From Ice Cream Scooper to Golden Globe Nominee: Cooper Koch’s Unconventional Journey

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Cooper Koch acknowledges that his experience working at an ice cream parlor played a significant role in his ability to fully value the triumph of his popular series, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story“.

28-year-old actor graces the cover of VMAN’s “A Day in the Life” edition, sharing that he used to teach yoga as a side job and work at a Salt & Straw ice cream parlor near his Silverlake apartment to get by. However, it was while scooping ice cream that he received the call for the Ryan Murphy series on Netflix. Although this lifestyle was quite distinct from the one he has now, Koch notes that his experience at the sweet shoppe taught him to truly appreciate each moment.

He shared with the magazine that he truly enjoyed working at Salt & Straw, as it brought him immense joy. He believes that this position, in some sense, drew the ‘Monsters’ towards him because it made him so content, occupied, and productive. It elevated his energy to such a level that the job I truly desired eventually came about.

In the most recent edition of VMAN, Koch captivates, with photography by Alvaro Beamud Cortés and styling by Nicola Formichetti. Notably, in one shot, Koch dons a “HOMOCORE” T-shirt from DSquared2 (an exclusive image, available only through THR). You can find comparable styles here.

In the latest VMAN issue, it’s Koch who steals the spotlight, thanks to the lens of Alvaro Beamud Cortés and the styling prowess of Nicola Formichetti. In a striking image, exclusively provided by THR, Koch is wearing a “HOMOCORE” T-shirt from DSquared2. To get a similar look, check it out here.

In the featured piece, the latest Golden Globe nominee shares his daily tactics for psychological preparation, delving into the mental space of Erik Menendez that he attempted to inhabit.

He began using sticky notes inside his medicine cabinet that read encouragements like ‘You can do this,’ ‘You’re a fantastic actor,’ ‘Keep going,’ ‘I have faith in you.’ Although they might seem a bit cheesy initially, regularly reading them while brushing teeth twice daily allowed these words to subtly embed themselves into his mind, making him feel empowered. Similarly, he adorned his trailer with photos of Erik and himself on the mirror, along with some lines from the script. Each day, he would review them.

In regards to the uncertainty surrounding the potential release of the Menendez brothers, Koch expresses his conviction that Erik should be granted a second opportunity. He reasons, “Wisdom arises when we embrace reality as it is.” Erik, it seems, instructs speech classes, yoga, and meditation, all of which aid individuals who have suffered sexual abuse. These people have earned college degrees and constructed lives within prison because they’ve come to terms with their past traumas and actions. Such resilience, courage, bravery, and perseverance, according to Koch, warrant a chance at returning home.

Although the success of Monsters has brought Koch into the limelight, the actor is taking care to choose his next role carefully. He’s determined to carry forward the same exhilaration he felt scooping ice cream into whatever project he takes on next.

He remarks, “You’re treading a fine balance between what’s factual and what’s imagined.” He explains, “It’s a captivating, blissful sensation that envelopes everyone in the room, and it varies each night. The beauty is, you don’t have to pause; you simply ride the wave of it. I yearn to continue experiencing this for the remainder of my life.

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2025-02-21 16:24