Netflix' 'Monsters' Star Cooper Koch Fun Facts

Early Beginnings:
Koch's passion for acting ignited at a young age. He began his journey in community theatre at just 5 years old, later honing his skills in high school with standout roles in musicals like 'West Side Story.'

Modeling Career:
Koch began modeling in college to help cover his rent and has since worked on photo shoots for brands like Gap and Patagonia. Although acting is now his primary focus, he continues to model between projects.

Twin Brother:
While they aren't identical, Koch has a twin brother named Payton, who works as a TV and film editor. Recently, Payton shared his pride for Cooper's performance in the Netflix show, stating in an Instagram post that he has “never felt more proud” of his brother.

Meeting the Menendez Brothers: Cooper had a remarkable opportunity to visit the real Menendez brothers in prison alongside Kim Kardashian. He shared that he spoke to Erik the night before: “I had a really meaningful conversation with him, letting him know that I believe him and that I did everything I could as an actor to advocate for him and portray him authentically. I think the show does a fantastic job of representing him,” he conveyed to 'Variety.'

The following day, Koch met both brothers in person. “We exchanged looks and immediately embraced. Erik was incredibly kind, and I was fortunate enough to hug both of them and just be in their presence,” Koch reflected. “They are such principled individuals. They’ve accomplished so much during their time in prison.”

Show Business Roots:
Koch hails from a show business family. His father, Billy Koch, previously worked as a visual effects editor on iconic films like 'Space Jam' and 'Jerry Maguire' but now runs a horse racing club. Additionally, Cooper’s grandfather and great-grandfather were both involved in film production, showcasing a long lineage in the entertainment industry.

Strong Co-Star Connections:
Despite the intense scenes in 'Monsters', Koch enjoys a great rapport with his co-stars. He revealed that Javier Bardem offered him valuable advice for handling fame, and he recently attended a Charlie XCX concert alongside Chloë Sevigny, showcasing their close bond off-screen.

Challenges as an Openly Gay Actor:
Koch has openly discussed the difficulties he faced as a gay actor in Hollywood. He struggled to secure roles for years and was once told by an acting teacher that his “gay voice” was a barrier. This experience contributed to his hesitance in being openly out for some time.

Broadway Aspirations:
Koch feels incredibly fortunate for his breakout role in *Monsters*, calling the day he landed the part the “greatest day” of his life. Now, he’s eager to take his talents to the stage and fulfill his dream of performing on Broadway in future projects.