Octavia Spencer & Jessica Chastain - The Help Interview

Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain didn't hesitate when it came to taking roles in "The Help." The film, set in MIssissippi during the 1960s, is based on the wildly popular best-selling novel about a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends' lives - and a small Mississippi town - upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families.
Bonnie Laufer from www.tribute.ca spoke with Octavia and Jessica about what it meant for them to be a part of this film, the delicious food that was ALWAYS on set and the important message the film delivers.

[@alyzak.8997]

Jessica blew me away in the help. You couldn't even recognize her. That's when you know she's a good actress

[@TheGemini5]

I was gonna say the exact same thing! My respect went up tenfold!

[@TheSasipum]

I was thinking the same thing she is much different from the movie.

[@bossbabylamarr3347]

Right , cause first seeing this video , I didn’t know that was her that played cecila, that’s what I call acting

[@TheCRYSTALLURE]

That and the fact that she was opposite Bryce Dallas Howard. I always confuse them (not because idk who they are but when I think of one I picture the other & Vice versa) 😅

[@queserai]

jessica looks so attentive towards octavia :) showing pure respect towards each other. octavia was amazing in the help.

[@Deepstarr7020]

You know how you can tell Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain really have great chemistry ....they let each other talk and they listen.

[@meggiebeth3202]

They're so different in real life! Jessica Chastain looks and sounds nothing like Celia, that's for sure!

[@Miumiu0404]

MeggieBeth Isn't that what's so amazing about good actresses? They totally transform into different characters. I love it :)

[@billcipher9024]

I guess white people had that accent in them back in the 60s

[@artdecotimes2942]

@@billcipher9024 that would be thw wrong guess, thats the hollwood movie accent that modern day for some reason thinks women sounded like, because they are so sure that we spoke exactly the same as today but with ridiculous linguals. You know that mid Atlantic accent, real life accent in the 1930s to 1960s was that, although not so "detective, funny seeing you here I had just left the shop on south of boulevard when I saw what happened" kinda drama. Its called the Transatlantic accent.

[@larafranke1802]

​@@artdecotimes2942I am very bad at pointing out accents, but I wanted to mention that if I remember correctly the character Celia came from somewhere else then the other ones. Sugarditch or something like this?

[@brysiax3]

​@@larafranke1802yeah, I think Sugarditch was a village close to Jacksonville

[@caramelcoffees]

two great actresses. Octavia deserved her oscar and Jessica is looking overdue for one. both seem like they type you would want as a friend

[@georgerobbins3198]

I was so hoping they would tie for the supporting Oscar.

[@Prieze868]

Definitely Jessica Chastain is overdue for an Oscar as well mini octave you was amazing love her

[@Prieze868]

@@georgerobbins3198 I think October had more lines and more dramatic pass but Jessica was amazing playing that woman

[@TheApplesauce1992]

these two are the reason i rewatch this movie

[@deborahsawyer5609]

Minnie and celias friendship was so heartwarming. It's like they needed each other , and at the end of the movie gave each other the strength to improve their lives.

[@robertcarrillo100]

Celia's character honestly inspires me to become a better person.

[@mattthompson6281]

I love octavia spencer!!! The entire Help cast looked like they got along so well off camera, and that's why it shinned so well on camer

[@Miumiu0404]

Ms. Octavia is such an underrated actress. Before The Help, I've watched some of her films and tv shows. She had minor or small roles and even with those kind of roles, she still nails it. She's an amazing actor. I'm happy The Help put her to the spot light that she deserves.

[@SYDsyd444]

Doll Face she’s not underatted, she’s been everywhere

[@priscillajimenez27]

Before the help I only knew her from wizards of Waverly place lol

[@thefwordprod]

you can tell they really enjoy each others company. Look at Jessica's body language how she's leaning in toward Octavia.

[@carleavesceo709]

Minny and Celia made the film a success in my eyes. They both needed each other. They had bonded with each other. Jessica, you looked so good as a blonde and that Southern accent, wow !!!!!

[@chaundrawilliams6954]

Here it is 2024 and the shorts that kept coming up in my YT feed over the last several days finally “forced” me to stay up till 4:15 am to watch the movie again 😜😜😜. I had ONLY seen it ONCE since its release in 2011. So of course, I laughed…shed a few tears for sure... Was still pissed all over again too-no doubt. Loved BOTH these ladies, but I do love me some Octavia! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥰🥰🥰

[@mrs8792]

I absolutely loved these two characters. Absolutely precious.

[@TP-xy2ms]

Jessica is the reason why I love southern women who fought against the racism.

[@Olivia_4444]

It was a stellar cast, but Jessica had my heart. Held it, crumbled it, everything. Brilliant performance.

[@NadineBeex]

I absolutely loved this movie, I loved both of their characters and cried like a baby at some of their scenes together

[@littlelionman04]

"I cleared away that chicken every take. *nods*" Oh, Octavia. You're just wonderful.

[@exitcheese]

now one of my favorite films.

[@smacbot]

These two were the best part of an amazing film!

[@rutakarentuumatavai4006]

Awesome character in this film, she is such an inspiration. Love this film!!

[@ztgninwod42]

just saw that movie, oh man!!! I love it... so inspiration!!! colors are in one!

[@AlexS-oj8qf]

Jessica and Bryce TOGETHER??! OMG!

[@The7MISSFITS]

i love these two together! so funny and enjoyable to watch.

[@thecatman4ever]

Such a great interview. Octavia & Jessica were my favorite actresses from "The Help"

[@lulylunathree]

they really are my favorite characters even though it's incredibly hard to choose. it's such an amazing movie that makes you laugh and makes you cry about a million times. minnie and celia are especially amazing because of the bond that they have. both looks so pretty here in this interview and it's nice to hear from them about their feeling about everything! great video!

[@NewyorkRican2191]

These two beautiful and talented women!!

[@1LHPrincess]

Octavia did an extremely great job answering these questions!

[@aimisyazni8301]

Two of my favourite actresses in one shot ❤

[@queentera9505]

Both of them always make me smile, I loved them the most.❤

[@infinite8885]

Jessie is the most beautiful person in my eyes , she is an amazing actor and has the prettiest features

[@suadpolashek6400]

I loved Octavia, Jessica, and Viola so so much in this movie and I must read the book someday, that's for sure.

[@elizabethgeoghegan5167]

They made the movie for me. Loved the film, but their performances were so touching.

[@Krista-b2r]

This was an amazing movie all these woman were great!!!

[@siegeaye]

EAT MY SHIT!!! - That was a crackup, best person to play the part

[@kapuoa]

This was 12 years ago, so 2012. When Jessica says "We've still got a ways to go,, she couldn't've IMAGINED the regression the country went through just a very few years later.

[@artsylovelylady]

Two great performances. They deserve their recognition in this year's awards season.

[@melvincole1711]

Still one of my favorite movies!!!

[@gpeddino]

Both were amazing in the movie. I personally prefer Jessica's performance, but I think Octavia is getting the Oscar.

[@lorraineleschinsky8616]

I loved this movie so much. I laughed. I cried. I was beyond angry.

[@caseyh8386]

Minny was the absolute best 😭 ♥ Celia needed a strong friend like her, instead of those weak willed sheep that followed Hilly's every command

[@SandyRed881]

I loved Mrs. Celia Foote! Sis killed em in that dress at the fundraiser too! Loved Minnie and Celia!

[@Damnstermachine]

I wanted the both of them to win the Oscars! But congratulations Octavia!

[@priscillajimenez27]

And Viola

[@rietakahashi3820]

This movie became one of my favorite.such a great movie

[@littlemissblackdress7587]

Octavia and Jessica are the best thing about this great movie.

[@kirarasmom4274]

We must have empathy with boundaries. Empaths attracts narcissist with out boundaries.

[@chazlenz1]

they are both really pretty,smart and great actors !!! I love this movie

[@chelsearobichaud3717]

Honestly they were my two favorite out the movie.

[@Oddbisket]

Celia wasn't colour blind. She grew up poor and had a ruthless give them hell attitude but was just as lonely as Minnie. They were just on the opposite sides of the female spectrum... Celia ooozed sexuality and was brave by jumping into situations without fear and Minnie was the nurturer but feared sexuality and men in general but also cautious fly under the radar with a snappy temper but was able to meet everyones nurturer needs. Both aspects of strength, femininity, courage and intellect.

[@audreyadams9498]

lol i think I'll melt if Jessica looked at me like that 😀😍

[@alexandrebertrand-lafleur3114]

I love how Octavia quote: Eat my shit! when Hilly eat two slices of the pie

[@devinmarks8571]

Hello there my great great grandmothers name is Lafleur

[@alexandrebertrand-lafleur3114]

@@devinmarks8571 Where your great great grandmom was born?

[@somberrose85]

lol i didn't recognize celia at all

[@DrClaw-y2l]

IF YOU CRY, I'M GONNA CRY!!!

[@Christianna73]

Amazing acting thank-you ❤

[@SandraMorris51]

Same here-loved them the best and in the film they were my favorite characters.

[@pallabimaitralifestyle3489]

My favourite movie of all times! Everyone should watch it, its as serious as is entertaining!!!

[@PianoMan1191]

Jessica Chastain = most gorgeous redhead ever.

[@NightOwlReader2790]

My favorite characters in the movie are Celia, Skeeter, and Abilene. It's good that Minnie knows how to stick up for herself and all, but sometimes I feel like she just does it too much. I love Celia and Skeeter, obviously because they are both colorblind and very kind to everyone in the movie/book. Abilene is like Minnie's better half, or softer and more non-temperamental half. She is also a very motherly and brave character. Jessica said something that really hit home too, "We got a ways to go

[@Littlething41]

@suehale52 I love that the actresses keep focusing on how strong the WOMEN were to come together and make a difference. I've seen interviews where people want to talk about the issue between the races during that time which has been beaten like a dead horse and it's apparent in the movie but let's talk about how strong these women were and I like that the actresses go back to that.

[@priscillajimenez27]

Exactly thank you

[@jeanjean2033]

Octavia Spencer was fabulous

[@patriciarobinson5909]

Amazing book! Amazing movie! More amazing actresses!

[@biddyalexis2309]

Shud definitely have a part 2!!

[@TheFiown]

I grew up in a Scottish village never seeing a black person then went to London for an interview when I was 17 and suddenly there were many and on going home I kept telling people that the best dressed people in London were black, I loved the way they wore fashion. On starting college I had no preconceived ideas of race, we were all mixed up and one day a teacher asked us if we had 'black' friends, I said no and one of my best friends Paul hit me on the arm and said ' oh so we are not friends', I just hadn't 'labelled' him. Later in life I would meet racism and just could not understand it at all. In Europe we have absolutely no idea of what the coloured community went through for all those years. One of my best friends, a black american singer told me that when she was a kid they had moved to a new neighbourhood and at thanksgiving the neighbours took them baskets of food thinking that being black they were poor. Her mother invited them in to show the house and the full kitchen and thanked them all the same. I still hear people saying things like 'they are black how can they afford this big house/car, they must be dealing drugs' sort of thing.

[@asiaatiyanna2122]

Thank you for sharing❤️❤️

[@priscillajimenez27]

I've seen videos of african kids seeing a white person for the time. Their reactions are pretty funny. Even some asians, seeing a black person for the first time, they're like whoa. For me I grew up around most races of people so it wasnt anything new to me, and I assumed that with our globalized world now, that mostly everyone has diversity exposure until I realized not every country does.

[@TheFiown]

@@priscillajimenez27 I got married in India to an Indian and when we went to a village in the middle of no where to see his uncle who was a priest, the people hadn't seen a white blond blue eyed woman before and after 20 minutes I was surrounded by little kids holding my hand and touching me. My husbands family was annoyed but I loved it. Everywhere I went in India I had a dozen kids and a couple of dogs by my side, it was great, I miss it.

[@priscillajimenez27]

@@TheFiown despite once being a British colony, a village in the middle of nowhere I guess that makes sense. Sounds like they saw you as an angel 😇

[@TheFiown]

@@priscillajimenez27 Before my first trip to India I was aware as a Brit that we could be seen as invaders so I was quite surprised on talking with many Indians that they contrary to what I imagined actually were grateful for the infrastructure that came with the colonisation. Of course the generation I spoke with had no views, little information on the downside, the sometimes terrible things the British did in India. They saw, as we should, only the good that remained. They told me that they would not have schools, or universities or railways if it had not been for the British. I went back three times and I miss it today, I always imagined spending my last days there and then being burnt.

[@samwright8599]

Octavia is so wonderful

[@anitalong6892]

Octavia you go girl! Jessica thank you. its not right....i cant understand y y y is still happening! so sorry for women with color double minority! We got to break the glass ceiling ....come together...be kind

[@NoraGermain]

women are actually the majority but we forget that sometimes

[@yuckyool]

Frickin'g great movie. Worth seeing a 2nd time to watch how the characters arc. Especially Viola Davis' exhausting, sadness, hurt and eventually triumph (she's kind of amazing in "Fences" too).

[@wickedwitchoftheeast88]

The book is fantastic. I'd really recommend reading it. In the book Minny and Celia's relationship builds up slowly as they get to know each other. And Johnny is featured in it a bit more than the film.

[@passpass2847]

I remember watch the movie yes they both steal the Show for me.. they friendship like everything.. best part when celia cook for meenie

[@AndreMaquisard]

This great movie opens me Jessica Chastain. Perfect actress.

[@musicalman1995]

Octavia is gorgeous

[@ivke32]

i was so happy when Minnie burned her chicken at the end! xD

[@tracyfortune3297]

I grew up a white girl in the 70's. I never had any racist views. I never thought of skin colour. I guess I thank my family for that.

[@lomilonga3446]

You both were soooooo amazing😍

[@TheGabyshaki]

Hermosa pelicula! amo su elenco, perfectos actores!

[@asselnur]

Просто обожаю этот фильм Все актрисы 👍👍👍

[@jasonme2u]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!

[@Rwienemann2944]

It's a great movie

[@keanefar0]

Celia (and of course Minny) were the best in the book.

[@JSimbaMusic]

she looked so good in the help

[@TierraRuth]

Such beautiful intelligent women.

[@Holden2003hr]

Just finished the book and I loved it. Is the movie worth it?

[@priscillajimenez27]

YES

[@dorothydanridge]

@1LHPrincess Thank you minister for clearing that up for me. I stand corrected.

[@SuperJodanse]

jessica chastain is gorgeous

[@caribman10]

Octavia is a really sexy actress who seldom gets the chance to show that aspect of her talent.

[@Fruitkiwi]

hahaha octavia spencer was so good in 30 rock. not even trolling it was amazing

[@amypatton6730]

Minnie was my favorite character.

[@nael65]

Love Jessica!

[@dorothydanridge]

@1LHPrincess You sound as if you're surprised? Were you also surprised that Jessica answered the questions so well?

[@nl4064]

celia was incredible

[@2sassy324you]

Two beautiful women

[@amypatton6730]

Celia was my second favorite character next to Minnie

[@mirroredhour]

Jessica did the best!!!

[@Hizirana]

Octavia ❤

[@MISAMISAisme]

She is amazing in Jolene!

[@texanlady4]

When you look into this friendship and find out that the woman who played Hilly threatened to quit and willingly took on being blackballed in order for the actress who played “Millie” to continue on as a society maiden you have to accept that “Millie” is in the best situation she could hope to be considering her nonexistent moral foundation to begin with.

[@isabelcornejo1689]

Isn't Jessica Chasstain From Mama?

[@greencherrybutterfly]

Isabel Cornejo yes, she is.

[@MrWhit-mp2vn]

And Octavia is from Ma.

[@catnip824]

I wonder how the parts of Jolene and Celia would've been different if the actresses playing them had been reversed--Jessica Chastain as Jolene French, and Anna Camp as Celia Foote?

[@annemccarron2281]

It was an excellent book and movie. I grew up in the south. I wish every black & white person back then and even today cared about each other like these two did. I never witnessed that kind of repect back in the 50s and 60s wh3n I grew up. There is prejudice even today. Glad I didn't raise my kids in the south. They don't know much about prejudice. I showed them the movie "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" back in the 90s and they didn't understand it. They kept saying, "What's the big deal, Mom? " They were raised in a muticultural neighborhood & went to multicultural schools and had friends from varied ethnic groups. They don't see color.

[@reynaldobumatayjr.3678]

yup

[@kobaltocr6927]

❤

[@speakingtherealtruth]

I really think the interviews given by the movie's stars just put you off the movie! They try to explain their own perceptions of the characters instead of just following the scrip and just ruin it!