Michelle Buteau brings her “Full Heart, Tight Jeans” tour to the Amaturo Theater on Friday, October 6 at 8pm (which after interview was done sold out and they recently added a 10:30pm second show). She recently returned to Netflix as the creator/writer/star of the series “Survival of the Thickest,” inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name.
Michelle is also the host of two popular reality competition shows: “The Circle” and “Barbecue Showdown” on Netflix. Other film and TV credits include Marry Me, First Wives Club, Always Be My Maybe, Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens, Russian Doll, and Someone Great. She is also the Modern Manners columnist for Real Simple and hosts the popular podcast Adulting. Michelle’s one-hour comedy special “Welcome To Buteaupia” is streaming on Netflix and won the Critic’s Choice Award for Best Comedy Special.
Were you always a performer, even as a child, or when did you catch the bug?
OMG, I think every kid likes to perform, because it’s just fun and you are playing pretend. In High School I recorded music videos on a VHS tape and memorized them. That’s where performing really began. I honestly didn’t even know that performing could be a real job.
What was your first paid gig, and how much did you get paid?
Oh, girl I don’t remember, that’s crazy.
At what point did you realize entertaining would be your career?
I guess when I started doing it full time and paying my bills. I started doing the college circuit and I thought, this is amazing.
What do you like better, stand-up or acting?
That is not an ok question….LOL!! It’s all under art and I love it all!
How did you get the gig as host of “The Circle”?
I think I have gotten every amazing gig from the body of work I have. While Netflix was looking for a host, they saw how sassy, earnest and empathetic I was, and I got the gig.
Did you have any idea it would get this popular?
No, I really didn’t. I know I love the show and I love to binge watch stuff, but I didn’t realize it would get this big. It’s one of my most favorite gigs as I feel like I get to know people instead of the other way around. A lot of the contestants have become part of my family and come to my shows, etc.
How did Survival of the Thickest happen, and how was it to work with Garcelle Beauvais?
OMG, I don’t think I am allowed to talk about it because of the strike. But I hope we can move forward with the contracts as these writers, etc. need to move forward and be able to paytheire bills.
Describe yourself in three words?
Energetic, empathetic, and sassy-as-fuck!
What do you do for fun?
I work out; I love full body training. I especially love working out with other comedians. I also love hanging out with my kids and seeing them do stuff like gymnastics, etc. In addition, I love going to see shows, Broadway, off-Broadway, etc. I would be lying if I didn’t say I like a little massage…rub that shoulder bitch I am tired.
Is there something we would be surprised to know about you?
I used to be an editor for deco drive when I was in college, I went to FIU.
What should our readers expect from your new stand-up “Full Heart, Tight Jeans Tour”?
I am bitch, so I am going to be entertaining and I am funny as fuck. Also, I am a real person, so this is real thoughts and life stories. It’s everything you want from a festival, but you get to sit down and laugh.
What else do you want our readers to know?
No girl you asked everything and them some. Oh yeah, please tell your readers to listen to my podcast, Adulting. We have 3 or 4 seasons under our belt. It’s a beautiful one-hour ride of real-life convo and emotions, etc. It’s a big old barrel of fun, and it’s one of those things you can binge or listen to 3 or 4 times.
To purchase tickets to Michelle Buteau’s Full Heart, Tight Jeans Tour, which start at only $35, go to: Browardcenter.org.
