From Menendez To Marvel: 7 Shocking Updates On Cooper Koch’s Career And Personal Life In 2025

Cooper Koch has rapidly transitioned from a promising independent film actor to one of Hollywood’s most talked-about rising stars, a trajectory cemented by his critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated performance as Erik Menendez. As of December 2025, Koch is not only celebrating major professional milestones but is also making significant waves in the fashion world and publicly embracing his personal life, making him a central figure in the current cultural conversation.

The actor’s career is defined by a willingness to embrace complex, often challenging roles, a trend that is set to continue with his highly anticipated upcoming projects. From biographical crime dramas to a bold new feature film directed by an auteur, Koch’s latest ventures confirm his status as an actor unafraid to push boundaries and challenge audience expectations.

Cooper Koch Biography and Profile: A Rising Star

• Full Name: Cooper Joseph Koch
• Date of Birth: July 16, 1996
• Age (as of December 2025): 29 years old
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Known For: Portraying Erik Menendez in *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story* (2024), Stu in *They/Them* (2022), and Benjamin in *Swallowed* (2022).
• Family Connection: He is the grandson of legendary Hollywood producer and former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Hawk Koch.
• Partner: Stuart McClave (Filmmaker)
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Reported to be between $150,000 and $5 million, a figure rapidly increasing due to his recent high-profile roles and endorsements.

The Menendez Impact: Emmy Buzz and a Message from Prison

Cooper Koch’s portrayal of Erik Menendez in the Netflix biographical crime drama series, *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story*, became a cultural phenomenon and the definitive breakthrough of his career. The depth and nuance Koch brought to the role of the younger, more emotionally volatile Menendez brother earned him widespread critical acclaim and a prestigious Emmy nomination in 2025.

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The role, which required a significant emotional and psychological commitment, firmly established Koch as a serious dramatic actor. The series, which followed the success of its predecessor, *Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story*, brought the story of the Menendez brothers back into the global spotlight, prompting new conversations about the case.

A fascinating and unique aspect of the Emmy season was Koch’s revelation that he received a message from the real Lyle Menendez, who is currently incarcerated. Koch shared that Lyle Menendez reached out to him before the 2025 Emmy Awards, a gesture that underscored the real-world impact of his performance and the sensitivity of the material.

This massive success has made Koch a highly sought-after talent, leading directly to his selection for the *2025 Out100* list, which recognizes the most impactful LGBTQ+ people of the year.

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Upcoming Project: *Artificial* and the Luca Guadagnino Collaboration

In one of the most significant updates to his career, Cooper Koch is set to star in the highly anticipated upcoming film, *Artificial*. The project is being directed by queer filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, the acclaimed director behind hits like *Call Me By Your Name* and *Challengers*.

The film, which is an Amazon MGM Studios production, will see Koch star alongside Hollywood heavyweights Andrew Garfield and Billie Lourd. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the combination of Guadagnino’s distinct cinematic vision and Koch’s rising star power has already made *Artificial* one of the most anticipated independent films on the horizon, further cementing Koch’s move into major studio projects.

Cooper Koch's Off-Screen Life: The Calvin Klein Campaign and Stuart McClave

Beyond his dramatic roles, Cooper Koch has become a significant figure in the fashion and pop culture landscape, particularly through his bold modeling work and public relationship.

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The Calvin Klein Summer 2025 Campaign

In a major endorsement deal that highlights his growing mainstream appeal, Koch was featured prominently in the Calvin Klein Summer 2025 campaign. The campaign showcased the brand’s signature denim and its popular Icon Cotton Stretch underwear line.

The ads, which were part of the brand’s 2025 Pride campaign, quickly went viral, with many praising Koch for his confident and striking presence. The campaign not only showcased his physique but also reinforced his status as a queer icon in the entertainment and fashion industries, further broadening his public profile.

A Public Relationship with Filmmaker Stuart McClave

In late 2024, Cooper Koch went public with his relationship with filmmaker Stuart McClave, a move that was met with an outpouring of support from fans and the media. The couple has since become a fixture at major Hollywood events.

Koch and McClave attended the 2025 GLAAD Awards together, where Koch spoke openly about his appreciation for McClave’s support and love. McClave, who is a filmmaker, has been referred to by Koch as "the one," indicating the seriousness of their commitment. Their public appearances have made them one of Hollywood’s most celebrated new power couples.

Addressing the Curiosity: The Bold Scenes of *Swallowed*

Before his breakout role in *Monsters*, Cooper Koch starred in the 2022 body horror film *Swallowed*. This independent film, directed by Carter Smith, is a key entity in his filmography and is often a point of curiosity for fans due to its raw and explicit content.

Koch's performance as Benjamin in *Swallowed* required him to participate in several bold, explicit scenes. Notably, reports and interviews from the time confirmed that for a specific shower scene, Koch opted for authenticity, choosing not to use prosthetics.

This choice was seen by many as a powerful statement on realism and a commitment to the art of acting, even in highly sensitive contexts. Along with his role in the slasher film *They/Them* (2022), *Swallowed* showcased Koch's early willingness to tackle challenging, boundary-pushing material, setting the stage for his later success in the complex role of Erik Menendez.

From the Emmy-nominated biographical crime drama of the Menendez brothers to his upcoming collaboration with Luca Guadagnino and his commanding presence in the Calvin Klein campaign, Cooper Koch’s career is on a steep upward trajectory. His dedication to authentic, challenging roles, combined with his openness about his personal life, makes him a compelling and essential figure to watch in the world of entertainment.