Octavia Spencer gets emotional recalling her journey after receiving star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Octavia Spencer, the "Hidden Figures" actor, was overtaken with emotion when she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 8, 2022. The 52-year-old took this occasion to recall her journey in Hollywood and thank everyone who helped her reach success in her career. "To be forever cemented in the mythology of this city and the film industry is an amazing honor. It took me a minute to absorb the profundity of this moment," she said in her speech, reports TODAY. "The culmination of my dreams realized, hard work rewarded after a fair but healthy amount of failure and rejection."

Spencer expressed gratitude to a long list of people who had assisted her during her career. The "Self Made" star went on to recall driving from Alabama to Los Angeles 26 years ago with $3,000, a 48-inch TV, a suitcase and "a heart filled with dreams. This dream." She got visibly emotional talking about that profound moment in her life.

She said, "[What] I didn’t know then 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 concluded by saying, "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." 

Will Ferrell, who co-stars with Spencer in the Christmas film "Spirited," provided some kind words and called out a heckler before Spencer finished her message. "Not on Octavia Day!" said the comic. Speaking at the event, Allison Janney recalled meeting Spencer in 1998 after hearing her "infectious laugh" one day. "That day I decided I had to have Octavia in my life," Janney said. The two went on to collaborate on multiple films, including 2011's "The Help." 

Aubie the Tiger, the mascot of Spencer's alma university, Auburn University, was also present to support her. Viola Davis and her husband, actor Julius Tennon, were in attendance, as was Mekhi Phifer. During the celebration, Davis and Tennon posed for a shot with Spencer. Spencer went on to share images from her big day on Instagram, writing: "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. "