Gayety

Tag: Monsters

  • Cooper Koch Earns First Emmy Nomination for ‘Monsters’ Role as Lyle Menendez

    Cooper Koch Earns First Emmy Nomination for ‘Monsters’ Role as Lyle Menendez

    Cooper Koch just unwrapped an early birthday gift, and it’s one for the books. The 28-year-old actor, best known for his haunting turn as Lyle Menendez in Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has officially received his first Primetime Emmy nomination.

    Koch was recognized for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 2025 Emmy Awards, marking a major breakthrough in a rising career already marked by buzzworthy performances, and a certain shirtless viral moment that fans won’t soon forget.

    Actor Cooper Koch celebrates his first-ever Emmy nomination for portraying Lyle Menendez in Netflix's Monsters.
    Photo: Netflix

    A Standout Performance in a Haunting Story

    The nine-episode Netflix limited series, part of Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, revisits the infamous 1989 Beverly Hills murders committed by the Menendez brothers, who claimed years of parental abuse in their defense. Koch played Lyle, the elder brother, with unnerving precision and unexpected emotional depth, earning him earlier accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination.

    His co-stars Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny also received Emmy nods for their supporting roles, while the series itself landed a nomination for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

    From Screen to Courtroom: A Real-Life Impact

    The Emmy buzz arrives on the heels of renewed legal developments in the Menendez case. Just nine months after Monsters debuted, a California judge responded to a resentencing petition by reducing the brothers’ sentences to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole. The decision followed mounting public interest sparked by the show and a subsequent Netflix documentary.

    Lyle and Erik Menendez are expected to appear before the California Parole Board this August. The show’s resonance with viewers and lawmakers alike is a reminder of the power scripted drama can wield beyond entertainment, particularly in revisiting stories of justice and trauma through a modern lens.

    Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. (L to R) Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez, Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez in episode 202 of Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. Photo: Netflix
    Actor Cooper Koch celebrates his first-ever Emmy nomination for portraying Lyle Menendez in Netflix's Monsters.
    Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. (L to R) Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez, Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez in episode 202 of Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. Photo: Netflix

    What’s Next for Koch?

    While Emmy voters are finally paying attention to Koch’s work, so is the film world. The actor has reportedly joined the cast of Artificial, the next project from celebrated queer director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Challengers). Deadline reports Koch will appear alongside Andrew Garfield and Yura Borisov in the upcoming film, though plot details remain tightly under wraps.

    If Koch continues his current trajectory, balancing prestige TV, festival-circuit cinema, and the occasional cheeky viral moment, he’s set to become a fixture in Hollywood’s next generation of leading men. And now, with an Emmy nomination under his belt, that ascent is officially in motion.

  • Cooper Koch Stuns in New Calvin Klein Campaign Highlighting Iconic Underwear and Denim

    Cooper Koch Stuns in New Calvin Klein Campaign Highlighting Iconic Underwear and Denim

    Golden Globe-nominated actor Cooper Koch is turning up the heat in Calvin Klein’s newest campaign, delivering sharp style and undeniable charisma in a series of striking images by renowned photographer and director Mert Alas.

    Known for his performances in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, They/Them, and Swallowed, the openly gay actor brings serious star power—and plenty of smolder—to his Calvin Klein debut. The campaign celebrates both the legacy and the future of the iconic brand, spotlighting signature staples and modern fits that reflect a fresh generation of cool.

    A Stylish Debut

    Cooper Koch’s first Calvin Klein campaign isn’t just a fashion moment—it’s a statement. Clad in the brand’s newest Icon Cotton Stretch underwear line and paired with timeless denim pieces like the Baggy Jeans and Classic Denim Shirt, Koch effortlessly embodies the essence of Calvin Klein: confident, clean, and unapologetically bold.

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by Calvin Klein (@calvinklein)

    The campaign also features CK’s Cotton Classic Tank, offering a nod to the brand’s heritage while staying firmly rooted in today’s minimalist, body-conscious aesthetic. Koch’s lean, athletic frame and confident gaze add an extra punch to the visuals, making it clear that he didn’t just show up—he understood the assignment.

    Directed by a Fashion Powerhouse

    Of course, a campaign this fierce needs a visionary behind the lens. Enter Mert Alas, the celebrated photographer and director best known for his provocative, high-fashion imagery. With his sharp eye for mood and movement, Alas captures Koch in a series of sleek, moody frames that balance sex appeal with modern masculinity.

    Cooper Koch for Calvin Klein. Photo: Calvin Klein
    Cooper Koch for Calvin Klein. Photo: Calvin Klein
    Cooper Koch for Calvin Klein. Photo: Calvin Klein
    Cooper Koch for Calvin Klein. Photo: Calvin Klein

    Under Alas’ creative direction, each image is a masterclass in confidence—whether Koch is lounging in a denim-on-denim look or stretching out in Calvin’s signature briefs, the energy is both intimate and aspirational.

    Queer Representation in Fashion

    Koch’s inclusion in this campaign is also a meaningful moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in fashion. As an out gay actor, his presence in such a globally recognized brand spotlights a shift toward more inclusive, authentic representation—one where queer talent is not just welcomed but celebrated.

    Cooper Koch for Calvin Klein. Photo: Calvin Klein
    Cooper Koch for Calvin Klein. Photo: Calvin Klein

    Whether fans are here for the fashion, the thirst trap-worthy photos, or both, one thing’s clear: Cooper Koch is having a moment. And in Calvin Klein, he wears it well.

    The full Calvin Klein campaign starring Cooper Koch is now live. Explore the latest collection at CalvinKlein.com .

  • Cooper Koch and His Brothers Poke Fun at Brotherly Love from the ‘The White Lotus’

    Cooper Koch and His Brothers Poke Fun at Brotherly Love from the ‘The White Lotus’

    As The White Lotus wraps up its much-discussed brother-on-brother storyline, Cooper Koch is keeping the flames of sibling drama alive — and this time, he’s bringing his real-life brothers into the fold.

    The HBO series season finale may have provided some closure to the intense, homoerotic tension between the Ratliff brothers, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). A pivotal moment between the two — where Lochlan lends a hand to Saxon while he’s with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) — sparked waves of conversation about the portrayal of intimacy between siblings on television. Fans were left both shocked and intrigued, asking the question: Why is there so much emphasis on this theme?

    But if you thought the scandalous moment was behind us, think again. Cooper Koch, who starred as one of the Menendez brothers in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, decided to have a little fun with the controversial moment.

    Though Cooper is not active on social media, his younger brother Walker Koch took to Instagram ahead of The White Lotus finale airing on Sunday, posting a playful photo of Cooper and his twin brother Payton. The image shows Payton leaning in for a kiss with Cooper, standing underneath art shaped like Thailand. Walker even tagged The White Lotus in the post, making it clear that this was a cheeky nod to the show’s controversial plot.

    Photo: Instagram (@walkerkoch)
    Photo: Instagram (@walkerkoch)

    The Instagram Story, which has since disappeared, was clearly a lighthearted joke. The brothers, who share a close bond, were giving the show a playful “kiss off” in their own way.

     

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    A post shared by Payton Koch (@paytonjkoch)

    The Koch twins’ bond isn’t just a casual one; they share a deep connection, both personally and professionally. While Cooper has risen to fame with his acting career — particularly after his breakthrough role in Monsters — Payton has been making a name for himself in the world of film production. Payton’s work includes editing on acclaimed projects like Only Murders in the Building, which earned him an Emmy nomination, and working with Ryan Murphy on shows like American Horror Story and The Politician. Cooper was even his guest at the Emmys, and with both brothers now in the spotlight, it’s only a matter of time before they return the favor.

     

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    A post shared by Payton Koch (@paytonjkoch)

    While Cooper’s career has earned him recognition, his twin’s path is just as impressive, and their strong family ties are evident. They both grew up in Los Angeles, a stone’s throw from Hollywood, and their shared history is part of their undeniable connection. They’ve even posed together in steamy photo shoots, most recently for Behind The Blinds, a glossy editorial magazine that highlighted the pair’s captivating dynamic.

    In their latest playful moment, it’s clear that the Koch family isn’t afraid to have a little fun with the media’s fascination with sibling dynamics. While the Ratliff brothers may have stirred up heated debates, the Koch twins are just enjoying life, their careers, and, of course, making headlines with their playful sense of humor.