From Rejected Auditions to Netflix Star: Cooper Koch's Menendez Role

Cooper Koch's Path to Playing Lyle Menendez: A Journey of Empathy and Auditions Cooper Koch, the actor portraying Lyle Menendez in the upcoming Netflix series, recently sat down with Variety to discuss his unique journey to securing the role. The interview revealed a surprising story of perseverance and emotional investment. Koch shared that he didn't land the role on his first attempt. In fact, he auditioned for two other Menendez projects before finally being cast in the Netflix series. "I auditioned for the Law and Order series about them and a Lifetime movie," he revealed. "I didn't get either of those roles." This speaks to the competitive nature of the acting world and Koch's dedication to the project. However, it was his deep empathy for the Menendez brothers that ultimately propelled him to the role. "I just felt this immense cosmic pull," Koch explained, "an immense empathy that you feel for a person." This emotional connection is crucial for portraying such complex and controversial characters. Koch's story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required in the acting profession. His journey highlights the importance of emotional investment in a role and the sometimes-unpredictable path to success.