Key Takeaways:
• Cooper Koch portrays Erik Menendez in Netflix’s ‘Monsters.’
• The actor has a twin brother, Payton Koch, an Emmy-nominated film editor.
• Cooper belongs to a lineage of entertainers, including his father Billy Koch and grandfather Hawk Koch.
• He kick-started his acting career with his first onscreen role in 2018.
• The LA-born actor is an alum of the Pace School of Performing Arts in New York City.
Actor Cooper Koch is attracting attention for his latest performance as Erik Menendez in Netflix’s anthology series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” Little known before this, Koch’s thorough portrayal of his character, Erik, one of the convicted Menendez brothers, combined with his previous roles, has left fans eager to learn more about the actor.
Immersing In The Role
Koch recently spoke with TheWrap about his preparation for this challenging role. He spoke about how he meticulously reconstructed Erik’s environment in his trailer, filled with personal memorabilia, clothes, and photographs, to help him understand and embody Erik better.
A Family Of Entertainers
Interestingly, Koch’s emergence in the entertainment industry isn’t a surprise. His twin brother Payton Koch works behind the camera as a film editor, with an Emmy nomination to his credit. His work includes several episodes of popular series like “Only Murders in the Building” and “American Horror Story.”
The Koch brothers are the third generation in a family lineage of entertainers. Cooper’s father, Billy Koch, is known for his role as a visual effects editor in notable films, including “Jerry Maguire” and “Space Jam.” Their grandfather, Hawk Koch, is a renowned movie producer and the ex-President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild.
Adding to this impressive pedigree is the fact that their great-grandfather, Howard W. Koch, was a respected producer and director, with credits such as “The Manchurian Candidate” and “Airplane II: The Sequel.”
Promising Career In Acting
Cooper Koch made his acting debut in 2018 in the film “West 40s.” Since then, he has continued to make a name for himself with performances in “They/Them,” “Swallowed,” and “Power Book II: Ghost.”
Education In Performing Arts
Despite his LA origins, Koch pursued his craft at the Pace School of Performing Arts in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting.
Cooper Koch: The Rising Star
As Koch’s profile continues to rise, boosted by his compelling performance in “Monsters,” his talents continue to shine through. With a promising career ahead and a notable family legacy behind him, Cooper Koch is a name to watch in the entertainment industry.