Borat 2 star Maria Bakalova may have played the fictional character of Tutar in the sequel to Sacha Baron Cohen, but it had a real impact on another star in the film, Jeanise Jones, who had an equally strong impact on her.
Bakalova, 24, who became a true Oscar candidate for her role as Borat’s daughter, spoke to The Los Angeles Times, revealing that they reconnected on Thanksgiving Day.
The Bulgarian actress and model called Jones, 62, of Oklahoma City, 62, a ‘true angel’, while revealing the impact that Jones had on her.
Impact: Borat 2 star Maria Bakalova may have played the fictional character of Tutar in the sequel to Sacha Baron Cohen, but it had a real impact on another film star, Jeanise Jones, who had an equally strong impact on her
Oscar candidate: Bakalova, 24, who became a true Oscar candidate for her role as Borat’s daughter, spoke to The Los Angeles Times, revealing that they reconnected on Thanksgiving Day
“I will probably always think of her as my godmother, a true heroine and life coach. She just wanted to help this girl become a strong woman, ‘said Bakalova.
She added that they had ‘a real human connection from the first day we met’, adding: ‘I called her on Thanksgiving: it was my first American Thanksgiving and it was also my best.
‘I was so happy to talk to her that I started to cry. When we were filming, it was very difficult for me, because I wanted to tell her not to worry about me, ‘said Bakalova.
Life coach: ‘I will probably always think of her as my godmother, a true hero and life coach. She just wanted to help this girl become a strong woman, ‘said Bakalova
“She is a really good example of how important it is to be a good person and to care about others,” added Bakalova.
A few days after the film was released in late October on Amazon Prime Video, Jones said in an interview with The New York Post that she felt ‘betrayed’ because Tutar’s situation was fictional.
“I’m feeling like she’s from the Third World and that kind of thing happens when they sell women. I’m thinking this is real, so I felt kind of betrayed by it, ‘said Jones.
Betrayed: A few days after the film was released in late October on Amazon Prime Video, Jones said in an interview with The New York Post that he felt ‘betrayed’ that Tutar’s situation was fictional.
Baron Cohen himself would end up donating $ 100,000 to the Oklahoma City community of which Jones is a member, which will be distributed by his church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, at Jones’ request.
The funds were set aside for shelter, food and any other needs of the community, while Jones herself saw a wave of support reaching her.
Jones’ pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Derrick Scobey, set up a GoFundMe to help her, as she lost her 32-year job due to COVID-19.
Donation: Baron Cohen himself would end up donating $ 100,000 to the Oklahoma City community of which Jones is a member, which will be distributed by his church, Ebenezer Baptist Church at Jones’ request
Fans raised over $ 184,000 in just two months for Jones, almost double the original $ 100,000 goal.
Bakalova was recently promoted to the category of leading actress at the Golden Globe Awards, after being entered in the category of supporting actress.
Nominations for the 78th Annual Golden Globe will be announced on February 3.
Lead actress: Bakalova was recently promoted to the Golden Globes lead actress category after being entered in the supporting actress category