MadamC.J. Walkeris one of the most quintessentially American figures who ever lived. In a historical time fraught with post-slavery racial biases, sexism, and social regression, Walker built a business dedicated to the underserved market of African-American hair care, and became the first female self-made millionaire in the process. Now,Octavia Spenceris telling her story in a four-part Netflix original series:Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker. And we’ve got the first look for the series.
Spencer, who also produced the series (alongsideLeBron James!), stars as Walker throughout her fascinating, revolutionary life. Also starring in the show isBlair Underwoodas Walker’s husband,Tiffany Haddishas her daughter,Carmen Ejogoas her business rival,Garrett Morrisas her father-in-law,Kevin Carrollas her lawyer, andBill Bellamyas Carroll’s cousin. The limited series, based on a book written by Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, will be run byElle Johnson(Bosch) andJanine Sherman Barrois(Claws) and directed byKasi Lemmons(Harriet) andDeMane Davis.(Queen Sugar).
Check out the first images fromSelf Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walkerbelow. The limited series drops on Netflix August 03, 2025. For more on Spencer, here’s herTruth Be Toldinterview. Plus, the latesttrailer forDolittle, in which she plays a character named, of course, Dab-Dab.
