Well, it takes incredible talent to be a part of Duffer Brothers’ monster-hit show Stranger Things. And undoubtedly Joseph Quinn had that skill in him. Playing the role of Eddie Munson in the Netflix series, the 29-year-old turned into a pop culture icon with his charismatic but vulnerable character.
However, during his interview with The Guardian, Joseph Quinn simply credited his “objectively ridiculous” wig for playing the major role. The actor discussed how his wig helped him portray his onscreen character flawlessly, which was loosely based on Damien Echols of the West Memphis Three.
Joseph Quinn Reflected Upon His Stranger Things Journey
The English actor Joseph Quinn turned into an overnight sensation after his appearance in the hit Netflix show Stranger Things. Appearing as Eddie Munson, whose character was loosely based on Damien Echols of the West Memphis Three, Quinn discussed with The Guardian, how he landed the role with two self-taped auditions.
“I auditioned by doing a self-tape of that speech, but it was one of the last scenes I ended up shooting. So I waited from November 2019 to June 2021.”
Super proud of how the Duffer Brothers recognized his talent through his self-taped auditions, Joseph Quinn mentioned, “No meetings, no chemistry reads, no protracted process. It was pretty unusual and very disarming.” Further reflecting upon his Stranger Things journey, which earned him praises and positive reviews, Quinn mentioned being relieved after the shoots ended.
“I’m relieved, really, that’s the overriding feeling. The show represents my pandemic. At the end of my first day’s filming in Atlanta, we went into lockdown. I went home and lost my mind like everyone else. When I went back, it was a completely different experience because I couldn’t come home [to the UK], so I became very close to the cast. That’s the best thing about this business.”
Joseph Quinn Felt Grateful For His Ginormous Wig
Eventually, the actor was asked about his Stranger Things character during his discussion with The Guardian. Since Eddie Munson was loosely based on Damien Echols of the West Memphis Three, Joseph Quinn was asked if he researched him. Beginning with honesty, the actor subtly shifted and went on to give credit to his wig for helping him play the role.
“I tried grappling with Dungeons & Dragons, but accepted that wasn’t going to happen. Music was my main way in. I listened to a lot of heavy metal – Black Sabbath, Metallica, Dio – and I worked with a brilliant vocal coach called Mary Howland. But 99.7% of the work is that wig.”
Listening to his reply, the interviewer prompted him to give more credit to himself, since he was the one who acted and pulled off the character. However, Joseph Quinn purposefully credited his “objectively ridiculous” wig for helping him.
“OK, maybe only 99.6% is the wig. It’s objectively ridiculous. When I take it off, that helps me go unrecognised, so it’s been a blessing in that respect.”
No matter what helped him, or acted as his blessing, Quinn certainly did a phenomenal job in portraying Eddie Munson, the charismatic yet vulnerable character. Becoming fans’ favorite within no time, Stranger Things served as a launching pad for the actor.
Stranger Things is streaming on Netflix.
