Cooper Koch | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 24, 2025

Who is Cooper Koch?

Cooper Koch is an emerging actor best known for his role as Erik Menendez in the Netflix true-crime series "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story." Born and raised in a show business family, Koch developed a passion for acting at a young age, participating in community theater from the age of five. His journey in the entertainment industry began with minor roles in films like the 2007 thriller "Fracture" and continued through various independent projects while he honed his craft at Pace University, from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 2018.

In addition to his work on "Monsters," Cooper Koch has appeared in notable projects including the horror film "They/Them" and the Starz series "Power Book II: Ghost." While his breakout role has earned him significant recognition, Koch balances modeling with his acting career, having worked with well-known brands like Gap and Patagonia. Notably, he has been open about the challenges he faced as an openly gay actor in a competitive industry, stressing the importance of authenticity in his work and how it has shaped his career trajectory. With aspirations of working on Broadway, Koch is eager to tackle new, challenging roles that allow him to grow as an artist.

Early Life and Education

Cooper Koch is a rising star in the entertainment industry, recognized for his compelling performances and dedication to his craft. Born and raised in a show business family, he began his artistic journey at a young age. Koch's interest in acting materialized when he participated in community theater at just five years old, allowing him to explore the world of performance early on. His high school experience further nurtured this passion, where he earned acclaim for his roles in musicals, such as "West Side Story." This early involvement laid the foundation for his future endeavors in acting and performance arts.

After honing his skills in community theater and school productions, Koch landed his first significant onscreen role in the 2007 legal thriller "Fracture," which starred Hollywood heavyweights Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling. His determination to pursue acting led him to Pace University, where he studied fine arts. Graduating in 2018 with a bachelor's degree, he emerged with a solid educational background and a passion for performance that would guide him in his search for roles in television and film, eventually setting the stage for his breakout role in Netflix's "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story."

Acting Career Beginnings

Cooper Koch’s journey in acting began at a remarkably young age. He was just five years old when he first immersed himself in community theater, igniting a passion that would follow him through his formative years. During high school, he further developed his craft by participating in musicals, including a notable performance in “West Side Story.” His early experiences laid a strong foundation for his acting career, allowing him to refine his skills and prepare for future roles.

Koch made his official on-screen debut in the 2007 legal thriller “Fracture,” which starred esteemed actors Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling. Following this, he took on various independent short films, building his experience and portfolio. Driven to enhance his craft, he pursued a formal education in acting at Pace University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2018. This combination of early exposure, education, and perseverance paved the way for his current success in the entertainment industry.

Career Success and Achievements

Cooper Koch is gaining significant recognition for his portrayal of Erik Menendez in Netflix's true-crime series, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story." This role marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his dedication and unique approach to embodying the character. To immerse himself fully, Koch transformed his trailer into a replica of Erik's room, filling it with personal items and images to connect with the character on a deeper level. His commitment to understanding Erik’s psyche involved extensive research, including listening to recordings and closely studying video footage of Menendez. This meticulous preparation reflects Koch's desire to deliver an authentic performance.

Prior to this breakout role, Koch had already demonstrated his talent across various mediums, having appeared in the horror film "They/Them" and the series "Power Book II: Ghost." His journey in acting began early, participating in community theater at just five years old. After completing a degree in fine arts from Pace University in 2018, he tackled diverse roles in independent films. However, navigating the industry as an openly gay actor posed challenges; Koch has been candid about the difficulties he faced and how coming to terms with his identity allowed him to embrace roles more fully.

Koch's passion for acting is deeply rooted in his family background, with relatives across different sectors in the entertainment industry. His father, a visual effects editor, and his grandfather, who worked on notable films, have all contributed to his artistic inspiration. Despite his recent success, Koch is eager to maintain momentum in his career, expressing a desire to continue evolving as an actor. His aspirations include taking on significant roles in theater, particularly on Broadway, which would allow him to explore his craft further and challenge himself creatively.

Struggles as an Openly Gay Actor

Cooper Koch has been candid about the challenges he faced as an openly gay actor in the entertainment industry. During his early career, Koch struggled with casting opportunities and often felt marginalized because of his sexual orientation. A significant hurdle was an acting instructor who suggested that his “gay voice” might be limiting his prospects, leading Koch to question his identity and future in acting. This internal conflict, coupled with fear of judgment, initially made him hesitant to embrace his true self while pursuing roles that reflected his talent.

Despite these struggles, Koch eventually recognized that authenticity was crucial not only for personal growth but also for career advancement. Through his journey in acting school, he learned the importance of being genuine, which empowered him to come out and embrace his identity fully. This shift allowed him to pursue roles that resonated with him personally. His breakthrough role in the LGBTQ horror film They/Them is a testament to his commitment to representation and inclusivity in the industry, showcasing his growth and determination as both an artist and a gay man.

Personal Life: Family and Relationships

Cooper Koch, the rising star known for his role in Netflix's "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," has a deeply rooted personal life that shapes his character and work. He has a close bond with his twin brother, Payton Koch, who is a film and TV editor. This familial connection provides Cooper with a strong support system, especially as he navigates the challenges of a budding acting career. Payton expressed his pride for Cooper on social media, highlighting the importance of brotherly support in the entertainment industry. This sibling bond is reminiscent of the characters Cooper portrays, enriching his emotional depth in his roles.

In addition to his twin, Cooper comes from a notable show business lineage. His father, Billy Koch, has experience as a visual effects editor for films like "Space Jam" and is currently involved in horse racing, while his grandfather and great-grandfather were influential figures in the film industry. Hawk Koch, his grandfather, contributed to classics such as "Chinatown" and "Wayne's World," and Howard W. Koch, his great-grandfather, directed films like "The Odd Couple." This rich family history in entertainment not only inspires Cooper but also reflects the creative environment he grew up in, shaping his aspirations as an actor.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Cooper Koch is a rising star in the entertainment industry, best known for his compelling role as Erik Menendez in the Netflix true-crime series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, Koch’s career trajectory, from community theater to major streaming platforms, suggests that he is on his way to significant financial success. His performances have earned him recognition and respect, leading to better opportunities and potentially lucrative contracts as he continues to establish himself in Hollywood.

In addition to his acting career, Koch has diversified his income by working as a model, which he started during his college years to pay rent. His work with prominent brands like Gap and Patagonia indicates a fruitful modeling career that supplements his acting income. As a young actor navigating a competitive industry, Koch's determination to take on diverse roles and his ability to secure modeling gigs suggest that he is strategically positioning himself for long-term earnings, especially with more projects on the horizon.