I had a very strong mother: Octavia Spencer

Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer's mother never got to see her daughter's success in Hollywood but her lessons continue to inspire and shape the actress.
Spencer revealed that she lost her mother, Dellsena, when was just 18 while speaking on The Jess Cagle Interview.
Spencer, 46, says Dellsena, a single mom, worked as a maid and at other odd jobs to provide for her seven children. Her mother also ensured that her kids were sheltered from bigotry and boundaries, reported the Entertainment Weekly.
"I had a very strong mom who made me and my sisters understand that there were no limitations on our lives except what we placed on ourselves," Spencer says.

"She taught us to see people as people. All people. Taught us to understand our place in the world. And our place in the world is, if you want to be a leader, you can be that. There was no glass ceiling until I got into the real world and realized there are glass ceilings everywhere!"
Spencer credits her mother with preparing her for Hollywood by teaching her that she was able to do anything.
"I think she gave me the necessary foundation to be able to do what I do. I think you have to have blind faith in yourself and your ability. You have to not know that there's a wall there because if you're constantly looking for barriers, then they will be there.