In the last year, Spencer has become a household name – going from a little unknown actress to an A-Lister in a matter of months. Her breakout film The Help, in which she played a sassy maid named Minny Jackson, scored her a number of accolades during red carpet season, including a Golden Globe, SAG Award, NAACP Image Award, BAFTA Award and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. By winning the Oscar, Spencer became the fifth African-American actress in history to win the Best Supporting Actress category.
Not to forget, she was honored at ESSENCE’s 2012 Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in Los Angeles.
As for the other birthday girl, Ms. Hill, we know her story well. She launched her solo career in 1998 with her iconic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Her debut LP shot to the top of the charts and earned the singer a record-breaking five Grammy Awards, including the coveted Album of the Year and Best New Artist.
Since then, this proud mother of five has worked overtime to jump-start her career – performing constantly to sold-out arenas of fans who miss and love her. Despite negative press regarding her tardiness to numerous concerts, she’s pressing forward – sparking rumors she’s planning a new album for the future. Fingers crossed!
Happy birthday Octavia and Lauryn!
