The Cast of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story vs. The Real People They Play

Following the success of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan are back with another captivating true-crime series. The second season of the Monsters anthology, titled The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, explores the tragic case of the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, who were convicted of murdering their parents in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The series offers viewers an in-depth look at the brothers' lives, the alleged abuse they suffered, and the trial that followed.

Starring Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch as Lyle and Erik Menendez, respectively, 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story' delves into the complexities of the case. The brothers, who were sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996, claimed that their parents had subjected them to years of abuse. However, prosecutors argued that their real motive was greed, as they stood to inherit a substantial fortune.

In addition to Chavez and Koch, the series features a star-studded cast, including Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as the brothers' parents, José and Kitty Menendez. This article will take a closer look at the actors portraying these real-life figures and how they prepared for their roles.

Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez

Nicholas Alexander Chavez, known for his role on *General Hospital*, takes on the challenging role of Lyle Menendez, the older of the two brothers. Lyle was 21 years old when he and his brother murdered their parents. Now 56, Lyle is serving a life sentence at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.

Chavez, who has made over 350 appearances on *General Hospital*, won a Daytime Emmy before leaving the show in 2024. He shared that playing Lyle Menendez required him to "fill in the gaps" of information that wasn't publicly available. Chavez thoroughly prepared for the role and expressed excitement about diving into such a complex character.

Chavez, who began his acting career after working as a car salesman in Florida, is dating Victoria Abbott off-screen.

Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez

Cooper Koch, a rising star in the industry, portrays Erik Menendez, the younger of the two brothers. Erik was 18 at the time of the murders and is now 53, serving his life sentence alongside Lyle at the same correctional facility.

In preparing for the role, Koch found a new sense of gratitude for his own family, realizing how much love and support he has received. This helped him empathize with Erik, who, according to the series, grew up in a household filled with alleged abuse. Koch, relatively new to acting, has appeared in Power Book II: Ghost and a few short films before landing this role.

Javier Bardem as José Menendez

Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem portrays José Menendez, the father of Lyle and Erik. Born in Cuba, José immigrated to the United States in the 1960s and became a highly successful business executive. At the time of his death, he was the CEO of a video distribution company and had a fortune estimated in the tens of millions.

Bardem, known for his roles in No Country for Old Men and Being the Ricardos, said he was drawn to the project because of the series' focus on the generational wounds of abuse. This is Bardem’s first TV role, and he is excited about the conversation the series will spark around abuse and its impact on families. Bardem is married to actress Penelope Cruz, and the couple has two children, Leo and Luna.

Chloë Sevigny as Kitty Menendez

Chloë Sevigny, an Oscar-nominated actress, plays Kitty Menendez, the mother of Lyle and Erik. Kitty met José while studying at Southern Illinois University, and the two married in 1963. Before her death at the age of 47, she was a former schoolteacher and homemaker.

Sevigny approached the role with empathy, aiming to portray Kitty as a complicated figure who may have turned a blind eye to the abuse happening in her household. Sevigny, known for her roles in American Psycho and Zodiac, opened up about how the show examines the cycle of abuse. Off-screen, Sevigny is married to Sinisa Mackovic, and they have a son named Vanja.

Nathan Lane as Dominick Dunne

Nathan Lane steps into the shoes of Dominick Dunne, the investigative journalist who covered the Menendez trial for 'Vanity Fair'. Dunne was known for being an advocate for the victims in the cases he reported on, and his coverage of both the Menendez and O.J. Simpson trials remains iconic. Lane, famous for his role as Timon in The Lion King and his work in *Only Murders in the Building*, shared that he found the Menendez case much more complicated than it first appeared.

Lane, married to his husband Devlin Elliot since 2015, admitted that while he didn't follow the case closely in the beginning, he was disturbed by the details of the abuse that came to light during the trial.

Ari Graynor as Leslie Abramson

Ari Graynor portrays Leslie Abramson, the defense attorney who represented Erik Menendez during the trial. Abramson was a fierce advocate for her client and was even investigated for allegedly asking Erik's psychiatrist to alter his notes, although no charges were brought against her. Graynor, known for her roles in The Sopranos and Fringe, brings Abramson’s tenacity and passion to life on screen.

Dallas Roberts as Dr. Jerome Oziel

Dallas Roberts plays Dr. Jerome Oziel, the therapist who treated Lyle and Erik after the murders. Oziel secretly recorded their confessions and later testified at their trial. His involvement in the case was controversial, and he eventually surrendered his medical license. Roberts, known for his work in The Good Wife and Insatiable, brings nuance to the role of the troubled therapist.

Leslie Grossman as Judalon Smyth

Leslie Grossman portrays Judalon Smyth, Oziel’s former girlfriend, who tipped off the police about the Menendez brothers' involvement in their parents’ murder. Grossman, a frequent collaborator with Ryan Murphy, expressed excitement about being part of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

This incredible cast brings the tragic and complex Menendez case to life, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the people involved and the trauma that shaped their lives. As the series explores how "monsters" are made, it asks important questions about abuse, trauma, and the cycle of violence.