Writer/actor returns to roots to film movie in Tuscarawas County
Brock Yurich
DOVER – The writer and star of the movie being filmed in the area grew up in New Philadelphia and is thrilled by the reception he has received in his return to Tuscarawas County.
Brock Yurich wrote the screenplay for “Test” and has been working for nearly a decade to get it made. In that time, he has landed parts in some pretty big shows. He was in the first season of “Succession,” sharing the screen with an Academy Award winner as the trainer for Kieran Culkin’s character. Yurich also appeared in “Law & Order” among other roles.
More recently Yurich has played the lead role in some streaming movies, including the true crime drama “Fit for Murder” on Tubi.
However, his current project is deeply meaningful as it brings him back to Tuscarawas County where he lived and went to New Philadelphia High School as a freshman before moving to Florida.
“I don’t think there’s anything more important to me than telling this story. I tell people, ‘This is what I was put on earth to do – to make this movie.’ This movie means so much to me.”
Yurich says “Test” is not autobiographical, but it does address issues he encountered as a competitive bodybuilder.
“I see so many stories being told in New York and L.A., and that’s fine. But I want to show what it’s like to be in Ohio and I want to show what it’s like to struggle with who you are in a small town and to struggle with body dysmorphia and your faith and family issues and what that all can culminate into. I want people to walk away from this movie being seen and validated.”
Yurich has been making the rounds in Tuscarawas County. For example, he is a big supporter of the local Humane Society and animal adoption. He says he has found friends wherever he goes.
“Being back in Tuscarawas County and having the support of my family and friends is just…Honestly, I think I’ve been here for a week and I think I’ve cried once a day for the past seven days. I’ve gotten teary-eyed at just the way people have shown up and wanted to help.”
Yurich and the producers aren’t yet naming the other actors in the film. However, Yurich says cast members have Emmy and Tony awards, and one had a prominent role in a “pretty large show on Fox.”