Best Of: Comic Michelle Buteau / Emily Nussbaum On Reality TV
Jul 6, 2024
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Comedian Michelle Buteau stars in Babes, taking comedic inspiration from real motherhood experiences. Emily Nussbaum discusses Love is Blind's working conditions for cast members, shedding light on reality TV challenges. Ken Tucker revisits Steely Dan's Pretzel Logic album for its 50th anniversary.
Michelle Buteau embraced her role in 'Babes' with honesty and humor, despite initial hesitation.
Buteau navigated male-dominated comedy spaces, emphasizing growth through challenging performances.
Deep dives
Overview of Michelle Buteau's Acting and Comedy Career
Michelle Buteau, known for her roles in the movie Babes and the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest, discusses her journey in comedy and acting. Initially hesitant about her role in Babes, she eventually embraced it, showcasing a mix of honesty and humor in her performances. Buteau talks candidly about her body positivity and the importance of self-acceptance, reflecting on her evolution in the industry.
Challenges Faced by Comedians on the Road
Starting out in stand-up comedy, Michelle Buteau navigated various venues from laundromats to strip clubs, often in male-dominated spaces. She emphasized seeking opportunities to perform even when faced with challenging audiences, viewing each experience as a chance to grow and refine her craft. Buteau's approach involved leaving a lasting impact through her performances, prioritizing the delivery of a stellar set.
Navigating Male-Dominated Industries in Comedy and TV News
Michelle Buteau reflects on the male-dominated nature of both the comedy world and the TV news industry where she initially worked. Amidst potential challenges and discrimination, she prioritized delivering exceptional performances and commanding respect through her work. Buteau's focus was on leaving a lasting impression with her comedy, rather than engaging in confrontations or negotiations for fair treatment.
Personal Growth and Career Progression
Michelle Buteau discusses her journey in comedy, highlighting the evolution of her material and performances over time. Embracing self-deprecating humor and candid storytelling, she found her unique voice in the stand-up scene. Buteau's experiences on the road contributed to her growth, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and pushing boundaries to refine her comedic style.
Comedian Michelle Buteau stars in the new comedy Babes, which follows best friends as they take different paths toward motherhood. It was a role Buteau had to be talked into doing by her real life friend and co-star Ilana Glazer because, at the time, she was already in the thick of living out her character's life as the mother of twin babies.
Also, we'll talk with New Yorker staff writer Emily Nussbaum about working conditions for cast members on the popular reality TV show Love is Blind.
And Ken Tucker Rock critic Ken Tucker revisits Steely Dan's 1974 album Pretzel Logic, on its 50th anniversary.