Brief Introduction of Cooper Koch
Cooper Joseph Koch is an American actor who has rapidly risen to prominence for his compelling performances in film and television. He is best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Erik Menendez in the 2024 Netflix biographical crime drama series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, a role that earned him Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award nominations. An openly gay actor, Koch has also gained recognition for his roles in the horror films They/Them (2022) and Swallowed (2022), establishing himself as a versatile and talented performer in Hollywood.
Cooper Koch Overview
| Full Name | Cooper Joseph Koch |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Birthplace | Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Family | Billy Koch (Father), Kathy Kaehler (Mother), Payton Koch (Twin Brother), Walker Koch (Brother) |
| Height | 1.85m |
| Profession | Actor |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $1 million and $5 million |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship with Stuart McClave |
Early Life and Education of Cooper Koch
Cooper Joseph Koch was born on July 16, 1996, in Woodland Hills, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. He comes from a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry. His father, Billy Koch, worked in the visual effects department on films like Space Jam and Jerry Maguire before founding the horse racing club Little Red Feather. His mother is celebrity personal trainer and author Kathy Kaehler. Koch has a twin brother, Payton, who is a film editor, and a younger brother, Walker, who is a musician. His grandfather is the notable film producer Hawk Koch, and his great-grandfather was the director and producer Howard W. Koch.
Koch’s passion for acting ignited at the young age of five when he began participating in local theater productions. He attended Calabasas High School, where he was active in the drama department, performing in stage adaptations of West Side Story and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He was also a member of the school’s a cappella group and orchestra, where he played the viola, and was on the varsity volleyball team. After high school, Koch moved to New York City to pursue formal acting training. He graduated from Pace University in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting.
Cooper Koch’s Career
Cooper Koch’s acting career began with a minor role in the 2007 film Fracture, which was produced by his grandfather. In 2010, he appeared in the music video for Miley Cyrus‘s song “Ordinary Girl.” Throughout his time at Pace University and in the years immediately following his graduation, Koch was active in short films and theater productions. He had a guest role in the 2018 comedy series West 40s and was cast in a pilot for a Hulu drama series called Less Than Zero, which was ultimately not picked up.
His career gained significant momentum in 2020 with a role in the film A New York Christmas Wedding and a two-episode arc in the popular Starz series Power Book II: Ghost. However, 2022 proved to be a breakout year for the actor. He starred in the slasher horror film They/Them, set at an LGBTQ+ conversion therapy camp, and delivered a powerful performance in the body horror film Swallowed. In Swallowed, he played an aspiring gay pornographic actor who is forced into smuggling drugs.
Breakthrough with Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Koch’s most significant role to date came in 2024 when he was cast as Erik Menendez in the second season of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix anthology series, Monster, titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. He had previously auditioned for the role of Erik in other productions. His portrayal of the younger Menendez brother, convicted along with his brother Lyle of murdering their parents, received widespread critical acclaim. His performance in the fifth episode, “The Hurt Man,” which features a nearly 34-minute-long, single-take monologue detailing the sexual abuse Erik suffered, was particularly lauded by critics and audiences.
For his work in Monsters, Koch received nominations for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The role catapulted him to a new level of fame and recognition within the industry. Following the success of the series, he signed with the United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation.
Cooper Koch Personal Life & Family
Cooper Koch is openly gay and has spoken about the challenges he faced in the industry due to his sexuality. He is currently in a relationship with filmmaker Stuart McClave. The couple made their first public appearance together at the 2024 LACMA Art+Film Gala and their red carpet debut at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. Koch has expressed that McClave is a grounding and supportive partner in his life.
He comes from a close-knit family. His twin brother, Payton Koch, is an Emmy-nominated film editor known for his work on shows like Only Murders in the Building and American Horror Story. His younger brother, Walker, is a musician. Koch does not have a public social media presence, a conscious choice to protect his mental health.
Awards and Achievements of Cooper Koch
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2025).
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2024).
- GQ Australia: Named International Actor of the Year (2024).
Cooper Koch Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Cooper Koch’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His primary source of income is his acting career, with his earnings significantly increasing following his role in Monsters. He also earns income from modeling, having worked for brands such as Gap, Skechers, and Patagonia.
Legacy and Influence
Cooper Koch is emerging as an influential young actor in Hollywood, known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to take on complex and challenging roles. His performance as Erik Menendez has been praised for bringing a new layer of empathy and understanding to a figure often sensationalized by the media. As an openly gay actor who has been candid about his experiences, he is also a role model for many in the LGBTQ+ community. He has also used his platform to advocate for a retrial for the Menendez brothers, even visiting them in prison.
Interesting Facts about Cooper Koch
- He is an accomplished viola player.
- He took a horror class with James Franco at his Studio 4 acting school.
- To prepare for his role as Erik Menendez, he turned his trailer into a re-creation of Erik’s room, filled with pictures and personal items to help him get into character.
- He has expressed a desire to act on Broadway.
- He does not have any public social media accounts.
Social Media Presence
Cooper Koch is notably absent from social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. He has stated in interviews that this is a deliberate choice to maintain his privacy and mental well-being.
Final Words about Cooper Koch
With his career on a steep upward trajectory, Cooper Koch is poised for continued success in Hollywood. Following his powerful performance in Monsters, he has been cast in an undisclosed role in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Artificial. He continues to seek out challenging scripts and complex characters that allow him to showcase his range and depth as an actor. His commitment to authentic storytelling and his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community signal a promising and impactful future both on and off the screen.
