The Gist Michelle Buteau: An Achievable Beyonce
Dec 30, 2025
Michelle Buteau, a comedian and actress known for her Netflix special and standout performances, shares her journey from editing grim news at WNBC to headlining Radio City Music Hall as the first woman of color. She humorously explores being the 'achievable Beyoncé' for everyday folks, the challenges of crafting roast jokes, and the anxieties of visiting a reptile sanctuary high on edibles. Buteau also opens up about her five-year IVF struggle and the significance of balancing humor with personal experiences in her career.
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Record-Setting Radio City Decision
- Michelle Buteau described selling out Radio City and deciding to record there to break ceilings for women of color in comedy.
- She emphasized choosing a large iconic venue to make a global Netflix audience feel like they were in New York with her.
Stage For Intimacy In Big Venues
- When filming a special, do multiple shows to edit the best bits and create intimacy in a big venue.
- Use staging elements like a rug to draw the audience's eye and make large spaces feel warmer.
Balance And Craft Define Strong Comedy
- Buteau says good comedy balances self-deprecation with making fun of others and that comics develop their own recipe over time.
- Roasts succeed when they both cut you down and lift you up, requiring careful craft, not laziness.