LITTLE ROCK — Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer promised Alabama fans Wednesday that she would do everything possible to make sure some of her future movies are made in her home state. Spencer, who won this year’s best-supporting actress Oscar for her performance as the maid Minny in The Help, told the crowd in Montgomery that her home would always be in Alabama. Wearing a purple dress, she rode up to the Statehouse in a pink limousine where she was serenaded by the band from her alma mater, Jefferson Davis High School. She even paused for a moment to lead the band. The Montgomery native thanked state Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, for sponsoring a bill, approved by the state House, to increase the incentives that the state offers for movies to be made in Alabama. The bill was approved later Wednesday by the Senate. Multiple speakers, including Gov. Robert Bentley and leaders of the House and Senate, greeted Spencer at a joint session of the Legislature. Bentley proclaimed Wednesday as Octavia Spencer Day in Alabama. Spencer was guest of honor at a reception at a Montgomery hotel later, and Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange presented her with a key to the city. Strange invited Spencer to return often to her hometown.
The party is on hold for The Situation. The Jersey Shorecast member is getting treatment for prescription medication use. Mike Sorrentino said he’s voluntarily seeking to “take control” of medication he was taking to deal with exhaustion. The 29-year-old reality star made the admission on Facebook and his personal website after gossip sites reported he was in rehabilitation. He said he has “spent the past several weeks getting treatment for this problem and recuperating from my work and appearance schedule.” He didn’t specify the medication. An e-mail from MTV said the network was “looking forward” to the entire cast returning for its sixth season.
Front Section, Pages 2 on 03/23/2012