Michelle Buteau on Comedy, Community and Calling Out Dave Chappelle
Mar 31, 2025
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Michelle Buteau, a dynamic comedian, writer, and multi-talented star of 'Survival of the Thickest,' discusses her path in comedy and representation in entertainment. She shares her journey as the first woman to record a special at Radio City Music Hall. Buteau candidly addresses her call-out of Dave Chappelle regarding his transgender jokes, emphasizing community responsibility in comedy. She delves into navigating body positivity, motherhood, and her commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, all while reflecting on the importance of humor in today's climate.
Michelle Buteau's 'Survival of the Thickest' showcases her commitment to diversity and representation in entertainment through personal storytelling.
Buteau emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her comedy and writing, turning insecurities into relatable narratives for her audience.
She calls out the responsibility of comedians regarding their portrayals of marginalized communities, advocating for inclusivity and understanding in humor.
Deep dives
Michelle Buteau's Impact in Comedy and Media
Michelle Buteau has made a significant mark in the comedy world, becoming the first female comic to record a stand-up special at Radio City Music Hall. Her comedy style is characterized as dynamic and big-hearted, resonating widely with audiences. Notably, her Netflix series 'Survival of the Thickest' reflects the themes of joy and community while addressing societal issues like body positivity and representation. Buteau emphasizes that humor serves as a powerful tool for social commentary, bringing fresh perspectives to the conversation often dominated by politics.
Exploring Diversity and Representation in Storytelling
In 'Survival of the Thickest,' Michelle Buteau highlights the importance of diversity and representation in entertainment. The show grew from her personal essays, showcasing a size-inclusive stylist aiming to redefine fashion standards for all body types. Buteau advocates for telling stories that reflect the true fabric of society, as she shares her experiences of navigating the challenges of being a woman of color in the entertainment industry. This narrative framework not only entertains but also empowers viewers to embrace their identities.
Personal Journey: The Challenges and Triumphs
Buteau discusses the challenges she faced on her path to success, including initial reservations about her writing and doubts instigated by external judgments. She recounts how the journey of motherhood and her IVF experience fueled her creativity, leading her to finally embrace her voice in writing. With support from industry colleagues and her own determination, Buteau turned her insecurities into relatable storytelling within her comedy and on-screen narratives. This personal evolution underscores her belief in the importance of authenticity in artistic expression.
Pushing Back Against Societal Norms
Throughout the discussion, Buteau articulates her disdain for the portrayal of marginalized communities in humor, specifically calling out the lack of responsibility among some prominent comedians for their hurtful jokes. Her stance exemplifies the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the impact of words on society. By integrating varied voices, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, into her work, she challenges the traditional narratives that often overshadow marginalized identities. This commitment to inclusivity ultimately aims to foster understanding and acceptance in a divided culture.
Manifesting Change Through Art and Connection
Buteau values the power of storytelling as a vehicle for change, emphasizing that art can reshape conversations surrounding identity, community, and acceptance. She shares her experiences from both stand-up and her Netflix series, asserting that connecting with audiences on a personal level is key to affecting positive change. Engaging in dynamic storytelling allows her to build a supportive community that uplifts diverse voices. In her multifaceted career, Buteau aims not only for personal success but also to empower others by creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the industry.
Comedian Michelle Buteau is a true mutli-hyphenate — actor, standup comic, TV host, podcaster, and executive producer — and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Kara spoke to Buteau about the season 2 launch of “Survival of the Thickest,” a Netflix series loosely based on her 2020 memoir, and how she’s using her life stories to push the boundaries of representation. They also talked about Buteau’s 20-year stand up career, how she became the first woman to record a special in Radio City Music Hall (“A Buteau-ful Mind”), why she stands by calling out Dave Chappelle for his transgender jokes, and how she wants to use her producing prowess to uplift more marginalized voices, despite the current political climate.
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