Is she from a well-off family?

I love Octavia Spencer (and her beautiful name). I am interested to know if her family was financially well-off while she was growing up.

The reason why I ask is I've never heard of a successful actor from Alabama who was not born into affluence. Two actresses, Courteney Cox and Kate Jackson, are from Mountain Brook, one of the wealthiest suburbs in the U.S. Fannie Flagg is not from Mountain Brook, but her folks were not hurting for money, either. Courteney and Kate could have been debutantes-turned-socialites like Natalee Holloway (who I know was a victim, not an actress) likely could have been with the right connections.

Actors don't like to talk about "coming from affluence" or "wealthy families" because most people can't relate to being brought up so rich that living your dreams - - any of them - - is always an option.

Alabama is a poor state that is second world quality compared to most of the U.S. It is fiftieth in nearly everything but college football. Pray for those of us who are desperately trying to "break out of this karmic prison." : ) It is SO depressing and gut-wrenching to exist in such a God-forsaken place at times. You're a stranger in a strange land even if you're born here and don't adore college football and consider it your religion. Nick Saban, coach of The University of Alabama football team, is known by some as St. Nick Saban.

I'm not saying that there are not some wonderful people here, because there are. But, overall, if you're artistic and creative, you may well turn into a lost, misunderstood and lonely soul trapped here in despair. Money (sadly) is usually the ticket out.

In any case, props to Octavia. She has a lot of class and is reportedly loyal and caring to her friends and fans. Moneyed or not, she seems like a very well educated, well grounded person with a good heart and genuine spirit. I wish her much success and hope to support her work in the future. I would really love to see her branch out in lead roles like in SILKWOOD or NORMA RAE. I would LOVE to see her in roles like that so she can really shine and show her stuff.

Good luck and good fortune to Octavia Lenora Spencer, a gorgeous name that suits such a gorgeous individual.