Joey Vahedi in ‘The Chosen.’ Photo Courtesy of ‘The Chosen.’
Actor Joey Vahedi chatted about reprising his role as Thomas in Season 4 of “The Chosen,” and the digital age.
As an actor, Vahedi is known for his work in “Lucifer” and “NCIS: New Orleans.”
‘The Chosen’
On being a part of “The Chosen,” he said, “It has been such a great experience. I’ve met some of my best friends working this show and have had the privilege of meeting so many amazing fans.”
“To see a show reach so many parts of the world is something special. Luckily, it’s still going strong as we enter our fifth season. I’m excited to see where the next couple years take us,” he said.
Playing Thomas
His character, Thomas, was first introduced in Season 1, but only made one appearance in that installment. The actor became a series regular in Season 2 when he began to follow Jesus. In Season 3, Thomas planned to get married to Ramah, which could potentially take place in Season 4.
Vahedi is drawn to playing Thomas for the following reasons: “Being able to prove his reputation wrong,” he said. “He is famously known as ‘Doubting’ Thomas, but ‘The Chosen’ helps alter public perception of him.”
“Thomas goes through such a whirlwind of experiences that reveal his humanity. It’s been fun to bring that to life. I’ve had people tell me they see themselves in Thomas. They understand why he is who he is. It’s always cool to hear you’ve had an effect on an audience,” he explained.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, Vahedi said, “Like with any major change, there are pros and cons. More artists have a voice. Anyone can make anything they want at anytime, which could translate to more opportunities. Although, that doesn’t necessarily equal sustainability or consistency.”
Vahedi continued, “Any actor can tell you it’s getting harder and harder to make a living in this profession. Again, I said make a living – not be an A lister. Do you have Instagram followers? Are you a name producers can bank on regardless of talent?”
“Auditions are all self tapes, too, which can be great because you’re able to get the best take possible. However, I miss making a connection with casting in the room,” he said.
“I always felt getting to know them in person led to more opportunities down the line. Sometimes, it can feel like the chips are stacked against you, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t hope! Actors are resilient,” he acknowledged.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work the last couple of years and I hope that continues after The Chosen wraps. I think we are going to see a huge shift in the industry in the next five years, though. Major change is imminent as technology advances,” he noted.
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “Get in class if you’re not working on something. In the same way an athlete trains we must also train. If you’re trying to make it onto an NFL roster you can’t just sit on the couch until the tryout.”
“You must practice,” he said. “The more you practice the better you get and the more comfortable playing in a game becomes. Acting is the same. You can’t expect yourself to be comfortable and ready on a set if you aren’t honing your craft. Your instrument is a muscle and you need to work it out.”
“Additionally, being in class helped me in other ways throughout my career. I met people in those classes who have recommended me for jobs, agents, and introduced me to people I eventually worked with. Get in class, but make sure it’s the right one for you,” he elaborated.
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, he remarked, “On the forefront is working on a show with my best friends. The thought of going to work everyday to goof off with my buddies brings me so much joy. I know it’s a reality we will make happen.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he stated, “Me bombing in some big auditions. I’ve had opportunities where I really didn’t do well. I’m talking completely choked in front of producers, casting, everyone.”
He continued, “I thought I’d never be called into those offices again. I beat myself up for it. Sometimes, a little too harshly. However, I kept working on myself and those office brought me back.”
“Moments like those taught me it’s not the end of the world if something doesn’t go well. You learn to brush it off, move on with your day and realize you’re not that important. I know that sounds weird to say, but when you’re really at peace with that feeling…it’s freeing,” he elaborated.
Dream acting partners
On his dream acting partners, he shared, “There are so many, but I would love to learn from Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Emma Stone, Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Love her writing), and so many more. Let’s just make it easy and say everyone.”
Working with photographer Bjoern Kommerell
Vahedi had great words about working with German master photographer Bjoern Kommerell. “Bjoern is a master of the lens,” he said. “Tough…but a master. His shots have gotten me in the door a lot and I think it is because of his cinematic style. It’s very unique,” he exclaimed.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Vahedi said, “Trying again despite failure. When you fail you learn and learning is a success in my book.”
Closing thoughts on ‘The Chosen’
Vahedi concluded about “The Chosen,” “Watch it. It’s a story that is known around the world by most, but ‘The Chosen’ takes it off the pedestal. It’s not just preachy mumbo jumbo. It’s human, entertaining, and different.”
To learn more about actor Joey Vahedi, follow him on Instagram.