Jessica Frances Dukes, the actress portraying FBI agent Maya Miller in “Ozark,” was determined not to let the unpredictable New York City subway system hinder her audition for the pivotal role. In an exclusive interview, Dukes revealed the intense preparation she undertook to embody the no-nonsense character, who shares the screen with Jason Bateman’s Marty Byrde and Laura Linney’s Wendy Byrde, entangled in a complex money-laundering scheme that takes their family to the Ozarks.
“Before the audition, I was already an avid fan of the show, having watched Seasons 1 and 2 multiple times due to my admiration for Jason Bateman and Laura Linney,” the 43-year-old actress reminisced. “It was like I was studying.”
While she initially watched Season 1 for enjoyment, Dukes revisited Season 2 with a more analytical lens, aiming to “study” and “absorb” the nuances of the characters and storyline.
Dukes, set to star in the upcoming post-apocalyptic sci-fi series “Earth Abides,” admitted her disbelief when the “Ozark” audition opportunity arose, reacting with a resounding “nahhh.” However, she quickly regained her determination, thinking, “I’m going to go anyway. I’m going to go in this room. I’m going to nail this audition.”
Despite running late due to subway delays and her unconventional attire, featuring “a fro-hawk, leather tights, and a jean trench coat — looking nothing like Maya Miller,” Dukes remained confident in her preparation and theatrical background. “I did the work. I knew the show so well, and I just was like, ‘I know I’m talking to Jason Bateman in these scenes. I know who Marty is. I watch him so much. I got this.'”
Her perseverance paid off, as she recalls receiving the call a month later, with the added surprise that Maya Miller’s role had been upgraded from recurring to series regular. The showrunners affirmed, “We’re ready to go on this journey with you.”
Dukes, currently filming Season 3 of “The Gilded Age,” gushed about her “Ozark” experience, describing it as “one of the best experiences of [her] life.” Despite the show’s heavy subject matter, the behind-the-scenes atmosphere was filled with humor. “It was the funniest set ever,” she laughed, crediting Bateman as the “king of comedy.”
“Exactly what you feel when you watch him is who he is. When you walk on set, there is no ego. There is no ‘I’m better than.’ He is such a family sort of guy,” Dukes added, revealing that co-star Laura Linney possessed a similar comedic flair.
One particular scene with the “amazing” and “career-goal” Linney stood out as one of Dukes’ “favorite moments as an actress.” “It felt like every day with her was a masterclass,” she marveled. “We had a scene. She just walked in, and she goes, ‘I’m gonna do this a few different ways.’ And she walks out of the room, and I’m like, ‘OK.'”
Dukes then described Linney’s masterful performance, portraying the character in contrasting ways during each take, ranging from “the sweetest person in the whole wide world” to “the Wicked Witch of the West” and even “selling me cookies!” Dukes attributed her theater background as the key to remaining “open and just react” to Linney’s diverse interpretations.
“That’s the best scene to watch is when somebody is not planning or acting,” Dukes said, calling the experience “just wonderful.”
