Later this month, Octavia Spencer will bring the inspirational story of Madam C.J. Walker, one of the first black female millionaires in America, to Netflix in the limited-series Self Made. Below, the Oscar-winning actress answers Marie Claire's questionnaire, championing women to do whatever they please.
1. Best career advice I’ve gotten: To thine own self be true.
2. The three qualities that got me where I am today: Work ethic, perseverance, and gratitude.
3. Moment I felt I made it: When I received my first paycheck to act.
4. Most agonizing career decision I’ve ever made: Leaving a well-paid production gig behind to pursue acting.
5. Kind of work I’d do for free: Babysitting.
6. Favorite perk of the job: Traveling.
7. Worst pitfall of the job: Traveling.
8. How did you make your first dollar? I worked as a waitress.
9. Who do you admire and why? People who make an effort.
10. Last things I binge-watched: The Politician and Game of Thrones.
11. Book that left a lasting impression on me: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou.
12. Movie with the greatest ending: Avengers: Endgame.
Octavia Spencer as Madam C. J. Walker in Netflix’s ’Self Made.
13. First album I bought: Tina Turner’s Private Dancer.
14. If I could live abroad, it would be in: Taormina, Italy.
15. What every woman should try once in her lifetime: Anything she damn well pleases.
16. My perfect day would begin: Watching the sun rise.
17. My perfect day would end: Watching the sun set.
18. One thing I’m epically bad at: Cooking.
19. Superhero power I’d want to have: Flight.
20. How I clear my mind after a crappy day: A hot bath and an hour of TV.
21. If I could compete in an Olympic sport, I’d like it to be: Figure skating.
22. The last time I felt beautiful was: Today.
23. My first kiss: First grade.
24. Relationship advice to my younger self: You’re a catch!
Clarification: The print version of this story referred to the name of Spencer's new show as Madame C.J. Walker. In the time since we went to press the title of the show was updated to Self Made.
This story appears in the March 2020 issue of Marie Claire.
RELATED STORIES
-
Want a French Riviera Summer? Every It Girl Is Wearing This $150 Indie Beach PerfumeTransport your senses—no passport needed.
-
Kaia Gerber Brings Paris to the Tribeca Film FestivalShe was a French model in a past life.
-
Princess Eugenie's on a Mission to Save Coral Reefs—And It Starts at Home'Marie Claire' speaks with the royal about her role in a new ocean conservation exhibit.
-
2000s Nostalgia Is As Prevalent As Ever. But These Authors Aren't Sure Our Cultural Obsession Is for the BestThe 'Culture Creep,' 'Girl on Girl,' and 'Waiting for Britney Spears' writers discuss their new books and why we can't let Y2K go.
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 4: Everything We KnowThe creator has already teased her thoughts on where the show will go after that shocking finale.
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 3 Ending, Explained: Breaking Down the TwistsDid the "Mayoress Murderess" saga end in chaos? (Of course it did.)
-
Meet the Cast and Characters of Netflix's 'Survivors'You'll be hooked by this Australian drama—which just so happens to star the next lead on 'Bridgerton.'
-
The Cast of 'Ginny and Georgia' Season 3: Your GuideNetflix's hit small-town drama is full of characters with skeletons in their closets.
-
Are 'Sneaky Links' Stars Colt Fason and Kelsey Tomlin Still Together?The Nashville lovebirds are the most-talked-about pair on Netflix's newest hit reality dating show.
-
The 15 Best Medical Shows to Watch Right NowThey'll fill 'The Pitt' shaped hole in your heart.
-
Where Was 'Sirens' Filmed? All About the Long Island Locations Transformed Into Port HavenHere's where the Netflix miniseries starring Julianne Moore and Meghann Fahy was filmed.
