Out actor Cooper Koch is making waves as Erik Menéndez in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, a role that has brought him both fame and controversy. During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Koch shared some personal insights, from a revealing nude scene to his experiences navigating Hollywood as a gay man.
In a light-hearted moment, Koch confirmed that his much-discussed shower scene in Monsters was all him, no prosthetics involved. “Mine was not a prosthetic,” Koch said with a smile, sparking both amusement and admiration from host Andy Cohen. This candid remark cemented his reputation as a confident actor willing to embrace vulnerability in his roles. Beyond the physical aspect, Koch’s portrayal of Erik Menéndez has been met with both praise and controversy, especially concerning the show’s portrayal of the brothers’ relationship.
However, Koch’s openness extended beyond the show. When asked if he had a boyfriend, the actor confirmed he does, adding a charming “so sorry” to his admirers. This revelation may seem ordinary, but in a profession where many LGBTQ actors have historically felt pressured to keep their personal lives private, Koch’s openness is significant. It’s an indication that Hollywood is slowly but surely making room for unapologetically queer narratives and actors.
Yet, Koch’s career has not been without its challenges. During the interview, he recounted a disheartening moment when an acting teacher claimed that his “gay voice” was the reason he wasn’t booking roles. This experience sheds light on the persistent homophobia in parts of the industry. While Koch has risen above such remarks, it highlights the added barriers LGBTQ actors face in their careers. “It was before class even started,” he revealed, adding that the teacher shared this criticism in front of his classmates, making an already difficult moment even more isolating.
This story is an example of how LGBTQ actors often have to overcome not just the challenges of the industry, but also the prejudice that can come from within it. Koch’s ability to rise above these moments, and his confidence in publicly sharing them, marks a turning point for young queer actors looking for representation and role models. His success in Monsters and his personal triumphs signal that authenticity and talent can prevail over stereotypes and discrimination.
Though Monsters has faced backlash for its portrayal of the Menéndez brothers’ relationship, Koch remains a standout talent. The show’s insinuation that the brothers had an incestuous relationship has been widely criticized, with both Erik Menéndez and experts like Robert Rand condemning this angle. Rand stated that the idea of an incestuous relationship between the brothers is “fantasy,” contradicting the show’s depiction.
Nevertheless, Koch’s performance and his handling of media scrutiny have set a new standard for openly LGBTQ actors in Hollywood. He is not just a breakout star in the world of acting, but also an advocate for LGBTQ visibility and authenticity in the entertainment industry.