Joe Locke talks making Broadway debut in 'Sweeney Todd'

"Heartstopper" actor Joe Locke joins Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager to talk about making his Broadway debut in the Sondheim classic “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Locke also discusses his passion for singing, working with legends Patti LuPone and Sutton Foster, and reflects on how he was just a “normal high school student” two years ago. "I just got lucky. I was in the right place at the right time," he says.
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#heartstopper #broadway #sweeneytodd

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

Joe's career trajectory continues to blow my mind. Coming from the tiny IoM with no professional acting experiences but a raw shining talent, insane work ethic and a will and wish to fulfill, debuting on stage and screen in the same year, nominated and awarded for both .... from Netflix to Marvel, from off West End to Broadway... aged 20 now. I'm so happy to see his star rise high and higher! Joe, we are so proud of you. I also love how he stays humble and a bit shy. Such a sweetheart.

[@user-xz9vk2el1d]

fully agreed on how insane /pos.! his career has been, especially for a just 20 yrs old, but i would love for joe to emphasis his talent more than his own luck.

[@mariannebrandon8891]

Exactly he is talented so very talented. He’s so humble

[@BellyJae]

He’s VERY lucky!! I’ve been trying since I was 17 (I’ll be 40 in a months time) and have only gotten 2 background roles which were still fun but it’s really beaten the drive out of me. I’m so happy for him and I hope I get to see him on stage before he leaves! 🥹🥹

[@jjan8989]

I was so lucky to get to see Joe in Sweeney Todd and he was FANTASTIC!

[@geraldnb6104]

Wow! You are so lucky!! Ive seen videos of him singing and he was amazing, but seeing him live must have been so cool! ❤

[@mariannebrandon8891]

He sounds amazing

[@audreyst7991]

Why didn't you take me with you 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@emilymarausa6730]

Same! ❤

[@loserlamowannabe.]

i go tomorrow!

[@tscimb]

This was so cute! They were like giddy aunts, asking about him making his dreams come true.

[@andreewberry03]

He is crazy talented!!! I was able to see him a couple times in Sweeney Todd and he blew me away!! I still can’t believe he hid his beautiful voice for so long!

[@CamyReem]

Joe is an inspiring young man. The Hollywood industry in infested with talentless geets who get cast in roles due to them having rich and industry connected parents. But this young man has a teacher for a mom and took the chance to audition for Charlie , picked among 10000 when he's never been on TV. Now two years later and he's doing a fantastic job on Sweeney Todd and an upcoming Marvel show. That's crazy to me.. And he still has that wide eyed kid look and so darn respectful and lovely. At just 20 like that's inspiring.

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

With all those "nepo-babies" around and classical child actors still being the standard - nothing wrong with it - Heartstopper really was groundbreaking with its opening call, especially shout for Joe and Yaz! I love seeing them rise higher knowing where they came from.

[@johnking5174]

I have said it before, and I will say it again, you just want to hug him, cuddle him. As Kit Connor said about Joe, he is so soft. But he does have a sassy side to him. Which I love. Joe is just a beautiful young soul who deserves such happiness for being such a talented young actor. He is only 20. Amazing.

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

He is a beauty with a beautiful heart, sould and mind. Very rare.

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

*soul

[@user-le3bh8lg4r]

He actually has an amazing voice!!! I was pleasantly shocked when i first heard him sing. Love seeing someone so talented live out their dreams

[@elspethfougere9683]

Lovely to see how humble and genuine he is.. hes been raised a good boy, wishing him all the very best, such a great kid.. and a definitely talented young actor

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

I really think his upbringing (working class single mom, tiny Isle of Men, no fancy child acting classes - not that there's something wrong with it but impossible to attend those in the WestEnd if you're not living around and don't have the money) will always keep him grounded and grateful.

[@ginalipkin4849]

We are lucky to have him, he's not the only one being lucky, happy for his achievements, success and lovely human being, many congratulations you earned this 🎉

[@jenniferhansen3622]

What a nice young man. I hope he'll continue to enjoy success.

[@anniehale5507]

His laugh at 4:21 reminds me of Charlie Springs laugh. He's been practicing! The only time I hear that is when he's with Kit Connor and in the actual show! Aw, you know he's truly happy when you hear him giggle. ❤😊

[@lindaturner8746]

Joe is up and coming. I have watched Heartstopper 100 times. And watch every clip I can find from Sweeney. I will forever watch anything he’s in.

[@kelseyerlendsson0816]

He was so great as Tobias in Sweeney Todd. Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit were great as well. So glad I got to see Sweeney Todd in New York

[@dayaralph9268]

Aww he was so nervous and did amazing!🥰

[@bcb7443]

Joe Locke has a great career ahead of him!

[@temporarystranger95]

Saw Joe in Sweeney Todd and was really impressed with his singing voice. During Not While I’m Around, it’s all parts tender, vulnerable, and beautiful. Congratulations, Joe! 💙👊👊

[@ScottishRoss]

So natural and lovable. What an incredible, talented young man.😃

[@squeek1717]

Joe is such a sweetheart

[@xiaoarwa6770]

he's so amazing and lovely!! I just bought my ticket for sweeney todd & can't wait to see him.

[@Marsi5316]

Going on 2/24. So excited!

[@andreascott8150]

@@Marsi5316 I am too!!!

[@Marsi5316]

A week from today, Andrea!

[@andreascott8150]

@@Marsi5316I’m so excited!!

[@Marsi5316]

Tomorrow! Sweeney Todd! Joe!

[@wallyhodges]

Joe is a fantastic actor. If you've not watched the two seasons of Heartstopper, you must. Joe is a sweetheart of a person.

[@edwardbrown2818]

Heartstopper is an excellent story. It has a group of wonderful young actors, but yeah, Joe's a great guy

[@JoshuaStevenAllred]

What a delight he is! 💙

[@africansweetheart9590]

Oh I saw him on Sweeney Todd. He's absolutely delightful.

[@graphiquejack]

He’s so sweet and humble you just want to squeeze him and pinch his cheeks. Wish all the best for him, he SO deserves it!

[@vivianavf]

i'm so sooo proud if him !!! can't wait to see his future projects 🤍

[@michellebarry1555]

Why do I feel like a proud Mom when I see Joe’s success? I am so happy for him. He deserves it.

[@oknenm67]

Congrats Joe!!! So talented!

[@brunerguy1]

He is the real thing…at the beginning of an amazing career.

[@lukadrien_lukanette8243]

Im so happy to watch this interview. I hope some if the Heartstopper comes by again and interview them again. He also looks so cute interview. I love it

[@patiencekillz]

like this comment if you’ve been here since he was first announced as charlie spring 🍂😭

[@brianreardon7700]

As someone who grew up in the 80s I’m not necessarily the intended audience for heart stopper lol haha but as someone who grew up with Dallas knots landing and desperate housewives.. I have to heart stopper is amazing!!!!! What a great show! Great actors .. hope there is a season 3!

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

Season 3 has already finished filming and will come out later this year, our fingers crossed for a season 4!

[@mark99k]

@brianreardon7700 Heartstopper may _seem_ like it has a specific intended audience (high schoolers), but it's really for anyone who has empathy for others. I'm in my 70s and I have friends from 61 to 84 who are all dedicated HS fans.

[@dillon.3847]

He is adorable ❤️

[@graciehadlich]

God I want to see him so badly on Broadway ❤ I love him so much. He’s doing all these amazing things. I’m so proud of him ❤

[@MajorAlenko]

He looks so young here bless him. Such a lovely guy

[@Leaves-pt4qz]

He was amazing in Sweeney Todd! Such a kind, talented and humble young man!

[@jessica60934]

So sweet! He looked nervous but so nice to see his personality

[@stewarttaylor5522]

What an absolutely lovely person Joe is. Feet completely on the ground and just loving where he is now. It’s amazing to follow and see where he’s going 👍

[@user-xz9vk2el1d]

his lovely humble young sweet man needs to stop downplaying himself, his talents .... he is such a raw little precious diamand ready to fully shine in time.

[@mariannebrandon8891]

For real when I heard him sing I cried his voice is that good. He’s just too talented and sweet.

[@user-xz9vk2el1d]

@@mariannebrandon8891 such a sweetheart!

[@Vanda-il9ul]

He is from the UK. Downplaying is a cultural thing. He is very confident otherwise he would not have tried any of these things.

[@titine27051950]

what a lovely lovely guy 🤩

[@anniehale5507]

Joe's going places ❤

[@anniehale5507]

His laugh at 4:21 reminds me of Charlie Springs laugh. He's been practicing! The only time I hear that is when he's with Kit Connor and in the actual show! Aw, you know he's truly happy when you hear him giggle. ❤😊😊

[@emilymarausa6730]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@jueblue]

He’s just the best ☺️

[@augustlewis6679]

Seeing him on my birthday on the 25th of February!!! I'm so so excited!!! Giddy with joy and happy stimming!

[@rjcarter2904]

He's an awesome young man and a fantastic actor.

[@anniehale5507]

His laugh at 4:21 reminds me of Charlie Springs laugh. He's been practicing! The only time I hear that is when he's with Kit Connor and in the actual show! Aw, you know he's truly happy when you hear him giggle. ❤😊❤

[@donoakes85]

I just love Hoda here. Just so enthralled, enjoying every second of Joe’s happiness and experience and success.

[@jamiemcdowell1109]

My reaction when I heard this interview was happening: EEKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!

[@KeaganSings]

I love Joes smile, and I am so happy he is pressing his dream on broadway

[@blakej1892]

I hope he gets a movie role next, but for a movie that releases in cinema and not just straight to streaming.

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

Maybe something Marvel related in the future? If he really is Wiccan, he is part of the Young Avengers and there surely will be a movie, hopefully on the big cinema screens

[@williamtyre523]

I was so impressed by his talent, and that was before I knew he could sing, too! The quality of his voice is so special and I've never enjoyed "Not While I'm Around" more than listening to his interpretation. I have no doubt we will be hearing a lot more about Joe Locke in the coming years.

[@talihoo]

God I love him, he's so charming and innocent

[@jcs1025]

I love him so much!! Such a humble, sweet, smart young man.

[@14LP2]

Heart stopper Season 3 ! YES!

[@AbbyRose90]

So proud of him!!

[@user-vs7nv8mo4e]

great to see him on BROADWAY......with S. FOSTER and etc.

[@ryankaim1893]

Great job joe! So glad to see you grow and develop!

[@sandramckenna3448]

Aarrrggg!!!! I want to see Joe in Sweeney Todd❣️😭💖🥰

[@ginalipkin4849]

Lets just do it, motto for living

[@edwardbrown2818]

He is just the cutest young guy!

[@anniehale5507]

Thank you to the Today Show!!! 😁

[@sonikabhoj7052]

Joe is fantastic

[@hajarsadeghinezhad8800]

He is just the sweetest person ever! Thanks for being you! I am a woman from Iran and I really wish my people had the chance to see the Heartstopper series.

[@luucaro4686]

how can be a person this cute😭😭💖

[@bernieadin1567]

Joe is so talented and adorable no maltier what he does.

[@gdsg77]

Still waiting for the adoption papers to come through, Joe is my child, and I'll fight anyone who says differently. 😂 So incredibly proud of him!

[@Purple_BobaDemonD-zr3uc]

I’ll say it as many times as I need to at this point… Joe is going to do incredible things I just know it, and broadway and heartstopper are only the start.

[@sallyb3]

Joe, what a talented man 🎉🎉

[@evelsc]

hes so talented!!!!!!!

[@Ryder-ly2ez]

“ i just got very very lucky and was in the right place at the right time” no, Joe we are very lucky to have you

[@user-xz9vk2el1d]

Thank you!

[@sandragonzalez-zh7ol]

Mi chico lindo talentoso eres unico joe te mereces mucho amorrrr❤

[@hollyroberts5515]

Congratulations!!!!

[@67Second]

For a young man, Joe is so articulate and well spoken. A bit more than the hosts tbh. Maybe it's the English accent.

[@scottvermillion1426]

LOVE Joe!!

[@alexandrojimenezzavala9012]

Joe locke el chico más guapo del mundo

[@craigharvey-gurr337]

I hope to one day meet Joe in person 🥰

[@BarbaraDr2023]

Fabulous 🎉

[@lynnhettrick7588]

4:28 *Heartstopper (not Heartstoppers)

[@andrewschreiber112]

How adorable is he?

[@thestar8404]

🖤🖤🖤

[@mimi_E.N]

Joe❤

[@theunicorngamer7955]

Keep it up joe😊😊

[@paulcanaday-elliott9834]

He’s very sweet, and I absolutely adore Heartstopper. I’ll bet he makes a great Toby. But let’s hope that Patti LuPone doesn’t see the part in this interview where he refers to her as the “last of a dying breed!”😂😂 (I know he means no shade by it, he’s still learning the how-to-do-an-interview ropes. I just laughed when he said it!)

[@audreyst7991]

*heartstopper

[@paulcanaday-elliott9834]

@@audreyst7991 thank you. I swear I don’t recall adding the ‘s’ at the end. Can I blame autocorrect?

[@emilymarausa6730]

Haha i think it's more insulting to everyone else who's NOT Patti. But yeah it was just a figure of speech, we all still love Joe more than ever❤❤❤❤

[@audreyst7991]

@@paulcanaday-elliott9834 yea lol. Sorry if that came off as aggressive 😂 I meant it as sarcasm

[@t.p.mckenna]

I just love the shoes!!! Homely jumper and denims, but with showbiz shoes!!! Bring patent leather, I say!

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

I like the shoes, too, but I also love the cozy soft looking jumper - very Joe (and very Charlie if you've watched Heartstopper).

[@nondescript2892]

they obviously haven't got a clue who Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne were..oh well..sic transit gloria mundi.....

[@anacnc]

❤❤❤

[@Anne_01]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@johnrichey7494]

I am amazed that interviewers don’t know Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine enough to even say their names. They should study theatre history.

[@Marsi5316]

Agreed!

[@salemoh9759]

Let it rip Joe

[@user-tm1oy6ck4t]

Pretty pathetic that the hosts can't even be bothered to do a 10 second Google search on how the theatre name is pronounced.

[@JN-wi3xp]

What dumb interviewers. They asked nothing, just kept repeating how mad it must be going from schoolboy to Broadway star. They didn't even take the time to learn the theatre name. Joe was brilliant

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

For those who don't know, the Lunt Fontanne theatre is named for a legendary husband and wife theatrical team, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Sondheim refers to them in the song, "If Momma Was Married" from *Gypsy,* with the line "We aren't the Lunts." Their tumultuous relationship was said to be the basis for the backstage drama involving the romantic leads in Cole Porter's *Kiss Me, Kate.*

[@Ctrl-XYZ]

If only you had been there to guide them!

[@emilymarausa6730]

​@@oliverbrownlow5615haha they could have asked better questions and learned the theatre name (i can't believe they didn't know it, living in NY and all!) But, i like how they seemed to be really personable to make Joe feel comfortable and Hoda was giving off sweet mom vibes 😅😅

[@Moosedog9]

love this kid can't figure out why he has missing teeth; implants are so easy

[@user-xz9vk2el1d]

It's one tooth missing and if we compare how his jawline developed etc. over just 2 years I guess his dentist will wait until all shifts are finished. But most importantly, he doesn't need to do it!

[@rayrussell1519]

show hes little one to evertone

[@badguitar5653]

"Lute-Fountain?" Jenna Bush kinda pathetic

[@Julia-qo6gi]

I'm sorry but is that a hickey??

[@dkatzism]

@@PowerDiva It is a Heartstopper reference.

[@rop888]

no, you can see in hq pics it's a pimple/blemish

[@oop4841]

The actor who he is being kicked out of role to put in this celebrity is so incredibly talented. Ill have to find my old playbill to find his name. This is really, truly a shame.

[@temporarystranger95]

First of all, the actor wasn’t “kicked” out of the role. He started after Gaten Matarazzo left in December of last year. Joe was contacted by the producers of Sweeney Todd for the role and he is on a 3-month contract. Second of all, have you seen Joe perform in Sweeney Todd? He’s not just some “celebrity.” I’ve seen his performance as Toby in Sweeney, and he was terrific, and he has a great singing voice.

[@user-qs9zm2wo1t]

@@temporarystranger95 Well said! And I might add, saying that as someone who has a HUGE soft spot for Joe, all this talk about Joe being a stunt cast or just celebrity cast is just not it, it's a bit ridiculous, Joe isn't that well known in the US yet. If it were to happen next year after he would already debuted in Marvel's Agatha, yes I could get behind thinking this but right now he is just a young man starting out and crushing it!!

[@MikeA15206]

Their questions are so inane and child like. I gave up watching.

[@user-rz1je1br6w]

Gross! This agenda is pathetic!

[@marknolan3573]

And what agenda is that? The one where people are brought up properly? unlike you.

[@mariannebrandon8891]

It’s funny y’all are the type that complain about the agenda being shoved down your throat yet you’re choosing to watch an interview so maybe the problem is you

[@user-rz1je1br6w]

Nothing woke works and actually makes money so the laugh is on them.

[@Ctrl-XYZ]

Project much?

[@user-rz1je1br6w]

@@Ctrl-XYZ getting rid of the cult yes!

[@anniehale5507]

His laugh at 4:21 reminds me of Charlie Springs laugh. He's been practicing! The only time I hear that is when he's with Kit Connor and in the actual show! Aw, you know he's truly happy when you hear him giggle. ❤😊