Cooper Koch and Stuart McClave Shine at Golden Globes 2025

The star of "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," Cooper Koch, recently made headlines as he graced the Golden Globes 2025 red carpet. What made this appearance special was that it marked his debut on the red carpet with his boyfriend, Stuart McClave.

Koch, an openly gay actor, received a nomination for his exceptional performance in Ryan Murphy’s provocative Netflix anthology, "The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story." The series delves into the infamous 1989 case involving the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents. The trial, which captivated audiences, included allegations of sexual abuse by the brothers' father.

For Koch, playing the role of the younger sibling Erik Menendez was a challenging endeavor, yet it earned him a nomination in the Best Actor in a Limited Series category. However, the award went to Colin Farrell for his role in "The Penguin." Regardless, this nomination marked a significant milestone in Koch's career, as it was his first Golden Globe nod.

Who is Stuart McClave?

The Golden Globes 2025 was not only significant for Koch's career but also a personal milestone, as it was the first red carpet event attended by his partner, Stuart McClave. Despite keeping his personal life private, McClave is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. He is a filmmaker, director, producer, and writer with an impressive portfolio.

McClave has worked on various projects, including "Covert Kitchens," "How Booze Built America," and "World’s Toughest Trucker." However, he is perhaps most acclaimed for the 2022 documentary "On the Line: The Richard Williams Story," which he wrote, directed, and produced. This documentary offers an in-depth look at the life of Richard Williams, the coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.

Although the Golden Globes 2025 marked the first time Koch and McClave appeared together on the red carpet, Koch had mentioned McClave publicly before. In December 2024, during an interview at the GQ Australia Man of the Year event, Koch referred to McClave as his "personal" choice for Man of the Year, revealing his affection for his partner.

Are They Married?

Another topic of interest surrounding the couple is whether Cooper Koch and Stuart McClave are married. Despite being seen at the 2024 Emmy Awards wearing a ring on his wedding finger, Koch clarified that he is not married. In a conversation on "Andy Cohen Live," he explained that the ring was a family heirloom belonging to his grandfather.

Koch shared that while preparing for an event, he realized he had no jewelry to wear. He decided to wear his grandfather's ring, which he found while rummaging through his collection. Placing it on his ring finger seemed like a romantic and protective gesture.

The presence of the ring led to speculation about his marital status, but Koch sought to quell these rumors by explaining the ring's sentimental value and personal significance.

The appearance of Cooper Koch and Stuart McClave at the Golden Globes was a moment of visibility and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. Their presence on the red carpet serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and authenticity in Hollywood.

For Cooper Koch, this event marked another step in his promising career. Despite not winning the Golden Globe, his nomination alone was a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. As for Stuart McClave, his accomplishments in the film industry continue to grow, and his partnership with Koch adds a compelling narrative to his already impressive career.

The world will undoubtedly be watching as both Koch and McClave continue to make their mark in their respective fields. Their partnership is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, illustrating the power of love and authenticity.

Their red carpet debut at the Golden Globes was not just a public appearance; it was a celebration of their journey together both personally and professionally.