Veteran character actress Octavia Spencer has signed on to play Minny Jackson in the film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s best-selling novel The Help. The actress, who can next be seen in Dinner for Schmucks starring Paul Rudd and Steve Carell, has known Stockett for close to a decade and actually served as the inspiration for the outspoken character. (Stockett was researching the book when she first met Spencer through their mutual friend Tate Taylor, who is the writer and director of the film.) Spencer will join Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard and Emma Stone in the Dreamworks’ production which is set to begin filming this July in Mississippi.
May 17
2010
08:18 PM ET
Octavia Spencer nabs key role in 'The Help'
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Good for her! Ms. Spencer is great in everything that she does and I hope that this high-profile role will get her more recognition. She has worked hard and it’s good to see that it may finally pay off for her.
Loved her on “Ugly Betty”!
Me too! OMG, I’ve been waiting patiently to see her get cast an interesting project, a real breakout role. I hope this is it!
All I can say is…YES! YES! YES! She is one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood!! So exciting to see her in this great role!
She’s a genius in drama (NYPD Blue) and comedy (Jesus People). Love her.
She is absolutely brilliant in EVERYTHING she does. Especially “Chicken Party” and “Geeks From Space”.
She is awesome!! Can’t wait to see her in this.
Fantastic! I can’t wait. Octavia is the perfect one for this part!
I saw her do a reading of “The Help” at my job, she was brilliant. Good luck to you!
I believe she read the part of Minnie in the audiobook version as well. I’m so excited to see this story being filmed. I’ll be in line on opening day!
I have known Octavia since 1995 while working on the movie “Time To Kill” filmed on location in Canton, Mississippi. I feel that this was her turning point in her life to go to Hollywood and introduce herself to the world. She and my daughter left right after the holidays and headed West so that Octavia could follow her dream. I have watched her in awe and even tried to have her back for a reading last year. I am so thrilled that she is back in Mississippi and this time with a feature role rather than casting someone else. There is no better and more beautiful woman inside and out than Octavia. She is not only a wonderful actress but a great friend. Good Luck Octavia and can’t wait to see you in this role. Also worked with Tate during this same period of time and they all will be a great team.
This girl is funny for real. I went to school with her at Auburn and always said she was the funniest girl I ever met. I read “The Help” and when I found out later that Octavia would play Minny, I cried. Can’t wait to see the movie.
We have know Octavia since she worked at behind the scenes jobs , in charge extras ,etc. in her home in Montgomery , Al. She would help us practice our lines for auditions. My ( grown up!) daughters and I told her constantly
she needed to be in FRONT of the camera ! She is as beautiful inside as out !! We all miss her and thrilled to see her ‘ Get her due!!
we love and miss her but so happy for her !! She was always great but just needed a firm push to get before the cameras ! my Girls Beth, and Kitty miss her sense of humor most !!! xoxo
Octavia , you keep going girl ! My girls ( Kitty and Beth ) and I miss our laughs together!! Gleaves Azar
Great movie and I thought Octava Spencer did a wonderful job, She made me cry and made me laugh.
Hope to see much more of her.
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