Kevin L. Johnson – Ozark

By starrymag | January 31, 2022

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

 

Q)  Fans are chomping at the bit to find out what happened after that shocking cliffhanger finale of “Ozark.” Without spoiling anything, where will we find your character Sam Dermody in Season 4?

 

A) First off, thanks for having me back!  I can’t say too much.  When we last see Sam in Season 3, he is getting arrested by the FBI for laundering money at the Missouri Belle.  I will say that because of what happens to Sam in Season 3 it is what drives him to make the decisions he makes in Season 4.  He has been taken advantage of by the Byrdes for quite some time.  So, we’ll have to see how he responds this time around.

 

Q) You have managed to turn Sam, a 2-episode role, into a multiple-season storyline. I’m sure Hollywood is full of actors who want to know, how did you do it? 

 

A) [laughs] It really all depends on what the writers are thinking.  I had a feeling that Sam could stick around for a while, but you never know until you get to set, and they see what you bring to the table.  It’s truly a blessing when you book anything in this business.  To work on a hit show for the entire run, it’s been a dream come true. [smiles]

 

Q) With this being the final season of “Ozark” what’s something you’re going to miss about working on this show?

 

A) The entire cast and crew for sure!  We were a big family.  We all started this adventure in 2016 and it’s been a long fun ride.

 

Q) For Season 4, what are some episodes you’d recommend fans keeping an eye out for?

 

A) Oh man, that’s a hard question to answer! I don’t read the scripts because I like to be surprised along with the audience.  I will say that we got to watch a rough cut of the first episode!  We start out with intensity from the get-go! Buckle up!

 

Q) Were you able to take anything from the set as a souvenir of your time on the show?

 

A) I got most of Sam’s wardrobe. [laughs] Every season I was like, “Can I take these clothes home?  I kind of dig what Sam is wearing!”

 

Q) Part one of “Ozark” airs in January, with part 2 of the final season coming out later in the year. Do you know what went into the decision to split up the last season? As a fan, and maybe I’m alone in this, I kind of like the idea of a binge and wait. It gives us something to look forward to. 

 

A) So, the idea was to go five seasons.  Here is what our Showrunner, Chris Mundy, said to The Wrap: “We always thought five was the outside number…Netflix said, ‘We’ll do four, but we’ll make it long and split it in this way,’ and that felt perfect.”  The writers knew that ten episodes wouldn’t be enough to finish the story. Fourteen episodes was a good number.

 

Q) Now that this show is the hottest “water cooler” topic (do we even do this anymore in the pandemic?) how has your life changed? Are the doors of Hollywood more open to you now that you’re on one of the most talked-about television shows?

 

A) Thanks to “Ozark,” I have gotten some good opportunities.  You’re always grinding away in this business.  That never stops.  You’re also playing in a whole different ball field. However, having a good role from a hit show on your resume, it definitely helps.

 

Q) Besides “Ozark,” you’re gearing up for another long-awaited return to TV, in “Stranger Things.” Talk a bit about how that role came to you and where your character might fit into the story. 

 

A) Working on “Stranger Things” was a lot of fun.  I got the audition right before the pandemic in 2020.  I was shooting off and on in 2020 and 2021.  I was lucky to be one of the few people busy during the pandemic. The Duffer Bros and company are pretty tight lipped about the show. I am in the teaser that came out in September.  If fans go back and watch it, then I’m sure they can come up with some theories. [winks]

 

Q) You’re also teaming up with your “Ozark” co-star Jason Bateman on his new project “Florida Man.” How did that come about and when can fans expect to see it hit our screens? 

 

A) “Florida Man” is gonna be really good!  The idea comes from the creative mind of Donald Todd.  It’s about an ex-cop, played by Edgar Ramirez, who comes back to Florida to find a mobster’s runaway girlfriend, played by Abbey Lee, and it turns into a wild odyssey.  Jason is one of the executive producers on the project.  I worked on “Florida Man” right as I was finishing up on “Ozark.”  We don’t have a date yet for the premiere, but news should be coming soon!

 

Q) “Ozark,” “Florida Man” and now a guest-starring role on “Stranger Things.” You’re all over the place, Kevin! If you could choose, what would your next dream role or project be?

 

A) Thank you!  Yeah, I’ve been really lucky to be busy!  One of my goals this year is to book my first series regular role.  There are also a number of current shows that I would love to be a part of.  Huge fan of the shows “Succession,” “Billions,” “Yellowstone,” “Mayor of Kingstown,” “1883,” “Yellowjackets,” “Ordinary Joe,” “La Brea” and “Big Sky…” just to name a few. [smiles]

 

Q) We cannot wait to see what happens with Sam, Marty, and all their deadly “Ozark” family drama. What would you like to say to the fervent fans of this show, you and your work?

 

A) I would just like to say, “Thank you!”  Without the fans, then there would be no Sam or “Ozark.”  You all made all this possible.  I hope the lasting impact is that we kept the fans entertained, on the edge of their seat and guessing till the very end!  Enjoy Season 4 Part 1!!!