Joey Vahedi has been captivating audiences for years, but his role as the disciple Thomas in The Chosen has taken his career to a whole new level. With The Chosen: The Last Supper bringing all eight episodes of Season 5 to theaters in an unprecedented three-part release, Joey is stepping into the spotlight like never before. The global phenomenon—streaming on Netflix, The CW, Amazon, and breaking records in theaters—has become a cultural touchstone, ranked 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and racking up multiple Movieguide nominations.
Beyond The Chosen, Joey has left his mark on Hollywood with roles in Lucifer, NCIS: New Orleans, Transparent, and Masters of Sex. As an LA-based actor of Mid-East descent, his journey has been both inspiring and dynamic. We sat down with Joey to talk about his experience playing Thomas, the impact of The Chosen, and what truly drives him as an artist.
INLOVE: The Chosen has been a massive success, even making history with its theatrical releases. How does it feel to be part of something this groundbreaking?
Joe: It’s fun to be part of something that has affected so many people worldwide. It’s why we do what we do. We’ve had fans who have been with us since the beginning, and seeing our fanbase grow every day is exciting.
INLOVE: Your character, Thomas, is famously known as ‘Doubting Thomas.’ How do you personally relate to his journey?
Joe: Thomas likes to question things. He’s curious about the world around him. He doesn’t accept something just because someone in a position of authority tells him to. He thinks critically and uses logic and reason to reach his conclusions. That’s one of my favorite things about Thomas! I’d like to think I share some of those values.
INLOVE: With Season 5’s The Last Supper hitting theaters, what can fans expect from Thomas this time around?
Joe: Fans can expect to see Thomas dealing with the fallout of losing Ramah. He will continue to question his decision to follow Jesus. He will wrestle with his own guilt. Even people from his past show up causing him to confront what he’s been suppressing for so long. On top of it all, Thomas’ life and those of his friends continue to be in jeopardy as Jesus’ message becomes more radical than ever. It’s an exciting season fans won’t want to miss!
INLOVE: The show has a huge following worldwide. Have you had any fan interactions that really stuck with you?
Joe: Truly, our fanbase is the best. Everyone I have met who watches the show always greets me with such kindness and a huge smile. I remember being in Arizona last year when a fan approached me at a restaurant. She was so excited to say hi. After our interaction, she went into the gift store and bought me a card thanking me for saying hi and taking photos. I couldn’t believe how sweet that was. Those are the types of fans we have. It’s really wonderful.
INLOVE: The Chosen is known for its deep emotional and spiritual themes. Has working on the show changed your own perspective on faith or storytelling?
Joe: If anything, it’s reinforced the idea that telling stories isn’t about me. It’s about the audience feeling connected and seen. At the end of the day, that’s why we love art—because it makes us feel alive. If someone out there watching The Chosen feels seen by Thomas, then that makes me happy.
INLOVE: You’ve had roles in hit series like Lucifer, NCIS: New Orleans, and Transparent. How does working on The Chosen compare to those experiences?
Joe: I was fortunate enough to be a guest on those shows, working anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Those shows also had some of the nicest cast and crew around. What’s cool about being on The Chosen is that I get to work with a great group of people again, but for a much longer time. This cast and crew have become part of my family. It’s rare to be on a show where so many people get along, and I think that joy translates onto the screen.
INLOVE: As an LA-based actor with Middle Eastern heritage, how has your background influenced your career and the roles you pursue?
Joe: It’s made me more confident in staying away from stereotypical roles—the ones that cast Middle Eastern people exclusively in a bad light. I think you know what I mean. I will say, it’s nice to see the industry moving further away from that and closer to inclusion, diversity, and the celebration of other cultures. People like Rami Youssef, Mindy Kaling, and Jordan Peele have used their storytelling to bring minorities to the forefront. I dig it.
INLOVE: The entertainment industry is always evolving. What are some of your dream roles or projects you’d love to take on next?
Joe: If I can work on a show like Severance (or hey… maybe Severance itself), I can die a happy man. The storytelling is brilliant. I’d also love to work on more indie and horror films—whatever I can get my hands on.
INLOVE: What advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to break into the industry, especially in faith-based or historical dramas?
Joe: If the idea of taping an audition, going to class, recording a voice-over, or anything of that sort annoys you or sounds exhausting… that’s totally okay. But just know that this profession might not be for you. You’ve got to be really excited about the work, and you’ve got to be patient with yourself. It takes time. A teacher once told me it takes ten years to form a career in this industry. Keep trying to improve yourself by at least 1% each time you work on your craft. It adds up.
INLOVE: And of course, our signature question: What are you in love with right now?Joe: The city of LA. It’s the best. Seeing Angelenos come together after the historic wildfires to help one another was so beautiful. I love this city—always will.
Joey’s passion for his craft, his deep connection to the role of Thomas, and his unwavering excitement for what lies ahead are undeniably compelling. With The Chosen: The Last Supper having made history on the big screen and now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Joey’s performance continues to resonate with audiences around the world. His portrayal brings new depth and humanity to a beloved figure, and as the series unfolds, it’s clear that Joey’s artistic journey—both on and off screen—is only gaining momentum. We can’t wait to see where it leads next.
Words by Elle Taylor
