Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn has told the ECHO about his strong bond with Liverpool.
The 29-year-old actor has skyrocketed to stardom with his portrayal of Eddie Munson in season four of the hit Netflix show. The final two episodes of the series have now arrived on the streaming platform - and Joseph has once again been singled out for praise for his scene-stealing performances as the boss of Hawkins High's D&D club.
Although the actor grew up in South London, his mum hails from Liverpool and he enjoys a close connection with his family in the city. He told the ECHO: "I spent my childhood going up to West Derby and I still see them whenever I can. I've got some lovely history up in Liverpool and it's an amazing city."
READ MORE: Stranger Things star copies Scouse mum's accent and nails it
Joseph left fans at the Stranger Things season four premiere in hysterics when he revealed his mum hadn't heard of the global phenomenon before he was cast in the show. However, he confirmed she has now caught up since her son joined the programme.
He added: "She has done her homework now and I think she's enjoying it. She hasn't fallen asleep or anything so that's a positive. It's one of those things that just completely passed her by."
Joseph's mum is one of four sisters, who were all thrilled when their nephew was cast in the show. He said: "When my mum called them and told them I've got this Stranger Things job, my auntie went mental and my mum went 'oh, so it's a big deal then, is it?' and she was like 'are you messing?'"
The actor speaks in a southern accent, but moves between hilarious impersonations of his mum and auntie during the interview. Joseph was praised when he rolled out his Scouse accent to mimic his mum at the Stranger Things premiere, but he explained his nearest and dearest are more harsher critics.
He said: "I think it's pretty good, but every time I go up there and do it, my family just pick holes in it. 'It's a good job you haven't played a Scouser there, lad.' I think I'm nailing this, but they clearly think there's a lot more work to do."
Joseph brings a perfect blend of heart and humour to his charismatic portrayal of Eddie Munson - and the star said his comic chops are boosted by his Scouse heritage.
He said: "Liverpool is a city full of comedians and I like to think I've inherited a bit of scouse humour, but that could be scandalous saying that."
The actor is a Liverpool FC supporter and cites one of his favourite memories being when he visited Anfield with his late grandad, who supported Everton: "He was wearing a cap and hoped he wasn't going to be recognised.
"Liverpool won and it was great, but as we left, he took his cap off and a guy behind him went: 'Is that Frank? My god. Frank's a red.' He was getting ripped in the pub over the next few months."
Joseph still enjoys regular visits to the city and revealed why he will always have a connection to Liverpool. He said: "I'm no stranger to the Sefton Arms when I'm there, but family is the main reason I come home so that's the best part about visiting."
Stranger Things is available to stream now on Netflix
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