Some authors might not be used to getting calls, especially ones congratulating them, by a convicted murderer, but that is what happened to Cooper Koch after he received an Emmy nomination earlier this week.
Cooper Koch, a 29-year-old star of the Netflix hit limited series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, disclosed that Lyle Menendez, who is currently serving a life sentence, called him directly out of prison to congratulate him on his very first Emmy nomination.
Koch, who appeared as Erik Menendez in the thrilling TV show based on the infamous murder in Beverly Hills in 1989, disclosed the revelatory experience in his episode of The Awardist podcast by Entertainment Weekly on July 16.
READ ALSO: Nicole Daedone Sl@ms ‘Double Standard’ After Diddy Verdict: ‘We Got 20 Years, He Walks’
Koch did say, however, that he had spoken with Lyle today, who had called in order to send his congrats and had been very, very sweet.
The actor also made a joke that Lyle also was a bit envious of his new adventure. Koch said with a laugh, “He was envious of the fact that I had been at Wimbledon this weekend.” “He was so, so nice… and they are coming along fine.”
The Story That Shook America, and Hollywood
The Netflix original series Monsters refreshed the memory of one of the most-discussed true crime stories in America.
In 1989, in Beverly Hills, Lyle and Erik, two brothers aged 21 and 18, murdered their successful parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, by shooting them in their luxurious home.
The case amazed the whole country; it was not only due to the brutal facts of the case but also to the defence of the brothers.
Lyle and Erik said they murdered their parents because they had been subjected to years of sexual and emotional abuse by their father and that their mother had been blind to it.
Prosecutors, however, maintained it was a cold-blooded robbery case that was fuelled by greed, considering the lavish spending spree that the brothers had after the murders.
At the end of the day, the final outcome of the two dramatic trials was successful, and Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted in 1996 of first-degree murder and received a life sentence without chance of parole.
Instead of Playing a Role to Real-life Connection
Koch was nominated as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie in portraying Erik Menendez, and Monsters itself was also nominated in the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category. It is a milestone to the actor who has played roles in Swallowed and Turnt.
Addressing the nomination, Koch confessed it was nail-biting. You are so restless, and all you do is play that game in your head, like it does not matter. And the greatest thing about this whole story is just being able to tell it, to play a person who I care so much about.
His participation in the project introduced Koch to a special relationship with the Menendez brothers.
Following the premiere episode, Koch and reality television personality Kim Kardashian, a lifelong criminal justice reform activist, were able to visit with Lyle and Erik at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
Talking to Variety, Koch recalled his initial encounter with Erik: We just stared into each other, and it felt immediate, and we just embraced. So kind he was.” He also conveyed such warmth to Lyle, saying, “I got to hug both of them and just be in their presence.”
Koch Hope that they have a second chance
However, this is not the only role that Koch is playing because he has also emerged to be an active proponent on the matter of re-examining the case of the Menendez brothers. In his opinion, justice was not fulfilled right in the 1990s.
Koch said that they had committed the crime at 18 and 21. People could hardly believe that male/male sexual abuse might take place at that time, particularly father to son.
He went on, “This money-killing-parents theory is bonkers. The people in the past could believe the greed story more easily.
However, today, after 35 years, we know much more about trauma, abuse, and the way these things are expressed.”
Koch believes that another trial would be warranted, as current information about abuse may change the perception of people towards the behaviour of the Menendez brothers.
READ ALSO: Pregnant Rihanna Stuns with Sons RZA and Riot at Smurfs L.A. Premiere!
A Strange Yet Motivational Experience
The thought of receiving a prison call by a convicted murderer may sound odd to many. The call of Lyle Menendez to Koch was personal and emotional.
It was a reminder that even those in prison are moved to tears by the retelling of their stories on the screen—particularly when it is done in the most delicate and understanding manner.
His Emmy nomination is not only a professional triumph but also a tribute to the complicated and agonising history of the men he was playing.
With Koch riding the wave of the awards season, this unusual connection with the Menendez brothers has helped shed more light on one of the most complex true-crime sagas in American history and on the power of narrative to alter attitudes, even decades after the events had taken place behind the prison bars.
About The Author
