Michelle Buteau has spoken out about her long-standing aspiration to work alongside the acclaimed comedian Wanda Sykes. The desire comes to fruition in the third and final season of the Netflix series, *Survival of the Thickest*, where Sykes makes a guest appearance. Buteau expressed her excitement in an interview with PEOPLE, detailing her journey and the significance of collaborating with the comedic icon.
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At 48 years old, Buteau has had her sights set on Sykes’s talents for some time. In her conversation with PEOPLE, Buteau shared that she has dreamt of sharing a scene with Sykes, stating, “It’s always been my dream to be in a scene with Wanda Sykes or to do anything with Wanda because she has an amazing production company, Push It Productions, and they did both of my specials at Netflix.” Her enthusiasm reflects the admiration she has for Sykes, who at 62 has built a successful career both in front of and behind the camera.
Buteau recalled the moment she approached Sykes regarding the role. She describes how the process unfolded: “I texted Wanda and I was like, ‘Hey, there’s this role and nobody else could do this role but you.’” However, the conversation took an unexpected turn when Sykes cheekily inquired if the part required her to be naked. Buteau reassured her that the role would remain PG-rated, affirming, “No, there’s no sex,” ultimately putting the legendary comedian at ease.
*Survival of the Thickest*, which premiered in 2023, is a comedy-drama centred on Buteau’s character, Mavis, a Black plus-size stylist and designer. The narrative follows her journey to not just endure life’s challenges, but to thrive with the support of a caring chosen family and a body-positive perspective. Buteau’s character embraces life with confidence, made evident by the series’ tease: “She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body-positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss.”
The show is co-created by Danielle Sanchez Witzel and draws inspiration from Buteau’s 2020 memoir. The series also boasts a robust cast that includes Tone Bell, Tasha Smith, Garcelle Beauvais, Marouane Zotti, and Peppermint. Notably, the final season has attracted other high-profile guest stars such as D.L. Hughley, Ashley Graham, Jenna Lyons, and Ice-T, ensuring that audiences will have various entertaining and familiar faces to enjoy.
Buteau, a familiar name in the comedic realm since 2011, has not always faced an easy path to stardom. In a previous interview, she recounted the doubt she faced early on. “The first person was probably my parents. I told my mum at 12, 13, or 14 that I wanted to be in a pageant or be on camera, or act. She was like, ‘That’s not a real job,’” she shared. Reflecting on her mother’s views, she added, “And now she’s always just like, ‘Oh man, I should have invested.’”
Alongside familial doubts, Buteau revealed that she encountered similar sentiments from college professors and industry professionals, which likely fuelled her determination to succeed in the entertainment industry. Her journey reflects the resilience of an individual who persevered through scepticism and criticism to achieve her dreams.
As *Survival of the Thickest* prepares to bid farewell with its third season on 2 July, anticipation continues to build among fans. Buteau’s heartfelt connection with Sykes and the relatable struggles portrayed in the series promise to make this closing chapter one to remember.
In summary, Michelle Buteau’s collaboration with Wanda Sykes is emblematic of the supportive and empowering relationships often found in the entertainment sphere. As both stars continue to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, audiences can look forward to witnessing their remarkable chemistry in this comedic finale. The show exemplifies the importance of representation and the power of communities that uplift one another, making it a poignant parting gift for viewers on Netflix.