Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer

55 · Born: May 25, 1970

Personal Details

Official Socials
BornMay 25, 1970 Montgomery, Alabama, USA
Parents
  • Dellsena Spencer
Relatives
  • Rosa Spencer (Sibling)
  • Areka Spencer (Sibling)

Biography

Spencer is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, which she proudly claims is the proverbial buckle of the Bible belt. As the sixth of seven siblings, she developed a strong sense of family values and a deep appreciation for her roots. Her academic pursuits led her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts from Auburn University.

Despite her practical upbringing, Spencer harbored a secret passion for acting. She never imagined that her love for the performing arts would one day propel her to the big screen. However, in 1995, acclaimed director Joel Schumacher gave her a small but significant role opposite Sandra Bullock in the hit film A Time to Kill, marking the beginning of her journey in the film industry.

The following year, Spencer reunited with Bullock for the actress's directorial debut, Making Sandwiches, a short film that premiered at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival. This collaboration not only showcased Spencer's talent but also laid the groundwork for her future success.

Spencer made her stage debut in Los Angeles, originating the role of "LaSonia" (pronounced lasagna) in renowned writer/director Del Shore's, The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife, starring alongside veteran actors Beth Grant, Dale Dickey, and David Steen in 2003. The play received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, cementing Spencer's status as a talented and versatile actor.

Since then, Spencer has continued to thrive in both film and television, working alongside Hollywood's elite. In February 2009, she received recognition from The Envelope, a publication of the Los Angeles Times, for her poignant performance in the Will Smith drama Seven Pounds.

Career

2025
Smurfs
Smurfs as Asmodius (voice)
Tow
Tow as Barb
2022
Spirited
Spirited as Kimberly
2021
Thunder Force
Thunder Force as Emily Stanton
Encounter
Encounter as Hattie Hayes
2020
Onward
Onward as The Manticore (voice)
The Witches
The Witches as Grandma
Superintelligence
Superintelligence as Octavia Spencer (voice)
Dolittle
Dolittle as Dab-Dab (voice)
2019
Luce
Luce as Harriet Wilson
Ma
Ma as Sue Ann
Truth Be Told
Truth Be Told as Poppy Scoville
2018
Small Town Crime
Small Town Crime as Kelly Banks
2017
The Shape of Water
The Shape of Water as Zelda Fuller
Gifted
Gifted as Roberta Taylor
The Shack
The Shack as Papa / Elouisa
Car Dogs
Car Dogs as Mrs. Barrett
2016
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures as Dorothy Vaughan
Allegiant
Allegiant as Johanna Reyes
Zootopia
Zootopia as Mrs. Otterton (voice)
The Free World
The Free World as Linda Workman
2015
2014
Get on Up
Get on Up as Aunt Honey
Black or White
Black or White as Rowena Jeffers
Red Band Society
Red Band Society as Nurse Jackson
2013
Lost on Purpose
Lost on Purpose as Nurse Keller
Jesus People: The Movie
Jesus People: The Movie as Angel Angelique
Paradise
Paradise as Loray
2012
Blues for Willadean
Blues for Willadean as LeSonia Robinson
Smashed
Smashed as Jenny
2011
The Help
The Help as Minny Jackson
Flypaper
Flypaper as Madge Wiggins
2010
Love & Distrust
Love & Distrust as Rhonda (segment "Auto Motives")
Peep World
Peep World as Alison
Dinner for Schmucks
Dinner for Schmucks as Madame Nora
2009
Love at First Hiccup
Love at First Hiccup as Mrs. Hambrick
Herpes Boy
Herpes Boy as Rochelle
Halloween II
Halloween II as Nurse Daniels
Just Peck
Just Peck as Detention Teacher
The Soloist
The Soloist as Troubled Woman
Drag Me to Hell
Drag Me to Hell as Bank Co-Worker
Raising the Bar
Raising the Bar as Arvina Watkins
Seven Pounds
Seven Pounds as Kate the Home Health Care Nurse
2007
The Nines
The Nines as Streetwalker
2006
Pulse
Pulse as Landlady
Beauty Shop
Beauty Shop as Big Customer
Coach Carter
Coach Carter as Mrs. Battle
LAX
LAX as Flight Attendant
2003
Chicken Party
Chicken Party as Laqueta Mills
Sol Goode
Sol Goode as Unemployment Clerk
S.W.A.T.
S.W.A.T. as Neighbor in Alley
2002
Little John
Little John as Waitress
Spider-Man
Spider-Man as Check-In Girl
Missing Pieces
Missing Pieces as Elegant Guest (as Octavia L. Spencer)
The Journeyman
The Journeyman as Black Belly
The Chronicle
The Chronicle as Ruby Rydell
American Virgin
American Virgin as Agnes Large
1999
Being John Malkovich
Being John Malkovich as Woman in Elevator
Lansky
Lansky as Evelyn
Blue Streak
Blue Streak as Shawna
1997
Sparkler
Sparkler as Wanda
The Sixth Man
The Sixth Man as Nativity Watson
1996
A Time to Kill
A Time to Kill as Roark's Nurse