Who plays young Lester in Only Murders in the Building Season 5? Actor's career and notable projects, explored

Who plays young Lester in Only Murders in the Building Season 5? (Image via Hulu)
Who plays young Lester in Only Murders in the Building Season 5? (Image via Hulu)

The murder of Lester Coluca is at the center of the narrative in Only Murders in the Building Season 5. The Arconia doorman remained a supporting character on the show for four years, until he was found dead in the building’s fountain in the Season 4 finale.

In Season 5, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel take it upon themselves to solve the mystery and find out what happened to the doorman. Meanwhile, in the second episode, the narrative delves into the past of Lester Coluca.

While actor Teddy Coluca plays the older version of the character, the episode introduced a younger version of Lester, played by a different actor. This made the audience wonder who plays young Lester in Only Murders in the Building Season 5. The younger version of the character has been played by Emory Cohen.


Emory Cohen plays young Lester in Only Murders in the Building Season 5

Emory Cohen as young Lester (Image via Hulu)
Emory Cohen as young Lester (Image via Hulu)

Emory Cohen has been introduced as young Lester in Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 2, After You. Cohen took a keen interest in acting since childhood and performed in stage productions at his school. He then acquired a degree in acting from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The 35-year-old actor made his professional debut in 2008 and has been seen in several films and shows ever since. His first film was the psychological drama Afterschool, in which he played Trevor. In 2012, he received wide fame and acclaim for his performance as Avery "AJ" Cross Jr. in the crime drama film The Place Beyond the Pines.

Cohen then played Dexter in The Gambler, Willy Dunne in War Machine, and Kristian "Varg" Vikernes in Lords of Chaos. More recently, he has appeared in films The Bikeriders, Rebel Ridge, American Outlaws, and Big Gold Brick.

On television, he played Leo Houston in the NBC musical drama Smash. He later became a household name by playing Homer Roberts in the Netflix mystery drama The OA. His other TV credits include Showtime’s The Loudest Voice and Netflix’s Florida Man.

Following his appearance on Only Murders in the Building Season 5, he will soon be seen in the film Roofman, alongside Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, the crime comedy film will hit the theaters on October 10, 2025.


Emory Cohen’s role in Only Murders in the Building Season 5

Emory Cohen appears in Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 2, which is presented in a flashback style. The episode explores Lester’s life, with Cohen portraying his early years and life at Arconia.

Lester once dreamed of becoming an actor, but instead became a doorman at Arconia after being mentored by George, the doorman before him. He soon got involved with Nicky Caccimelio’s shady dealings.

The episode also delves into Lester’s routine life, including his love story with Lorraine, his worries about the elevator being automated, and his dilemma about whether he should choose loyalty or his dreams. Cohen has wonderfully portrayed all these aspects in the show. His appearance was limited to a guest role, but he has left a lasting impact on the audience.

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 airs new episodes on Hulu on Tuesdays.

Edited by Jashandeep Singh