a movie producer and the previous President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild.
Cooper’s great-grandfather, Howard W. Koch, worked as a producer and a director. Among his most notable credits include The Manchurian Candidate and Airplane II: The Sequel.
Cooper Koch Got His First Film Role in 2018
Cooper landed his first gig in 2018 in the film West 40s and steadily earned more roles. His most famous credits include They/Them, Swallowed and Power Book II: Ghost.
Although he grew up in Los Angeles County, Cooper moved to New York City, where he earned his BFA in Acting from the Pace School of Performing Arts.
Cooper Koch Has a Boyfriend
Cooper and his boyfriend, Stuart McClave, attended their first public event together in March 2025. For a while, Cooper played it coy whenever he’d briefly discuss his relationship, but he finally broke his silence on his and Stuart’s love at the GLAAD Media Awards.
During a red carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight at the event, Cooper gushed about Stuart, saying, “He’s just got me so grounded and pulls me down to the earth and holds me when it’s a lot. He’s been so supportive and sweet, and he’s been the best partner I could ask for.”
Just a few months later, Koch’s career hit a new high point when he received his first Primetime Emmy nomination for his performance as Erik Menéndez in Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Having his partner by his side through the whirlwind of press and awards season made the milestone all the more meaningful.
