Interview by Navarrow Wright Jr. | Photographer: Josh Stringer | Hair/MU: Kim Harley

We got to chat with actor Kevin L. Johnson about the final season of Ozark, bringing his character Sam to life, and what initially sparked his interest in acting.

What initially sparked your interest in acting?

After I changed my major to English in college, my main assignment for the semester in ENG 110 was to go see the main play of the year called A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum. I had seen plays in high school but seeing them on a grander scale was really amazing. Watching the audience laughing and enjoying the performances, I was like, “That looks like a lot of fun!” Also, I wanted to try something new to break out of my shell. I’ve always been kind of an introvert and it looked like a good outlet to really let loose! 

The newest season of Ozark is here. How did it feel, going from having a minor role to playing such a large part in a series as successful as Ozark?

It’s been amazing getting to play Sam for the past four seasons. When I auditioned for the role, it was only supposed to be a few episodes, at the time. However, I just had this feeling Sam was a character that could stick around for a bit. My first week on set, I was at video village watching playback and Alyson Feltes, one of our producers said, “I’m writing a scene for you and your mom in episode 7.” I was like, “Wow, so I made it to episode 7. That’s a good thing.” It’s a blessing to book anything in this business. So, to be a part of such a hit show for the entire run has been incredible. 

When we are first introduced to your character, he lives a simple life, but it is later met with complexities after meeting the Byrde family. What was your approach to bringing this character to life? 

I wanted to make sure he wasn’t a caricature. Yes, he is simple, affable, a little eccentric and naive but I made sure that he was grounded in truth. I’ve always gone by the idea that less is more. Sam has shown growth during the run of the show. Just like in real life, we become more comfortable in our own skin. I think Sam has come a long way since season one. It was a nice challenge showing that progression without changing the character completely; making sure to keep the essence of Sam.

What was it like working with veteran actors such as Jason Bateman and Laura Linney? Have you gained any newfound knowledge or tips from them? 

It’s been great! Jason and Laura are two of the nicest and most talented people in the business! In front of the camera, I’ve worked with Laura since day one. Working opposite her is truly a masterclass in acting. Her ability to do so much with so little effort is a thing of beauty. She is an extremely giving actor. You can’t help but bring your A-game to the party. Jason and I didn’t have a lot of scenes together, but it was always a treat when we did. It was amazing getting to watch how he navigated from being in front of the camera to behind the camera during the same scene. He’s definitely an actor’s director. He knows what he wants but lets you play within the sandbox. I think he’ll be directing for quite some time. He loves it. I can’t wait to work with them again in the future. It’s been a dream come true. 

Following up with the same question, but for the younger half of the cast. Have you learned anything from the younger cast members? Or have you shared some of your experiences to help better their performances?

Most of my stuff for the past three seasons has been with Julia. She is a powerhouse of an actor. I’m thrilled to see all the accolades she has gotten for her portrayal as the ruthless Ruth Langmore. Her ability to own the space is incredible. When the camera roles…it’s go time! I doubt there is anything I could teach her but I definitely learned a lot. This is only the beginning of her career. She is gonna be a force in this business for years! 

I read that you became an Uber driver while filming Ozark season two, and people started to recognize you. Did that recognition give you the confidence you needed to pursue acting full-time, or were you already confident in your abilities? 

It was really cool when people started recognizing me. Interacting with the fans is one of the best parts of this business. Without them then there would be no Sam Dermody or Ozark. I was always confident that I had the ability to make it in this business. You just have to be ready when that time comes. Seeing the way fans have taken to Sam, whether you like him or dislike him, has been really great

Your success doesn’t stop with Ozark; you are set to guest star in another Netflix fan favorite, Stranger Things. What should we expect to see from you in the newest season?

It was fun getting to work on Stranger Things. They are pretty tight-lipped about the show. When I was on set, I was only given my sides for that day of shooting. However, I am in the first half of the teaser that came out in September. If you go back and watch it, I’m sure fans can come up with some theories. 😉 

After finishing working on Ozark and moving on to other projects, what has been your favorite TV or movie project, you have been a part of so far?

I really enjoyed working on the new Netflix show Florida Man. It’s a show about an ex-cop, played by Edgar Ramirez, who comes back to Florida to find a mobster’s girl, played by Abbey Lee. A crazy odyssey ensues. I think if you like Ozark then you’ll really dig Florida Man. No date as of yet but look for that soon!