Kevin L. Johnson – Ozark

By starrymag | May 17, 2020

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) What originally made you want to be a part of “Ozark?”

 

A) I got the audition through my southeast agent.  I saw that Jason Bateman, whom I’ve always wanted to work with, was attached. Also, one of the creators of the show Bill Dubuque wrote one of my favorite movies of 2016, which was The Accountant starring Ben Affleck.

 

Q) How was your character Sam Dermody originally described to you?

 

A) The original breakdown for the role was affable, a dog lover. A local real estate agent with an idle business around the lake of the Ozark. He has a penchant for his small dog and a jar of peanut butter. [laughs]

 

Q) What did you do to prepare to play your character?

 

A) I decided to go into shooting with a clean slate for the character. I felt like the best I could do was bring myself into the role.  It was a brand-new show.  I just told myself, “How would Kevin react in this situation?”  Obviously, as the character has grown, I’ve gotten to do more stretching as an actor.

 

Q) When you did the first season of “Ozark” did you think the show would be as popular as it is now?

 

A) I had a really good feeling that we were creating something special. The vibe on set, the chemistry we all had from the top down.  I just had that feeling.

 

Q) How do you think Sam views himself as opposed to how the other characters on the show view him?

 

A) I think Sam views himself as someone who is loyal and trusting.  Someone who would help out people in need. I think the reason he wants to be a motivational speaker is because he is just a good-hearted person and wants to see the best in people.  He also has goals.  He wants to leave his own legacy.  He wants to be respected and he wants to be loved.  I think the other characters mainly Wendy (Laura Linney), Marty (Jason Bateman) and Ruth (Julia Garner) think that he is a pushover, which is clear in the show.  How many times can they talk Sam into something until it backfires on them?  We shall see. [winks]

 

Q) What was the best part of reprising your role for season three?

 

A) I was really excited to find out that I was going to get in the dirt you know.  Getting involved in the scheming was fun.

 

Q) What has been your favorite part about working on “Ozark?”

 

A) There are so many things that are my favorite.  It’s a great big family.  The show is so dark, but we keep it light on set.  Everyone loves each other.  Getting to watch Julia Garner’s career takeoff from this show has been a real treat.  She is such an awesome person and deserves all the success that she’s gotten.  Getting to have my first character arc on a TV show has been a dream come true.  To see where Sam started and to where he’s gotten to has been a crazy fun ride.

 

Q) If “Ozark” gets the opportunity to do a fourth season, what would you like to see happen with Sam?

 

A) Oh wow.  I think there are so many ways the writers can go.  One theory is that he could go to the FBI and become and informant.  You never know what the writers have in store though.  There phenomenal at what they do.  Whatever they decide Sam’s fate is in Season 4, I think it’ll be entertaining.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Ozark” that has made it such a standout series?

 

A) People love the antihero.  Much like “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.”  The acting is incredible, the writing is top notch and cinematography is mesmerizing.  The whole idea of the outsiders (the Byrds) coming in and turning the world (Ozarks) upside down and bringing all the seediness of the Ozarks to life makes for good drama.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you received to your time on this series?

 

A) Oh, it’s been great.  All the posts that I see about Sam just makes me smile.  Whether it be positive or negative about the character, people seem to be entertained by Sam.  Without the fans there would be no “Ozark.”

 

Q) What are the other recent projects you have been busy working on?

 

A) Before everything got shut down, I was working on a big project.  Unfortunately, I can’t talk about it yet because of NDA.  It’s gonna be awesome though and it should be coming out next year.  Once I get the go ahead, I’ll definitely clue people in.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

 

A) Thank you to all the fans of the show and my career.  I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in without you guys and I will forever be grateful for that.