Gianni Paolo Opens Up About Octavia Spencer’s Game-Changing Support
Gianni Paolo is opening up about a Hollywood gesture that completely changed his career.
In the latest episode of Harry Jowsey’s “Boyfriend Material” podcast, the “Power” star revealed that his Ma co-star, Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer, once gave him $10,000 so he could hire a publicist.
At the time, Paolo was 29, struggling to headline in Hollywood, hustling for bigger roles, and $20,000 in debt.
Publicist fees — often around $5,000 a month — were out of reach.
“I didn’t have any money for a publicist… I just can’t spend $5,000 a month for a publicist,” Paolo admitted.
The Dinner Conversation That Changed Everything
Paolo recalled the moment it happened.
Octavia invited the Ma cast over for dinner and brought up the upcoming press tour.
She stressed the importance of having a publicist, but Paolo was honest — he couldn’t afford one.
“That was on like a Friday,” Paolo said.
“On Monday, she had called her publicist, paid for it completely, and then set me up with her whole team.”
Paying Her Back — And Paying It Forward
Octavia Spencer never asked for the money back, but Paolo wasn’t about to let her generosity go unmatched.
“When I booked ‘Power‘, I shot my first episode, got my first paycheck… and then I wired her the money back,” he explained.
It’s a story that reminds us just how much one act of kindness can change a life.
Ma 2 Is Official — But Will Gianni Return?
This reveal comes just months after Blumhouse announced a sequel to the 2019 hit Ma, with Octavia Spencer set to reprise her haunting role.
“Giving you more MA to meme about. It’s official, @octaviaspencer returns in MA 2,” the production company shared on Instagram.
Spencer added, “It’s going to be aMAzing.”
Related: Blumhouse Confirms ‘Ma 2’ With Octavia Spencer Returning As The Killer Party Host
While it hasn’t been confirmed if Paolo will return as Chaz in the sequel, fans are already hoping to see him back on screen alongside Spencer.
🔥 Would you like to see Gianni Paolo back in Ma 2?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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