RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: May 25, 1972

Background: Spencer was born in Montgomery, Alabama and attended Auburn University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts.

Filmography: She made her film debut in the legal drama "A Time to Kill" in 1996 and subsequently made numerous television appearances: "ER," "Moesha," "Chicago Hope," "The X-Files," "Just Shoot Me," and "Malcolm in the Middle," among others. A character actress who frequently appears in comic roles, she has appeared in the films "Never Been Kissed," "Blue Streak," "Big Momma's House," "Bad Santa," and "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton." In recent years she appeared in recurring roles on "Ugly Betty" and "Raising the Bar" and was featured on the Comedy Central series "Halfway Home." This year she appears in the period comedy "The Help" opposite Viola Davis and Emma Stone.

Academy Awards: Win - Best Supporting Actress ("The Help," 2011)

Golden Globes: Win - Best Film Supporting Actress ("The Help," 2012)

SAG Awards: Wins - Best Film Ensemble ("The Help," 2012); Best Film Supporting Actress ("The Help," 2012)