Who Plays Erik Menendez in Netflix’s ‘Monsters’? Meet Cooper Koch

Cooper Koch is the star of the revelation Ryan Murphy‘s Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez.

Koch had a few roles under his belt before launching Erik Menendezone of the two brothers who sadly murdered their parents, Kitty And Jose Menendezin 1989. The actor called the role a “dream come true” when speaking with Entertainment Tonight ahead of the Monsters premiere in September. “I’m pinching myself right now, I’m so grateful to be here. I could cry.”

Koch said the show’s clothing and setting, which transported him to the 1990s, really allowed him to get into character.

“I turned my trailer into Erik’s room, so I had clothes everywhere, and I had pictures of him on the walls, pictures of me,” Koch told The Wrap in a separate interview. “I listened to (Erik) and watched him religiously. And I had my music, I had all kinds of journals, all kinds of different things to help me really feel like him and be him.”

The real Erik is in prison, with his brother Lyle Menendezafter being convicted in 1996. The siblings claimed they were sexually assaulted by their father.

“I watched videos of myself when I was really young, and I saw how my parents treated me, which gave me a level of gratitude toward my family and my parents,” Koch added, noting that the “first thing” he did after getting the role was talk to his loved ones and get “their perspective” at the time.

Keep scrolling to learn all about Koch:

1. He is from Los Angeles

Koch was born on July 16, 1996 and raised in Woodland Hills.

2. He has a twin brother

Although Koch does not have his own Instagram page, his twin brother, Payton Kochdoes. Payton, a film and television editor, shared a sweet message to his brother following the release of Monsters.

“I have never been more proud of another human being,” he wrote, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot. “I love you so much and I am so happy for you.”

3. He is part of the LGBTQIA+ community

After starring in the 2022 film TheyCooper began to speak openly about his sexuality, revealing that he identifies as gay.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it,” he told The San Francisco Bay Journal “It’s okay for all roles to be played by trans, non-binary and queer people. We should be telling more of these stories to raise awareness and represent our community.”

4. His family is rooted in Hollywood

Besides his brother, Cooper’s family also has ties to Hollywood. His grandfather Koch Falcon produces films like Heaven can wait, Wayne’s World, Collateral damage, Very good girls and more.

5. He has a university degree

Cooper graduated from Pace School of Performing Arts in 2018 with a BFA in theater.