LeBron James helped Octavia Spencer secure pay parity

Actor Octavia Spencer has revealed NBA superstar Lebron James helped her receive equal pay for "Madam C J Walker".

James is serving as the executive producer on the limited series with his SpringHill Entertainment partner Maverick Carter.

The series is based on the book "On Her Own Ground" by A'Lelia Bundles, Walker's great-great-granddaughter, who will also serve as a consultant on the series.

''I have to say, when I was negotiating my deal for 'Madam C J Walker', LeBron James had to intervene. So we need all our male counterparts to be in the fight with us," Spencer told IndieWire.

The actor said it is important to be open and honest about pay in order to address the current imbalance between male and female actors.

''I think my goal is to make sure that all women of colour get equal pay, and all women get equal pay. The only way to do it is to have these conversations, to talk numbers with your co-stars.''