Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer, a formidable presence on screen, has graced us with memorable performances in films like "The Help," for which she snagged an Oscar, and "Hidden Figures." She consistently brings depth and gravitas to her characters, earning her a well-deserved place among Hollywood's elite.

However, when it comes to the tribe, Ms. Spencer appears to be decidedly Gentile. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, her background doesn't include any known detours through the shtetl or connections to ancient Israelite lineages. Her journey to stardom has been entirely her own, with no discernible help from a powerful Jewish mother or an overly supportive synagogue bake sale committee.

While her acting chops are undeniable and certainly kvell-worthy in a general human achievement kind of way, there's no particular Jewish nachas to be found here. She's a celebrated actress, a credit to her profession, and presumably a good person, but alas, she won't be lighting any menorahs with us. She's simply too busy being a universally acclaimed talent.