"This honor isn’t just for me, it’s for my tribe that has supported me every step of the way," the 52-year-old shared.
Olivia Spencer is celebrating a special milestone in her career. The 52-year-old received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 8 and was overcome with emotion. “To be forever cemented in the mythology of this city and the film industry is an amazing honor,” Spencer said in her speech, according to TODAY. “It took me a minute to absorb the profundity of this moment.”
“The culmination of my dreams realized, hard work rewarded after a fair but healthy amount of failure and rejection,” Spencer said. The Oscar winner went on to thank an extensive list of people who played an important all throughout her career.
26 years ago, The Help star drove from Alabama to Los Angeles with dreams of making it in Hollywood. All she had was $3,000, a 48-inch TV, and a suitcase. But she also had something way more valuable: “a heart filled with dreams." "This dream. When I didn’t know then,” she said, pausing as her voice brimmed with emotion “Was how the people that I’d soon meet would become my L.A. family, my tribe, those with whom I would commiserate when I didn’t get the job or celebrate when I did.”
“If you happen upon my star, while mine will be the only name you see, remember all the names that I just named,” she said. “The people that I just named today, my village. They’re only a fraction of the people that guide me from behind the scenes. For me this isn’t a solitary achievement — for me it took my family, my tribe, my village. And I thank you.”
What a day! Grateful does not begin to describe how I feel about this honor. Receiving my star on the @WalkofFameStar today will always be one of the most special moments in my life, and I have all of you to thank for this. pic.twitter.com/qzHMs9cD8j
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) December 9, 2022
Sharing pictures of the special occasion online, she wrote, "This honor isn’t just for me, it’s for my tribe that has supported me every step of the way. I’d especially like to thank @allisonbjanney, Will Ferrell, Lupita Sanchez Cornejo and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell for your heartfelt words and presenting me with my @hwdwalkoffame star. Thank you to my family, friends, fans and everyone on #TeamO for celebrating this special day with me. I will remember this forever ❤️"
She continued, "For those at a pivotal point in your life and career, choose the thing that will bring you boundless joy. It took me 15 years to become an overnight success, and the rest is history. Success happens when preparation meets opportunity. Take the time to prepare for YOUR opportunity. God speed, my friends." 55-year-old Will Ferrell was also in attendance and had some kind words to share about his costar on the holiday movie Spirited. The comedian even shut down a heckler who tried to interrupt his speech by declaring, "Not on Octavia's day!" reports PEOPLE.
This is how you stand up for your colleauges. https://t.co/pkxpeB13s8
— Brad Takei (@BradTakei) December 13, 2022
References:
https://www.today.com/popculture/news/octavia-spencer-honored-star-hollywood-walk-fame-rcna61096
https://people.com/movies/octavia-spencer-on-working-with-will-ferrell-for-spirited/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by David Livingston
