EBONY Energy 100 co-hosts Michelle Buteau and Tone Bell, stars of Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest, revealed to EBONY once they really feel most related to their energy. “It’s by no means whenever you assume it could be, like on a purple carpet whenever you’re all dolled up,” mentioned Buteau. “It’s ready in line at Goal and having folks from all walks of life saying, ‘The primary time I laughed when my dad died, or after my divorce, was due to your present.’”
Buteau is speaking about her collection Survival of the Thickest, for which she serves as co-creator, producer, author and star. Within the Netflix hit, she performs Mavis, a full-figured stylist navigating love, buddies and physique authority. The present has been praised for highlighting and showcasing high-end vogue that may work on our bodies of all sizes and styles.
“Folks have mentioned I gained weight and haven’t worn colour for 10 years, however watching your present impressed me,” Buteau mirrored. “The reference to folks I’d’ve by no means met is the factor the place I’m identical to, ‘Rattling bitch, you’re doing it. You’re doing precisely what you wished to do.’”
From his Key and Peele days to internet hosting Drink Masters, Bell’s been impressed by his fellow humorous women and men, together with Buteau. “It’s so nice to co-host with my good friend, sister and colleague, whom I’ve recognized for in all probability 15 years,” Bell declared to EBONY. “We’ve been desirous to work collectively for the longest time.” Bell is an ardent fan of many individuals, initiatives and skills within the leisure enterprise. But it surely’s what occurred earlier this 12 months on the 2024 NAACP Picture Awards that speaks to his consistency within the loopy enterprise of present. “Having my mom, Val, as my date on the awards after I was nominated for Survival of the Thickest. That was an exquisite second.”
It’s no shock that Bell feels his strongest in moments of camaraderie. “Once I come via for others that want me,” he declared. “Whether or not it’s co-workers, buddies, household and even followers. Everybody falls quick often, however after I’m wanted and might present up for my folks, that’s a strong feeling.”
Buteau, who co-hosts The Circle and her many comedy specials on Netflix, has been working the scene for a minute. Sure, she’s that lady you’ve seen in that film who retains popping up. Working additional time to attain her desires can be part of her energy.
“I really like what I do, interval! I wouldn’t work this tough or put up with this a lot BS if I didn’t adore it,” Buteau declared. “Lots of people work actually arduous at a job they don’t love; that’s simply not how I can dwell. I’m an artist. I like to create. I like to bond with folks. I really like to coach via love and comedy. So, whether or not it’s standup, internet hosting, performing, producing, writing, like give it to me, I wanna do it.”
For her, it’s, and all the time has been, about unleashing your energy, even within the arduous moments. “Discovering solace in all of them,” she concluded, “is how you retain going.”
Because the duo gear up for season two of Survival of the Thickest, premiering on Netflix in 2025, Bell dished, “The visitor forged is wonderful and so humorous. There will certainly be some surprises alongside the way in which with some twists and turns that nobody noticed coming…a number of stuff that stunned me, and I knew what was going to occur!”
