Who Is Cooper Koch's Boyfriend? Exploring His Relationship with Stuart McClave
Cooper Koch, star of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has captured attention not only for his acting but also for his relationship with Stuart McClave. Koch first publicly acknowledged the relationship in October 2024, and the couple has since made their red carpet debut, solidifying their presence in the public eye.
The Revelation and Red Carpet Debut
Koch initially kept McClave's identity private after first revealing he was in a relationship in October 2024. However, he later shared more details, appearing alongside McClave at events such as the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. At the Golden Globes, Koch described McClave as "the best partner I could have ever, ever asked for," highlighting the strength of their bond.
“It’s very easy to do that — be the best partner to Cooper," McClave added. "He’s so sweet!"
Cooper Koch's Journey with Sexuality in the Public Eye
Prior to publicly revealing his relationship, Cooper Koch spoke candidly about his experiences navigating his sexuality as an actor. In a June 2023 interview with Edge Media Network, he reflected on the "journey" of overcoming his initial fears of being openly gay. He acknowledged his worry that his sexuality would hinder his career, but came to realize that authenticity is crucial to his ability to portray characters effectively.
Who is Stuart McClave?
So, who is the man who captured Cooper Koch's heart? Here's what we know about Stuart McClave:
Growing Up with a Passion for Tennis
Stuart McClave was raised in Los Angeles and developed a deep love for tennis as a child. He told NewFilmmakers Los Angeles in June 2023 that tennis was his "first love." McClave and his family were "obsessed" with the Williams family, even driving 300 miles to attend Serena and Venus Williams' tournaments. This passion later inspired him to create a documentary about their father, Richard Williams.
Education at the University of Southern California
McClave is a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC), holding dual degrees in broadcast journalism and cinema-television production. He told USC Annenberg News that his interest in both fields stemmed from seeing the impact they could have, particularly when combined to engage larger audiences and address important issues.
Writer and Director: On The Line: The Richard Williams Story
Stuart McClave has harnessed his education to pursue storytelling as a writer and director. In 2022, he created On The Line: The Richard Williams Story, a documentary exploring the life of Richard Williams. His connection with the Williams family, especially Chavoita LeSane, played a crucial role in the film's creation. McClave's deep knowledge and admiration for Williams and the sport helped him earn the tennis icon's trust.
"In this conversation, it kind of came out my love for tennis, my love for what he did to change the game," McClave told Awards Radar. "And like Mr. Williams, I think we both kind of have this encyclopedic knowledge of the sport that he really responded to. I think there was some form of energy there that allowed him to trust me to tell his story."
Before filmmaking, McClave gained experience as a development executive for NBCUniversal, Discovery Channel, and feature film producer Mark Ciardi.
The Ring Story and Public Confirmation
During an October 2024 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Cooper Koch confirmed he had a boyfriend after being asked by a fan. Later, on Sirius XM's Andy Cohen Live, he addressed fan speculation about a ring he was wearing, explaining that it belonged to his grandfather and had become a "romantic and protective mechanism" when he and McClave put it on his ring finger. In December 2024, at the Man of the Year Awards in Australia, Koch officially confirmed McClave as his partner.
Red Carpet Appearances and Support
Following the public announcement, Stuart McClave began accompanying Cooper Koch to industry events, including the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. They had previously attended the LACMA Art+Film Gala in November 2024. Koch has praised McClave's support during his rise to fame. On the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet, Koch emphasized how McClave has helped keep him grounded during an "intense" and "overwhelming" period.
A Supportive Partnership
Ultimately, Cooper Koch has highlighted Stuart McClave's unwavering support, crediting him with keeping him grounded and providing stability during a period of significant change and heightened public attention.