Octavia Spencer

Octavia Lenora Spencer, born in 1970, is an American actress whose career took flight with her Oscar-winning role in "The Help" in 2011. Her accolades include a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, alongside two Emmy nominations. Post-"The Help," she garnered critical acclaim for roles in "Fruitvale Station" and the series "Mom" and "Red Band Society." Spencer's portrayal of Dorothy Vaughan in "Hidden Figures" and a cleaning woman in "The Shape of Water" marked consecutive Academy Award nominations, a first for a black actress. She has since starred in diverse projects, from "Divergent" to "Ma," and led Apple TV+'s "Truth Be Told." Off-screen, she authors children's books as Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective.