‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

As a movie reviewer with a knack for true crime narratives, I’ve seen my fair share of stories that delve into the darkest corners of humanity. With its impressive cast and gripping premise, Ryan Murphy’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” on Netflix is shaping up to be a must-watch for any true crime enthusiast.


On September 19, Ryan Murphy brings another true-crime tale to Netflix with “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” following the acclaimed success of “Dahmer.” This marks the second episode in his ongoing true crime anthology series.

In 1989, the Menendez Brothers gained notoriety across the country in the early ’90s when their high-profile trial was televised nationwide, following the murder of their own parents. Their defense attorney, Leslie Abramson, claimed Erik Menendez acted in self-defense against his abusive father, José Menendez, and neglectful mother, Kitty Menendez. On the other hand, prosecutor Pam Bozanich suggested that the primary motive behind these killings was financial gain, pointing to the brothers’ extravagant spending of their family’s wealth after the murders.

The initial court case involving the Menendez Brothers resulted in a stalemate among the jurors, leading to a postponement until 1995 for a second trial. During this subsequent trial, media coverage was limited due to a ban on cameras in the courtroom. In the end, both Lyle and Erik were convicted of first-degree murder and conspiring to commit murder. Their sentence, handed down on July 2, 1996, was life imprisonment without the chance of parole.

As a movie lover, I’m eagerly anticipating who will bring the characters from the notorious Menendez brothers’ trial to life on screen. Who will portray Lyle Menendez, Erik Menendez, Kitty Menendez, José Menendez, and the other key figures surrounding this intriguing court case? The casting decisions are sure to be fascinating!

    José Menendez

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    Javier Bardem is set to portray Jose Menendez, a flamboyantly wealthy entrepreneur who was also a violent father to Lyle and Erik Menendez. Tragically, Jose Menendez and his wife, Kitty Menendez, were fatally shot by their own sons on August 20, 1989.

    Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    Actress Chloë Sevigny is set to portray Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, the mother of Lyle and Erik Menendez in this production. The defense team for the Menendez Brothers claimed that Kitty Menendez was an alcoholic and drug addict who tolerated her husband’s physical abuse. Tragically, on August 20, 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez took their mother’s life.

    Lyle Menendez

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    Actor Nicholas Chavez from “General Hospital” is set to portray Lyle Menendez, the elder sibling of Erik Menendez. The duo gained notoriety when countless Americans followed their murder trial throughout the early 90s. On July 2, 1996, they were both given life sentences for the murders of their parents.

    Erik Menendez

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    Cooper Koch (“Swallowed,” Pronouns: They/Them) will portray Erik Menendez, the younger sibling of Lyle Menendez. Prior to his criminal activities, Erik Menendez was a promising tennis player, reaching 44th place in the U.S. rankings. On July 2, 1989, both Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of their parents.

    Dominick Dunne

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    Nathan Lane is set to portray Dominick Dunne, a seasoned investigative journalist from Vanity Fair, who delved deeply into the Menendez Brothers’ murder case trial.

    Leslie Abramson

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    Ari Graynor, from “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” will portray Leslie Abramson – a prominent defense attorney based in Los Angeles who served as the main lawyer for Erik Menendez. Abramson contended that the Menendez Brothers’ actions were a response to the alleged physical and emotional abuse they endured from their parents.

    Dr. Jerome Oziel

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    Dallas Roberts, known from “Glass Onion,” is set to portray Dr. Jerome Oziel – a therapist and trusted confidante for Erik Menendez in the upcoming production.

    Judalon Smyth

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    In the upcoming series, actress Leslie Grossman (“American Horror Story”) is set to portray Judalon Smyth, a past lover and client of Dr. Jerome Oziel, Erik Menendez’s therapist. After learning from Oziel that Menendez had admitted to killing his parents, Smyth reported this information to the police, ultimately leading to Menendez’s arrest.

    Les Zoeller

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    As an avid fan, I’m thrilled to share that Jason Butler Harner, known for his exceptional work in “Ozark,” has been cast as Les Zoeller, the seasoned detective leading the investigation into the Menendez Brothers’ murders, set in the glamorous landscape of Beverly Hills.

    Carlos Baralt

    ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Cast Guide: Meet the Actors Portraying the Menendez Family

    In the series “The Night Agent,” Enrique Murciano takes on the role of Carlos Baralt, who is the uncle of Lyle and Erik Menendez and also the brother-in-law to José Menendez.

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2024-09-20 03:18