Brief Introduction of Michelle Buteau
Michelle Buteau is a dynamic American stand-up comedian, actress, television host, producer, and author known for her distinctive voice and unapologetic humor. Born on July 24, 1977, in New Jersey, Buteau has carved a significant niche in the entertainment industry with her candid storytelling and vibrant personality. She gained widespread recognition as the host of Netflix’s reality competition series, “The Circle,” and for her critically acclaimed comedy special, “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia,” which earned her a Critics’ Choice Television Award. More recently, she has captivated audiences as the co-creator, executive producer, writer, and star of the Netflix comedy-drama “Survival of the Thickest,” based on her memoir of the same name. Buteau’s work consistently champions body positivity, authentic self-expression, and the experiences of a Black, plus-sized woman navigating modern life, making her a beloved and influential figure in contemporary comedy and media.
Michelle Buteau Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Buteau |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1977 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 48 years old |
| Birthplace | New Jersey, U.S. (specifically Hamilton Township) |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Mitchel Buteau (Haitian father with Lebanese ancestry) and Marie Antoinette (Jamaican mother with French ancestry) |
| Spouse | Gijs van der Most (m. 2010) |
| Children | Twins: Son Otis and Daughter Hazel (born via surrogate in January 2019) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 m or 170 cm) |
| Profession | Stand-up Comedian, Actress, Television Host, Producer, Podcast Host, Author, Writer |
| Net Worth (estimated) | Between $1 million and $5 million (as of 2024-2025) |
| Education | Florida International University (Television Production/Journalism) |
| Known For | “The Circle,” “Survival of the Thickest,” “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia” |
Early Life and Education of Michelle Buteau
Michelle Buteau was born on July 24, 1977, in New Jersey, United States. She grew up in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, and describes herself as a “Jersey Girl” influenced by the state’s unique culture. Her family background is a rich tapestry of Caribbean heritage; her father, Mitchel Buteau, is Haitian with Lebanese ancestry, while her mother, Marie Antoinette, is Jamaican with French roots. This diverse cultural upbringing, coupled with a staunchly Catholic household, significantly influenced her worldview and later, her comedic style.
Buteau attended Cherokee High School in Marlton, New Jersey, and even worked at the Cherry Hill Mall during her youth. Her academic journey led her to Florida International University, where she pursued a major in journalism and television production. Initially, her dream was to become an entertainment reporter. A pivotal, albeit harsh, moment in her college years occurred when a professor told her she was “too fat to be on television”. This comment, while discouraging at the time, ironically propelled her towards a career behind the scenes and eventually, as a performer who unapologetically takes up space on screen. After college, she began her professional life as a local TV news producer in New York City, often working overnight shifts covering breaking news. It was during this period that her colleagues, recognizing her natural wit and humor, encouraged her to try stand-up comedy.
Michelle Buteau’s Career
Michelle Buteau’s career journey is marked by a steady rise from behind-the-scenes television work to becoming a multifaceted comedic force. Her foray into stand-up comedy began under somber circumstances, just three days after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, when she felt a burnout from covering the news and decided to try comedy for the first time. This decision proved transformative, allowing her to find her voice and a platform for her unique perspective.
For five years, she honed her craft in comedy clubs before landing her first television spot on Comedy Central, appearing on shows like “Premium Blend”. Her early television appearances also included “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “Last Comic Standing”. She gained further recognition as a panelist on VH1’s “Best Week Ever,” where her sassy and outspoken commentary became a highlight. She also served as co-host of “Big Morning Buzz Live” and as a sidekick on “The Jenny McCarthy Show”.
Breakthrough and Rising Stardom
Buteau’s presence in comedy continued to grow throughout the 2010s. In 2017, Esquire magazine listed her as one of ten comedians to watch, signaling her rising prominence. The following year, she launched her podcast “Late Night Whenever!”, which was hailed by Time magazine as “one of the best podcasts of 2018 so far”. She also showcased her stand-up on Netflix’s “The Comedy Lineup,” giving audiences a taste of her sharp wit in shorter sets. In 2019, she co-launched another successful podcast, “Adulting,” with Jordan Carlos, which offers humorous and honest discussions about navigating adulthood.
Major Works and Achievements
The late 2010s and early 2020s saw Michelle Buteau’s career explode across various media. Her filmography expanded with notable roles in romantic comedies like “Isn’t It Romantic” (2019), “Someone Great” (2019), and “Always Be My Maybe” (2019). On television, she became a series regular on “First Wives Club” (2019-2022) and appeared in “Tales of the City” and “Russian Doll”.
A significant turning point came in 2020 when she became the beloved host of Netflix’s reality competition series, “The Circle”. Her warm, engaging, and often hilarious commentary has become a staple of the show, endearing her to a global audience. That same year, she released her debut stand-up special on Netflix, “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia,” which earned critical acclaim and a 2021 Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Special.
Buteau further diversified her career with the publication of her memoir, “Survival of the Thickest,” in 2020, a collection of personal essays exploring her life, love, and career experiences. The book’s success led to a Netflix comedy-drama series adaptation of the same name, which premiered in 2023. Buteau not only co-created and executive produced the series but also stars as the lead character, Mavis Beaumont, a plus-sized stylist navigating a new chapter of her life after a breakup. The show quickly resonated with audiences, leading to its renewal for a second season, which premiered in March 2025, and a third and final season renewed in May 2025.
Her recent work also includes hosting the third season of “Barbecue Showdown” (2024), “Weekend Getaway With Michelle Buteau,” and her second Netflix comedy special, “Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall” (2024). She also hosted the Billboard Music Awards in 2024, demonstrating her versatility across different hosting formats. In film, she appeared in “Babes” (2024).
Michelle Buteau Personal Life & Family
Michelle Buteau’s personal life is as rich and engaging as her professional endeavors, often serving as inspiration for her comedy. She is happily married to Gijs van der Most, a Dutch photographer whom she wed in 2010. Buteau has humorously shared that their relationship began as an intended “one-night stand” that blossomed into a lasting partnership, with Gijs supporting her dreams and making her “feel like anything was possible”. Beyond his photography career, Gijs also co-owns Van der Most Modern, a vintage furniture store in Brooklyn, with Michelle.
The couple’s journey to parenthood was a challenging one, marked by years of trying to conceive, multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), and miscarriages. Michelle has been open about her struggles with infertility, sharing the emotional and physical toll it took. Eventually, encouraged by her husband, they pursued surrogacy. In January 2019, Michelle and Gijs joyfully welcomed their fraternal twins, a son named Otis and a daughter named Hazel, via surrogate. Buteau often shares anecdotes about her children, describing Hazel as having the “energy of a 53-year-old Black woman that works at the DMV” and Otis as embodying the “energy of a tired husband holding his wife’s purse at Macy’s”. Despite the unique personalities and the demands of balancing career and motherhood, Buteau embraces the chaos, stating that “being a tired mom is a privilege”.
Michelle Buteau resides in the Bronx with her husband and twins. Her upbringing was strongly influenced by her parents’ Caribbean roots and strict Catholic values, aspects she often references in her work, providing context to her identity and comedic perspective. Her candidness about her personal life, from relationship stories to motherhood and body image, resonates deeply with her audience, solidifying her image as a relatable and authentic public figure.
Awards and Achievements of Michelle Buteau
Michelle Buteau’s talent and hard work have been recognized with several significant awards and honors throughout her career. Her achievements underscore her impact across various facets of the entertainment industry:
- Critics’ Choice Television Award: In 2021, Buteau won the prestigious Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Special for her Netflix special, “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia”. This award highlighted her prowess as a stand-up comedian and the critical acclaim for her unique comedic voice.
- NAACP Image Award: In 2024, she received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television) for her Netflix series, “Survival of the Thickest”. This award acknowledged her significant contributions as a creator and lead actress, particularly in a project that champions diverse representation.
- Esquire’s “Comedians to Watch”: In 2017, Esquire magazine recognized her as one of “ten comedians to watch,” a testament to her rising profile and influence in the comedy scene.
- Time Magazine’s “Best Podcasts”: Her podcast, “Late Night Whenever!”, launched in 2018, was named “one of the best podcasts of 2018 so far” by Time magazine, showcasing her success in audio entertainment.
Beyond these wins, Buteau has also received multiple nominations, including for Black Reel Awards and additional NAACP Image Awards in both 2024 and 2025, further solidifying her status as a celebrated talent in comedy and television. Her recognition often extends beyond traditional awards, as her work is frequently celebrated for its authentic representation and positive impact on audiences.
Michelle Buteau Net Worth and Income
Michelle Buteau has built a successful and diverse career that has translated into a significant net worth. As of 2024-2025, her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This figure reflects her extensive work across multiple income streams in the entertainment industry.
Her primary sources of income include earnings from her stand-up comedy tours and specials, which have gained considerable popularity and critical acclaim. As a prolific actress, Buteau earns from her roles in numerous film and television productions, including her starring and co-creating efforts on the hit Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest” and her appearances in movies like “Always Be My Maybe” and “Babes”. Her role as the host of “The Circle” on Netflix is another major contributor to her income, as is her hosting of other shows like “Barbecue Showdown” and “Weekend Getaway With Michelle Buteau”.
Furthermore, Buteau’s income is supplemented by her work as an author, with sales from her critically acclaimed memoir, “Survival of the Thickest,” contributing to her financial success. As a producer on several projects, including her Netflix series, she also earns through her involvement in the development and creation of content. Brand endorsements and other business initiatives, such as her vintage furniture store Van der Most Modern, which she co-owns with her husband, further diversify her income portfolio. Michelle Buteau’s consistent engagement in high-profile projects across comedy, acting, hosting, and writing underscores her robust financial standing in the entertainment world.
Legacy and Influence
Michelle Buteau has cultivated a significant legacy and influence through her vibrant personality, unflinching honesty, and unwavering commitment to representation. Her impact spans across comedy, television, and social discourse, making her a crucial voice for modern audiences.
Championing Body Positivity and Inclusivity
A cornerstone of Buteau’s legacy is her powerful advocacy for body positivity, particularly for plus-sized women. Through her stand-up, her memoir “Survival of the Thickest,” and its Netflix adaptation, she fearlessly celebrates her size and encourages others to embrace their authentic selves. She challenges conventional beauty standards and offers a refreshing perspective on self-acceptance, using her platform to show that “size 18-20 with opinions” can be at the forefront of entertainment. This has resonated deeply, offering much-needed representation in an industry that often overlooks diverse body types.
Authentic Storytelling and Relatability
Buteau’s candid and relatable storytelling, often drawing from her personal experiences as a Black woman of Caribbean heritage, a wife, and a mother, has cemented her influence. She deftly weaves humor into discussions about universal themes—relationships, career struggles, infertility, and motherhood—making her experiences accessible and comforting to a wide audience. Her ability to turn everyday situations into laugh-out-loud moments, infused with her signature “Jersey attitude,” creates a strong connection with fans.
Breaking Barriers and Shaping Public Image
As a comedian, actress, and host, Michelle Buteau has consistently broken barriers, demonstrating versatility and a knack for captivating audiences in diverse roles. Her hosting of “The Circle” redefined the role for many reality competition shows, bringing warmth and genuine engagement. Furthermore, her work as a writer and producer for “Survival of the Thickest” highlights her commitment to creating stories that reflect the world she wants to see, taking charge of narratives that often marginalize diverse voices. She actively uses her platform for social contributions, as evidenced by her support for organizations like The Trevor Project, which focuses on LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention. Her public image is one of a fierce, funny, and deeply compassionate individual who uses her talent to uplift and entertain, leaving a lasting mark on contemporary popular culture.
Interesting Facts about Michelle Buteau
- The “Too Fat” Comment That Fueled Her: In college, a professor famously told Michelle Buteau she was “too fat to be on television.” Far from deterring her, this comment became a driving force, inspiring her to work behind the scenes initially and eventually to become a prominent, unapologetic on-screen personality.
- Comedy Born from Tragedy: Michelle Buteau performed her first stand-up comedy set just three days after the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York City. Having worked as a news producer covering the tragic events, she was burned out and turned to comedy as an outlet.
- A “One-Night Stand” for the Ages: Michelle Buteau met her husband, Gijs van der Most, when she was seeking a casual encounter, explicitly telling him she wasn’t looking for a relationship. This “one-night stand” blossomed into a lasting marriage and partnership, a story she often shares with humor and affection.
- Twins with Distinct Personalities: Michelle Buteau’s fraternal twins, Hazel and Otis, born via surrogate in 2019, have very distinct personalities. She humorously describes Hazel as having “the energy of a 53-year-old Black woman that works at the DMV,” while Otis has the “energy of a tired husband holding his wife’s purse at Macy’s”.
- Vintage Furniture Enthusiast: Along with her husband, Gijs van der Most, Michelle Buteau co-owns Van der Most Modern, a vintage furniture store in Brooklyn. Gijs personally curates and sources pieces from the Netherlands for their collection.
- Quotes on Life and Comedy: Buteau is known for her memorable quotes, such as “My friends are like a well-made bra: uplifting and supportive,” and “Comedy has always been my saving grace. It’s helped me find my voice”. She also states, “I want [my children] to know that they’re never losing, only learning”.
- ”Jersey Khaleesi”: In her memoir, Buteau playfully refers to herself as the “Jersey Khaleesi,” drawing a humorous parallel between herself and the powerful “Game of Thrones” character, while firmly grounding her identity in her New Jersey roots.
Controversies
Michelle Buteau has maintained a remarkably positive public image throughout her career. There are no widely reported or significant controversies associated with her name. Her humor often delves into personal experiences and social observations, but she generally approaches sensitive topics with wit, relatability, and a clear intent to entertain and connect with her audience, rather than to provoke widespread negative backlash.
Social Media Presence
Michelle Buteau maintains an active and engaging presence across various social media platforms, connecting with her dedicated fanbase and sharing glimpses into her professional and personal life. Her online presence is characterized by her signature humor, authenticity, and celebration of diverse experiences.
- Instagram: As of August 2025, Michelle Buteau’s official Instagram account, @michellebuteau, boasts approximately [To be filled after live search] followers. She frequently posts behind-the-scenes content from her shows, personal updates about her family, promotional material for her projects, and humorous observations, often engaging directly with her followers.
- Twitter (X): On Twitter, her official account, @MichelleButeau, has around [To be filled after live search] followers as of August 2025. She uses this platform for quick quips, sharing news about her appearances, engaging in topical discussions, and promoting her comedy and acting work.
- YouTube: While Michelle Buteau does not host a primary, dedicated YouTube channel for original content in the same vein as her other platforms, clips of her stand-up specials, interviews, and appearances on various shows are widely available and popular across YouTube channels of networks like Netflix and Comedy Central. These videos showcase her comedic performances and reach a broad audience online.
Her social media channels serve as an extension of her brand—a space where she continues to be the funny, fierce, and candid personality her fans have come to love, further solidifying her connection with a global audience.
Final Words about Michelle Buteau
Michelle Buteau stands as a vibrant and influential figure in the contemporary entertainment landscape. From her early days as a news producer to her current status as a celebrated comedian, actress, television host, producer, and author, her career trajectory is a testament to her unique talent and unwavering authenticity. Her ability to infuse humor into deeply personal narratives—be it her Caribbean heritage, body image, marital life, or the journey to motherhood—has forged a powerful connection with audiences worldwide.
Currently, Buteau continues to thrive with her critically acclaimed Netflix series, “Survival of the Thickest,” having been renewed for a third and final season in May 2025. She maintains her beloved role as the host of “The Circle,” and her stand-up specials continue to garner praise for their sharp wit and relatable observations. Her consistent work ethic, coupled with her dedication to promoting body positivity and diverse representation, has cemented her legacy as a significant cultural voice.
Michelle Buteau’s future plans undoubtedly include continued creative endeavors in both on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles, further expanding her comedic empire. Her enduring appeal lies in her ability to make people laugh while simultaneously making them feel seen and understood. She remains an inspiring example of how embracing one’s true self, with all its complexities, can lead to both professional success and profound personal impact. In a world often grappling with image and identity, Michelle Buteau offers a refreshing, hilarious, and ultimately uplifting perspective, embodying the mantra that “you’re never losing, only learning”.