Michelle Buteau

Michelle Buteau is an American actress, comedian, and podcast host who has become one of the most beloved and in-demand performers in comedy and entertainment. Born on April 24, 1977, in New Jersey to a Haitian father and Jamaican mother, Buteau began her career in stand-up comedy in the early 2000s after working various jobs including a stint at a local newspaper and in finance.

Buteau spent years honing her craft on the stand-up circuit, developing her signature warm, brash, and hilariously candid comedic style. Her big break in the comedy world came through her popular podcast Late Night Whenever and regular appearances on various comedy shows and panels. She released her Netflix stand-up special Welcome to Buteaupia in 2020, which was met with widespread critical acclaim and introduced her to a massive new audience.

Her acting career gained significant momentum with her role in the Netflix series The Circle as host beginning in 2020, a position that showcased her natural charisma and quick wit. She went on to star in the romantic comedy Babes (2024), which earned her praise as a leading lady who could carry a film. Her performance demonstrated that she had the range to move beyond supporting roles and hosting duties into substantial dramatic and comedic leads.

Buteau has also become a successful author with her book Survival of the Thickest, which was adapted into a Netflix series of the same name starring Buteau herself. The show was renewed and cemented her status as a multi-platform entertainment force. Her ability to connect with audiences through stand-up, podcasting, acting, writing, and hosting has made her one of the most versatile performers of her generation.