This past year, actors Sam Nivola and Cooper Koch captivated audiences with their portrayals of brothers entangled in intricate familial relationships. Nivola, taking on the role of Lochlan Ratliff in the acclaimed series “The White Lotus,”, portrayed a character desperate to gain the approval of his older brother Saxon, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger. Their relationship took a dramatic turn when Lochlan found himself embroiled in an intoxicated encounter with Saxon. In contrast, Koch depicted Erik Menendez in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” delivering a multifaceted performance that shed light on the perspectives of those close to the infamous case involving two brothers who were ultimately convicted of patricide.
Both actors showcased their talents in pivotal moments that highlighted their characters’ struggles. Nivola's portrayal reached a climax during Lochlan's near-death experience in the season finale, while Koch delivered a powerful performance in a one-take episode where Erik confides in his attorney about the abuse he faced within the Menendez household. These moments not only defined their performances but also served as turning points in their respective narratives.
In a recent conversation, Nivola and Koch reflected on their experiences in the industry. Nivola remarked, “This is our first time meeting,” to which Koch responded, “But I feel like we’ve known each other — you kind of are my brother.” Their chemistry is palpable, and they both express a desire to have collaborated on a project together. Nivola shared his roots, stating, “I’m from Brooklyn, New York,” and revealed that he grew up in a family of actors, with both his parents being in the industry — Alessandro Nivola and Emily Mortimer.
Koch, on the other hand, does not come from a lineage of actors, although he noted that his grandfather was a producer. The conversation quickly turned to the topic of nepotism in the industry, with Nivola humorously acknowledging the label of “nepo baby.” He explained, “My whole thing was that my parents really didn’t want me to be an actor,” a sentiment Koch could understand, as both agree that the acting profession can be mentally challenging.
Both actors shared their journeys into the acting profession. Koch revealed, “I’ve been doing theater since I was 5 years old,” mentioning that he participated in multiple musicals each year. He described his life as a series of performances, transitioning from one show to the next. Nivola, too, engaged in school plays and developed a passion for cinema, which he humorously attributed to trying to impress a girl. He stated, “I initially got a Criterion Channel subscription to impress this girl,” reflecting on how that sparked his love for film.
Nivola recounted his audition process for “White Noise,” emphasizing the opportunity to work with a renowned director. “I did a self-tape, did a callback, booked it,” he shared, noting the significance of Mike White’s natural writing style. Koch, discussing his audition experience for the Menendez story, recalled an unexpected encounter with Ryan Murphy during the callback, which turned into a collaborative conversation that alleviated his nerves.
Koch expressed a profound connection to the character of Erik, stating, “I felt this insane cosmic thing… I have to play this part.” He described how he immersed himself in the story, even auditioning for related projects in the past. He emphasized his desire to evoke sympathy for Erik, especially given the character’s traumatic background.
Nivola asked Koch about the challenges of portraying such a complex character, particularly in the one-take episode. Koch explained, “I had eight months with it, so I just read it every day,” preparing himself thoroughly for the emotional weight of the scene.
Both actors discussed the importance of their character dynamics. Nivola noted how the immersive environment of filming “The White Lotus” allowed him to develop a genuine relationship with Patrick Schwarzenegger, deepening the authenticity of their brotherly bond. Koch echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional depth he sought to portray in Erik's character.
The conversation turned introspective as Nivola shared his emotional experience while shooting intense scenes, admitting, “I get it now,” regarding the feeling of losing oneself in a character. Koch agreed, highlighting the emotional journey they both underwent while portraying such intricate roles. Their discussion not only showcased their talent but also their understanding of the complexities of familial relationships, both on and off the screen.
