Cooper Koch Gets Surprising Call from Lyle Menendez After Emmy Nomination: What Did He Say?

Actor Cooper Koch has revealed that Lyle Menendez, the brother of the man he portrays in Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, reached out to offer his personal congratulations following the actor's recent Emmy nomination.

The 29-year-old has earned critical acclaim, and now an Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie nomination, for his performance as Erik Menendez in the second season of Ryan Murphy's Monsters anthology. The real-life Menendez brothers—Lyle and Erik—were convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

Speaking on The Awardist podcast, Koch shared that he had received a call from Lyle himself shortly after the nominations were announced.

'I spoke to Lyle today. He called to send his congrats and was very sweet,' Koch said. 'He was jealous that I was at Wimbledon this weekend.'

'End Of An Era'

The surreal moment marks a full-circle moment for the actor, who has spent over a year immersing himself in the controversial case and the complex dynamics of the Menendez family.

During the same podcast, Koch also reflected on his portrayal of Erik, describing the role as 'the end of an era.'

'This is sort of like the end of an era with it, and what a great way to put it to bed. Hopefully that will also go with the brothers getting released by the end of the summer,' he said.

The potential release Koch refers to is tied to a major legal development. Earlier this month, LA County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic ruled that the Menendez brothers' original sentence could be reconsidered under new juvenile sentencing guidelines. As they were both under 26 at the time of the crime, their sentences may now be commuted to 50 years to life, giving them a chance at parole.

Koch also told Variety that he had recently spoken with Erik, who is 'so excited' about the legal update.

'I'm so grateful that that happened,' Koch said. 'And so is Erik, I spoke to him yesterday and he is so excited.'

Advocate Of Change

Beyond the legal developments, Koch says it was Erik's future plans that moved him most.

'He is going to be an advocate for other people who have LWOP, which is life without parole,' Koch said. 'His life is going to surround making change in the prison system, and I just think that is so beautiful.'

He added that Erik hopes a decade from now, people will look back and say: 'We really made the right decision. Thank God we let them out.'

While the parole board must still decide on their release—and the hearing has now been pushed to August—the brothers' case continues to stir legal and cultural debate, particularly as it intersects with media portrayals like Monsters.

Cooper's Career Momentum Continues

Koch, meanwhile, is enjoying a rising career in both television and fashion. The actor recently made headlines again when he appeared in a new Calvin Klein underwear campaign, flaunting his sculpted physique and cementing his heartthrob status.

Whether or not the Menendez brothers are granted parole, Koch's Emmy-nominated performance has already succeeded in sparking renewed conversation around a decades-old case—and giving voice to two men whose story continues to evolve.