A-lister Jason Bateman handpicked Katy actor Evan Vourazeris to fill the role of "Tuck" on the Netflix Original Series, Ozark.
Now this talented man with downs syndrome is making a name for himself in Hollywood.
KATY MAGAZINE | October 2017 Ashley Lancaster
Photography courtesy of Evan George Vourazeris
The Netflix Original series, Ozark, is a crime drama about Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) a financial adviser who drags his wife (Laura Linney) and children from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder $500 million in five years to appease a crime boss. When he arrives, he attempts to get his foot in the door with locals by offering to "invest" in local businesses, but is met with suspicion. Doors are opened Byrde gets in a fight to defend Tuck (Evan Vourazeris), the family member of a local business owner and an alliance is formed between the two.
Q&A with Evan
When did your love of acting first begin?
In 2010, I got the chance to work on a film project with a friend. At the time, I didn't know how much I would love it. But ever since then, I've wanted to act.
When did you start acting?
In 2010-2011 at Next Actor Studio in Houston. I also participated in theatre classes in Houston until 2012, and hope someday to go back and just try out singing, dancing, and acting in Downtown Houston.
It can be scary to act with no experience, what made you take "the leap?"
A close friend of mine Anna who attended The Art Institute of Houston encouraged me. She asked me to be in her Christian short fol that was called, Be Found.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Actress Vanessa Vasquez, and actress/coach Crystal Martinez, and my friend Anna Brodl. They inspire me to never give up and keep the faith in the acting world. It blesses me knowing I will do just fine. The Vourazeris Family tells me the same as well, my parents are very encouraging and I love them with all of my heart. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be acting.
What has been your biggest obstacle, personally and professionally?
My biggest obstacle is my down syndrome. I am higher functioning than most people with
this, and I understand that its hard for them; I was in their shoes. Through elementary, junior high and high school in special education; as an adult I do still face a lot, but nothing is stopping me.
Have you appeared in other television shows, commercials or films?
Yes. I appeared in Sleepy Hollow as a food truck patron, Kevin (Probably) Saves The World, and most recently I was cast as a series regular on Ozark starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. I play the role of Tuck. was in Six Episodes, did you all know Ozark got picked up for Season Two that is coming soon stay on a look out for that. I been in many great productions I am happy with my acting career that is that. www.imdb.me/evan.vourazeris.
What advice do you have for people with big dreams like yours?
my advice to tell people is to be positive don't let people get to you don't let
them bother you, because every one like yourself want what you have don't
let them put you down just remember one thing, is to remind yourself, i shall
do all things in god all things are possible through him nothing else than him
he will bless you Never Give Up. I do encourage others get into my shoes, you can do what ever you're heart sets on i did have many obstacles in my life, my acting coach mrs crystal will help me professionally through me stay focused in a acting scene in acting class or if I do a speech front of people, at all of the presentations I do with imbullyfree.org.
How did you hear about the Ozark auditions?
Through my acting coach Mrs. Crystal Martinez my talent agency told my coach and they work around it with me it was a surprising to me To hear about This Netflix Audition Ozark it was a blessing.
Describe your audition : Did you feel nervous, confident, excited?
I was a all three nervous, confident, excited I knew will do just fine i will be alright could be
okay in the audition progress when I got home told myself i really like the way i auditioned
but its not up to me it is up to the production company as soon i got the phone call from my Talent Agency Family at Pastorini Bosby Talent my talent agents congratulated me I was to happy and in joyful tears and after they called me to tell me the news i called my coach tell her the news she got way to excited my heart was pounding really fast I couldn't imagine to nail this audition.
How did you find out you got the role?
My talent agency called and told me that my audition tape caught Jason Bateman's eye, and that he hand-picked me for the role. Best feeling ever.
What's been the best on-set memory?
The best part was hanging with all the actors and having breakfast with them at the hotel. Some days we would go to lunch or dinner on our days off, or I would get to hang out with the cast in crew in their trailers.
What are the cast members like?
Everybody was very friendly, supportive, and lots of fun to work with.
What are the challenges preparing for the role?
Memorization it took me a while get all of this in me my acting coach helped me prepare for my role Yes she did help me along this journey at every coaching before flying to the state crystal Martinez is amazing
coach she is awesome.
Will we see more of Tuck?
Yes. I was in six episodes during Season 1, and Ozark got picked up for another season, and my character hasn't been killed off yet - so you'll see more of Tuck.
ASHLEY LANCASTER is the digital editor for Katy Magazine and is incredibly proud of Evan, and also super jealous that he gets to work with Jason Bateman and Laura Linney.