Kevin L. Johnson is an actor, known for Ozark (2017), American Made (2017) and Jacob’s Ladder (2017).
Ozark is created by Bill Dubuque (“The Accountant,” “The Judge”), this drama series stars Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, a financial planner who relocates his family from Chicago to a summer resort community in the Ozarks. With wife Wendy and their two kids in tow, Marty is on the move after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong, forcing him to pay off a substantial debt to a Mexican drug lord in order to keep his family safe. While the Byrde’s fate hangs in the balance, the dire circumstances force the fractured family to reconnect.
The series has already received rave reviews and is now one of Netflix’s must-watch series on the streaming platform. Kevin plays Sam Dermody. He chatted with us about his character, Ozark, American Made, and much more. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Kevin! Congrats on being part of the awesome Netflix Original Ozark. Tell us about your character Sam Dermody.
Thank you! It’s still pretty surreal! My character, Sam, is a local real estate agent in the Ozark’s. Let’s just say… he’s got a few quirks. Although Sam has some very strong women in his life, he’s still trying to find himself and earn respect from the people around him. Wendy, played by the talented Laura Linney, comes to work at his real estate office. She helps Sam stick up to his mom – sometimes you just need some guidance!
How did you get the role of Sam?
I live in Atlanta, where the show was filmed. I received an audition through my agent and sent the tape in. I actually didn’t think I was going to get it because I found out that they were looking for someone older. But, while I was on my way to another audition, I got the call from my agent saying they wanted to book me! You just never know when and how things eventually come your way.
Netflix has some of the best programs in the television industry. How does it feel to be a part of a ground-breaking platform?
Netflix is incredible. They turn out so many tremendous shows. I knew it was going to be a good show when I read the script for my first episode. Netflix has mastered the art of taking on shows they know are going to be compelling. And believe me, Netflix isn’t slowing down! I’m honored to be a part of a company which just gets bigger every year!
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Take us through a typical day of production.
A typical day on set – well, you get to set, the production assistant takes you to your trailer, then you go to hair and makeup! After that… you head back to the trailer and take a nap until you’re called on set! Everybody on set was very friendly, always made me feel at home. Since most of my scenes are with Laura, we got to know each other the best. She was really sweet – it was a real treat to get to act opposite her! And Jason was such a down-to-earth, funny guy.
Do you identify with Sam Dermody?
I like to think of Sam as me to the nth degree – we’re both quirky. Sometimes I don’t think I’m prideful enough, and I think Sam is likewise trying to find that balance of pride and empathy. You know what I mean?
How did you choose to play him? Did you use a past experience?
Going into it, I decided that I was just gonna be me, and ‘dance with the date that brung ya’ so to speak. It’s difficult to recall what past experiences I used while shooting. I went back in my memory bank and found something!
What can the audience expect of the series?
The show is dark, so expect some brutality and surprises along the way. A big theme of the show is the disenfranchised American dream – what people will do to make that dream a reality, and who is affected in the process.
You also completed a film called American Made. Tell us more. NOTE: Use this section to talk about the movie.
The movie stars Tom Cruise. It’s based on a true story about a pilot (Tom Cruise) who’s a drug runner for the CIA. I play Agent Wainwright from the IRS. I got to act opposite Tom Cruise’s character, which was a little nerve-wracking, but fun! I’m excited about it! It comes out September 29th!
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Thus far, what has been the best experience working in the industry?
I would say the best part about working in the industry is really just being on set in general. Sure, some projects are tougher physically…like being loaded up with army gear and rocking around in an airplane when it’s blazing hot outside. But just being on set is great. I always end up thinking to myself, “I get paid to do this?”
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
I have two other projects coming up, they just don’t have an official release date yet! One is a remake of “Jacobs Ladder.” It’s about war veteran having nightmares and hallucinations when he gets home. It stars Michael Ealy and Jesse Williams. The other is a movie called “American Animals.” It’s the true story about four young men who mistake their lives for a movie and decide to pull on if the most audacious heist in US History. It stars Evan Peters from “American Horror Story.”
Complete this sentence: If I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
If I had an opportunity to do anything, I would make a difference in this world. I’m already doing what I love to do, which is being a working actor! I would love to use this platform someday to help people, like Sean Penn & Angelina Jolie have chosen to do. There are always communities out there who can use a helping hand. Whether it’s over seas or right here in our own country. To change lives…that’s the dream.
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