*Gianni Paolo has revealed a remarkable act of kindness from Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer that gave his career a major boost.
Speaking on Harry Jowsey’s “Boyfriend Material” podcast, the “Power” actor shared that while filming “Ma,” Spencer learned he was struggling financially, Ice Cream Convos reports. At 29, Paolo was $20,000 in debt and unable to afford a publicist — a service that can run about $5,000 per month. “I didn’t have any money for a publicist… I just can’t spend $5,000 a month for a publicist,” he admitted.
Paolo recalled that during a dinner Spencer hosted for the “Ma” cast, she discussed the upcoming press tour and stressed how crucial it was to have publicity support. When he told her he couldn’t afford it, she quietly stepped in. “That was on like a Friday,” Paolo said. “On Monday, she had called her publicist, paid for it completely, and then set me up with her whole team.”
Spencer never asked for repayment, but Paolo made sure to return the favor once he could. “When I booked ‘Power,’ I shot my first episode, got my first paycheck… and then I wired her the money back,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Blumhouse Productions has confirmed that a sequel to its 2019 thriller “Ma” is in the works, with Spencer reprising her chilling role as Sue Ann Ellington. “Ma likes to say ‘don’t make me drink alone,’ so we’re thrilled Octavia will join us again for a second round,” said Blumhouse founder Jason Blum, per Deadline. The film is still in early development, with no director or release date announced.
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The original “Ma,” directed by Tate Taylor, reunited Spencer with the filmmaker behind her Oscar-winning performance in “The Help.” Released by Universal in May 2019, the low-budget horror project became a surprise hit, grossing $61 million worldwide. Its mix of dark humor, suspense, and Spencer’s memorable performance has since gained a cult following.
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