Sam Nivola and Cooper Koch Address Nepo Baby Criticism and Controversial Role as ‘Sexual Deviant Brothers’: Why Embracing Your Character Matters

Sam Nivola and Cooper Koch had a compelling year, portraying brothers in shows that explored complex family dynamics. Nivola, as Lochlan Ratliff in “The White Lotus,” struggled to gain his brother Saxon’s approval, leading to a wild, drunken encounter. Meanwhile, Koch took on Erik Menendez in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” showcasing the controversial case of the brothers who were accused and sentenced for their parents’ murder.

### Growing Up with Acting

They both share stories about their backgrounds. Nivola grew up in Brooklyn with actor parents, Alessandro Nivola and Emily Mortimer. Interestingly, his parents weren’t keen on him becoming an actor. “It’s a tough career,” he said, reflecting on the pressures of the industry. On the other hand, Koch didn’t have actor parents but his grandfather was a producer.

Koch, who started performing at a young age, described his life as a series of shows and rehearsals. Nivola, on the other hand, recalled a pivotal audition for “White Noise” and a fleeting college experience.

### Audition Journeys

Nivola shared a straightforward audition process for “The White Lotus”: a self-tape, a callback, and then landing the role, thanks to the natural flow of Mike White’s writing. Koch had a different experience auditioning for Ryan Murphy, who surprised them by showing up. They discussed their shared passion for their roles, highlighting how personal experiences connect them to their characters.

Koch expressed a deep empathy for Erik Menendez, feeling a connection to him and the challenges he faced. He had immersed himself in learning about Erik’s life, which helped him portray the character authentically.

### Character Connections

Both actors emphasized how working closely together helped them mentally connect with their characters. Nivola and Koch communicated extensively to bring their fraternal relationships to life. They spent significant time together, allowing them to develop a strong sibling bond that translated on-screen.

Fans have debated the moral complexities of their characters. For instance, Nivola recognized the duality in portraying a character that others might label as “creepy.” Koch echoed those sentiments, noting the difficulty of empathizing with a character that others deem a “murderer.”

### Embracing the Process

In discussing the emotional weight of their roles, especially Nivola’s intense scenes, both actors reflected on the toll of embodying such complex characters. Nivola found himself emotionally invested, drawing from the rawness of his experiences while shooting in Thailand.

Their conversations highlight the care that actors must take, forming a bond with their characters while navigating public perceptions. They both realized that to portray these difficult figures authentically, they had to find understanding and even love for them.

### The Bigger Picture

This exploration of fraternal ties in a dramatic context also sheds light on a broader cultural fascination with family dynamics in media today. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 65% of Americans believe that stories about family relationships are vital for understanding society. This indicates a growing desire for narratives that resonate with our personal histories.

In short, Nivola and Koch are part of a larger conversation about the intricacies of family relationships in entertainment. Their raw, honest performances continue to captivate audiences, feeding the ongoing fascination with familial bonds in storytelling.

Their insights and experiences serve not only as a glimpse into their careers but also reflect a deeper narrative about how stories of family and personal struggle resonate with viewers today.



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