Bethany DeZelle – Ozark

By starrymag | February 14, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on? 

 

A) I recently worked on a film called The Best of Enemies starring Sam Rockwell and Taraji P. Henson. The film follows Civil Rights activist Ann Atwater in 1971 Durham, North Carolina over the issue of school integration.

 

Q) Please tell us about your role on “Ozark.”

 

A) I was thrilled to get to sing on “Ozark” as part of the church congregation. I grew up singing in church so I was very familiar with the hymn the producers and writers wanted for this particular episode. I spent time in a recording studio in Atlanta with a group of singers and we filmed the episode in boats in the middle of the lake. It was definitely the most unique experience I’ve had. The cast and crew were a joy to work with.

 

Q) What did you think when you were first approached about singing on the show?

 

A) I was thrilled! Getting to combine music and acting on camera is definitely something I love doing. Movie and TV musicals are slowly making a comeback, but it is still pretty rare to get to do both on camera.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Ozark?” 

 

A) I loved watching and meeting other Atlanta area talent. I was blown away by the incredible performances and I’m grateful to be part of such an inspiring and talented community of actors.  I have many memorable moments and it’s always amazing to see how the editors take those moments and piece them together to tell the story.

 

Q) We also saw you recently on “Stranger Things.” How was your character originally described to you?

 

A) I did not get a lot of information from casting initially because there was so much about the plot and characters of Season Two that needed to stay confidential. I only knew that my character was a young mother. I had no idea she would be the first person to find Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) when she leaves Hopper’s cabin.

 

Q) What kind of feedback have you received from friends and family about being on the show?

 

A) The feedback has been immense. Outside of the creative team and crew, the only people who knew were my agent and husband. When the show came out I was completely inundated with calls, texts, emails, voicemail and social media posts. Everyone was excited and encouraging. I have heard from people in all walks of life which isn’t surprising because “Stranger Things” really is a show for everyone.

 

Q) You’ll be in the upcoming film The Best of Enemies. Do you have a preference between working on screen or on television?

 

A) I enjoy both and don’t have a preference. Television is a bit more fast paced but both require the same amount of study, preparation, and work.

 

Q) What advice do you have for individuals interested in becoming an actor/actress?

 

A) It takes years of training and perseverance to begin an acting career so don’t give up because it will not happen overnight. Find mentors and other masters of the craft who you can learn from and maintain those relationships. Remember that you were made for a purpose and there is a plan for your life. Love God. Love People. Work Hard. Have Fun.

 

Q) Who would you most like to work with in the future?

 

A) I would love to work with Reese Witherspoon. Not only is she an award winning actress, producer and entrepreneur, she is an advocate for women. I love how she is using her production company, Pacific Standard, to tell female-driven stories.