In The Thick Of It
May 19, 2025 by agutting@reviewjournal.com
Filed under Cover Story, Feature
Michelle Buteau’s star is rising — and her ability to create big laughs is making Hollywood take notice.
Michelle Buteau has established herself as one of the most popular comedians working today — and she is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after writers and producers in Hollywood.
Her acclaimed Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest” — which she stars in, created and executive-produces — is in its second critically-acclaimed season, and last year earned seven NAACP Award nominations.
A scripted comedy based on Buteau’s book of essays, “Survival of the Thickest” centers on Mavis, who unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive — with the support of her chosen family, a body positive attitude, and a cute V-neck with some lip gloss. The multicultural cast includes Tasha Smith, Taylor Sele, Anissa Felix, Garcelle Beauvais, and occasional guest appearances by comedian Deon Cole.
Buteau is now starring in the Netflix comedy special, “A Buteau-Ful Mind,” taped at Radio City Music Hall — making her the first female comic to record a live special at the iconic New York City venue. Her two decades of doing stand-up comedy have blossomed into a creative “rhythmic popping” space that she owns and operates. Her authentic comedic style reaches back to her roots: growing up in Hamilton Township in New Jersey as the only child to two multiculturally blended (father of Haitian descent; mother of Jamaican heritage) parents.
At a moment when diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ rights are being challenged, Buteau uses her work to call out the division and chaos. She is the mother of twins and has been married to Dutch photographer Gijs van der Most since 2010.
On her first Netflix standup comedy special, Buteau joked: “A year ago my husband and I welcomed boy/girl twins. Now, when I go out, I handed one of my babies to someone so I could tie my shoe. My husband asked, ‘Do you know her?’ I said, ‘No, she’s Black. We family.’”
