Cooper Koch, star of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, has sparked curiosity by wearing a wedding ring despite not being married. During an appearance on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live on Oct. 16, Koch revealed the playful reasoning behind his choice.
The actor explained that the ring, which belonged to his grandfather, was something he spontaneously decided to wear while preparing for the Emmy Awards. Koch, who was accompanying his brother Payton — nominated for his work on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building — wanted to complete his look with a personal accessory.
“We were getting ready, and I didn’t have any jewelry on,” Koch said. “I was with my boyfriend, and I saw this ring in my room. It was my grandfather’s, so I put it on my ring finger. It kind of became this romantic, protective thing.”
Koch, 27, admitted that the decision also came with a sense of fun. “I just wanted to trip people out a little bit and see what they would say,” he added with a grin.
Although his boyfriend doesn’t wear a ring, Koch reassured fans that the couple is deeply committed to each other. “He’s as committed to me as I am to him,” Koch said, hinting that they may consider getting his partner a matching ring soon.
Koch’s breakout role in Netflix’s Monsters has earned him praise, though the series has also faced criticism from some, including the real-life Menéndez brothers, for its portrayal of the infamous case. Speaking about the backlash, Koch expressed empathy, acknowledging the emotional weight of seeing such a painful part of the brothers’ lives broadcast for millions.
“I sympathize with Erik, I understand how difficult it would be to have the worst part of your life televised,” Koch told Variety. “I really wanted to portray him with integrity and authenticity to support him and his family.”
Since its September release, Monsters has captivated audiences with its retelling of the Menéndez brothers’ 1989 murders of their parents and the subsequent trial that followed.
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