Before Halle Berry met Ivana Chubbuck, Berry was a beautiful star, but not considered by Hollywood to be a serious actress. Then Berry met Chubbuck.
Berry asked Chubbuck to help her with her role in the movie Monster's Ball. For about two years, the 49-year-old acting coach prodded and the gorgeous star absorbed the raw and gritty character.
"I asked her if she was ready to push the envelope," said Chubbuck.
Berry was. On Sunday night, she won an Oscar for best actress, the first black woman to receive the honor. During her emotional acceptance speech, she thanked her coach.
"I could never have figured who this lady was without you," Berry said.
Chubbuck, already overwhelmed watching her pupil walk up the stage a winner, fell into a daze.
Her husband hugged her. Her daughter congratulated her. She'd eschewed the Oscar party invitations for some peace at home -- Chubbuck has developed a hefty reputation in Los Angeles among Hollywood's brightest actors. She counts Sharon Stone and Jon Voight among her students.
After Berry's televised thank-you, Chubbuck's phone started ringing.
"More than 150 times Sunday night," she said. "And at least that many today. I can't believe it. I've been written about in national magazines for years. I guess there's nothing like the Academy Awards ceremony."