Cooper Koch: The Rising Star Behind Erik Menéndez in Netflix's 'Monsters'

Cooper Koch, born on July 16, 1996, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, has been making waves in the entertainment industry with his compelling portrayal of Erik Menéndez in the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. This role marks a significant milestone in Koch's career, but it is not his first foray into acting.

Koch's journey in acting began at a young age. He started participating in community theater when he was just 5 years old and continued to nurture his passion for acting throughout his high school years, where he was cast in musicals like West Side Story. His first on-screen role was in the 2007 legal thriller Fracture, starring Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling.

Education and Early Career

Koch pursued his passion for acting by attending the Pace School of Performing Arts in New York City, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in May 2018. During his college years, he also ventured into modeling to help pay his rent, working with brands like Gap and Patagonia.

Before his breakout role in Monsters, Koch appeared in several independent films and short films, including They/Them, Swallowed, and A New York Christmas Wedding. He also had roles in TV series such as Power Book II: Ghost and the short film 4 Floors Up.

Portraying Erik Menéndez

Koch's portrayal of Erik Menéndez in Monsters has been highly acclaimed. To prepare for the role, he adopted a unique method by transforming his trailer into Erik's room, filled with clothes, pictures, and personal items. He also listened to and watched recordings of Erik Menéndez religiously to immerse himself in the character.

In an exclusive interview, Koch revealed that he felt an 'immediate connection' with Erik Menéndez during a prison visit. This visit helped him deepen his understanding of the character and his experiences.

Family and Personal Life

Cooper Koch comes from a family with a strong background in the entertainment industry. His grandfather, Hawk Koch, is a renowned producer known for his work on films like Wayne’s World and Chinatown. His great-grandfather, Howard W. Koch, was a film producer and director who worked on projects such as The Manchurian Candidate and The Odd Couple.

Koch has a twin brother, Payton Koch, who works as a film editor, and another brother named Walker, who is a musician. His father, Billy Koch, has also been involved in the film industry, particularly in visual effects.

Koch is openly gay and has been vocal about his experiences as an openly gay actor in the industry. He continues to advocate for more representation and opportunities for queer actors.

Future Aspirations

Despite the success of Monsters, Koch is eager to continue honing his craft and exploring new roles. He expressed a desire to perform on Broadway, seeking a good script and a challenging character that he can connect with deeply.