Maria Bakalova reveals she spoke with her Borat 2 ‘babysitter’ Jeanise Jones

Borat 2 star Maria Bakalova may have been playing the fictional character of Tutar in Sacha Baron Cohen‘s sequel, but she had a real impact on another star of the film, Jeanise Jones, who had just as strong an impact on her.

Bakalova, 24, who has become a true Oscar contender for her performance as Borat’s daughter, spoke with The Los Angeles Times, revealing that they re-connected over Thanksgiving.

The Bulgarian-born actress and model called the 62-year-old Jones from Oklahoma City a, ‘true angel’ while revealing the impact Jones had on her.

Impact: Borat 2 star Maria Bakalova may have been playing the fictional character of Tutar in Sacha Baron Cohen’s sequel, but she had a real impact on another star of the film, Jeanise Jones, who had just as strong an impact on her

Oscar contender: Bakalova, 24, who has become a true Oscar contender for her performance as Borat's daughter, spoke with The Los Angeles Times, revealing that they re-connected over Thanksgiving

Oscar contender: Bakalova, 24, who has become a true Oscar contender for her performance as Borat’s daughter, spoke with The Los Angeles Times, revealing that they re-connected over Thanksgiving

‘I will probably always think of her as my godmother, a real hero and life coach. She just wanted to help this girl become a strong woman,’ Bakalova said.

She added they had, ‘a real human connection from the very first day we met,’ adding, ‘I called her on Thanksgiving: It was my first American Thanksgiving and was also my best. 

‘I was so happy to talk to her that I started to cry. When we were shooting, it was very hard for me, because I wanted to tell her not to worry about me,’ Bakalova said.

Life coach: 'I will probably always think of her as my godmother, a real hero and life coach. She just wanted to help this girl become a strong woman,' Bakalova said

Life coach: ‘I will probably always think of her as my godmother, a real hero and life coach. She just wanted to help this girl become a strong woman,’ Bakalova said

‘She is a really good example of how important it is to be a good person and care about others,’ Bakalova added.

Just days after the movie was released in late October on Amazon Prime Video, Jones said in an interview with The New York Post that she felt ‘betrayed’ that Tutar’s plight was fictional.

‘I’m feeling like she’s from the Third World and that kind of stuff does happen where they sell women. I’m thinking this is for real so I felt kind of betrayed by it,’ Jones said.

Betrayed: Just days after the movie was released in late October on Amazon Prime Video, Jones said in an interview with The New York Post that she felt 'betrayed' that Tutar's plight was fictional

Betrayed: Just days after the movie was released in late October on Amazon Prime Video, Jones said in an interview with The New York Post that she felt ‘betrayed’ that Tutar’s plight was fictional

Baron Cohen himself would end up donating $100,000 to the Oklahoma City community Jones is a part of, which will be distributed by her church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church at Jones’ request.

The funds have been set aside for shelter, food and any other needs the community has, while Jones herself has seen an outpouring of support come her way.

Jones’ pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Derrick Scobey, set up a GoFundMe to help her, since she lost her job of 32 years due to COVID-19. 

Donation: Baron Cohen himself would end up donating $100,000 to the Oklahoma City community Jones is a part of, which will be distributed by her church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church at Jones' request

Donation: Baron Cohen himself would end up donating $100,000 to the Oklahoma City community Jones is a part of, which will be distributed by her church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church at Jones’ request

Fans have raised over $184,000 in just over two months for Jones, nearly twice the original goal of $100,000. 

Bakalova was recently upgraded to the lead actress category for the Golden Globes, after being submitted in the supporting actress category.

Nominations for the 78th Annual Golden Globes will be announced on February 3. 

Lead actress: Bakalova was recently upgraded to the lead actress category for the Golden Globes, after being submitted in the supporting actress category

Lead actress: Bakalova was recently upgraded to the lead actress category for the Golden Globes, after being submitted in the supporting actress category