‘The Help’ co-star finally in spotlight

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES

After 15 years as “a rank-and-file actor,” Octavia Spencer is stepping into Hollywood’s gilded spotlight.

The 39-year-old actress was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe for her turn as sassy maid Minny Jackson in “The Help.” Her co-stars, Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain, also earned acting nods from both groups, and the film is up for best picture at the Globes and best ensemble at the SAG Awards.

“The only word I can really use to describe this feeling is overwhelming,” she said. “It is overwhelming and wonderful.”

Though Spencer said she tried not to “invest emotionally” in Hollywood’s awards process because “I just didn’t want anything to diminish what we’ve all been able to accomplish,” she was moved to tears by the SAG and Globes recognition.

“No matter what happens, the fact that we’ve had some stardust rain down on us over the past couple of days, it’s just, it’s pretty overwhelming.”

She lauded director and screenwriter Tate Taylor, her longtime friend, and the cast mates she now considers family, including Davis.

“I’m thrilled for Viola,” she said. “I consider myself a rank-and-file actor who’s been kicking the can around for 15 years. Viola is a trained Juilliard actress who has been doing stage, and now the world is getting to see what she can do. ... I’m glad that she’s having her moment, and she deserves this moment.”

Spencer has appeared in “Ugly Betty,” “Big Bang Theory,” “CSI,” “Just Shoot Me!” and “Chicago Hope.”