During the promotional period for the 2019 horror film Ma, Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer quietly helped her co-star Gianni Paolo manage a significant financial burden. Paolo recently shared on Harry Jowsey’s Boyfriend Material podcast that he was dealing with $20,000 in credit card debt after earning a modest paycheck from Ma, prompting Spencer to step in to cover the cost of a publicist on his behalf.
Paolo revealed that despite working on four episodes of the Starz drama Power, his finances were strained due to his earnings being divided among his agent, manager, and supporting team. With only $6,000 paid for his role in Ma and accumulating credit card debt, he could not afford the monthly expense of a publicist, which typically cost around $5,000.
How Spencer’s Generosity Made a Difference
Before the press tour for the film, Spencer invited the cast for a dinner at her home to discuss promotional plans. Paolo admitted that this was his first major project, and he was unfamiliar with the process, including securing a publicist. When he expressed his inability to afford one, Spencer took matters into her own hands.
Paolo recounted,
“She had called her publicist, paid for it completely, and then set me up with her whole team. And then [she] said, ‘Now you have a publicist.’ She didn’t ask for the money back. Never.”
This act of kindness relieved Paolo of immediate financial stress, allowing him to focus on his career growth without worrying about publicity costs. Eventually, after filming his first episode of Power Book II: Ghost, he made sure to repay Spencer, recognizing her generosity.
Upcoming Developments for Ma and Its Cast
While Paolo’s involvement in a confirmed Ma sequel has not been specified, the upcoming project brings hope for a reunion among the original cast. Produced again by Tate Taylor—who also directed the first film—and John Norris, the sequel aims to continue the story of Spencer’s character, a reclusive mother with hidden motives who connects with a group of teenagers in rural Mississippi.
A representative for Spencer confirmed her return to the sequel, which is set to be a follow-up to the cult favorite that gained traction after its initial release. Production company Blumhouse teased on social media,
Ma fans, lovers, and apologists, this one‘s for you,
along with,
Don’t make her drink alone this time around.
Ma’s Cultural Impact and Spencer’s Career Milestone
Since its release, Ma has become widely recognized on social media, inspiring viral memes and fan-created images placing Spencer’s character in a variety of humorous contexts. The actress herself has engaged with this creative fanbase by sharing some of these playful creations.
The film also marked a notable chapter in Spencer’s career, as she sought to challenge stereotypical roles often assigned to Black actors in the horror genre. She expressed her desire to expand opportunities beyond limited character archetypes:
There are archetypes people only want to see me as,
Spencer said.
So I had to change that for myself [and] the next young woman of color to be able to play every type of role.
This conscientious approach highlights Spencer’s commitment to diversity and representation in film, contributing to her respected status within the industry.
