Octavia Spencer gushes about Madame CJ Walker's exemplary feats, lauds Hanks family for coronavirus awareness
'Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker' is coming to Netflix on March 20, 2020, and will start Oscar winner with the titular role of Madam CJ Walker, America's first female self-made millionaire. The four-part mini-series will chronicle the life of the mogul, her career and influence on the haircare industry. African-American entrepreneur is highly celebrated for her ways in building a haircare empire, and this is the first time we see her life unveil in the upcoming streaming service's mini docuseries.
Spencer stars as Sarah Breedlove, known as Madam CJ Walker, chronicle how the hair care pioneer overcame rivalries, marriages and challenges to become the mogul she did. Other cast members include Blair Erwin as Madam CJ's husband CJ Walker, Tiffany Haddish as Walker's daughter Lelia, Carmen Ejogo as Walker's business rival Addie Munroe, Garrett Morris as Walker's father-in-law, Kevin Carroll as her lawyer Freeman Ransom and Bill Bellamy as Ransom's cousin Sweetness.
"Madam CJ's story is fascinating, the fact that she actually existed and was able to, at the turn of the century, amass the world that she did. She's the first self-made female millionaire of any ethnicity in this country and she didn't have the right to vote and she really didn't have the right to own property, and that says a lot about who she was," ET quoted Walker as saying.
The mini-series was inspired by 'On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam CJ Walker', the book written by A'Lelia Bundles, Walker's great-great-granddaughter. Walker's contribution to the hair industry is considered a vital part of history.
Spencer also spoke about what empowers her, saying, "Knowing my value, knowing my worth, knowing that I am trying to contribute for other women to know their value and their worth. Knowing that I create opportunities for people to realize their value and their worth. That empowers me."
During the 'Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker' press tour in New York City on Thursday, Spencer sent her best to Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson who have been affected by the coronavirus. "I'm sending speedy recovery prayers to both of them. I think it's important that Tom and Rita spoke out because they're allowing people to see that this disease, this virus, is non-discriminating and we should protect ourselves at all costs," she said.
All four parts of 'Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker' will stream on Netflix on March 20, 2020.