EBONY Power 100 co-hosts Michelle Buteau and Tone Bell, stars of Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest, revealed to EBONY when they feel most connected to their power. “It’s never when you think it would be, like on a red carpet when you’re all dolled up,” said Buteau. “It’s waiting in line at Target and having people from all walks of life saying, ‘The first time I laughed when my dad died, or after my divorce, was because of your show.’”
Buteau is talking about her series Survival of the Thickest, for which she serves as co-creator, producer, writer and star. In the Netflix hit, she plays Mavis, a full-figured stylist navigating love, friends and body authority. The show has been praised for highlighting and showcasing high-end fashion that can work on bodies of all shapes and sizes.
“People have said I gained weight and haven’t worn color for 10 years, but watching your show inspired me,” Buteau reflected. “The connection with people I would’ve never met is the thing where I’m just like, ‘Damn bitch, you’re doing it. You’re doing exactly what you wanted to do.’”
From his Key and Peele days to hosting Drink Masters, Bell’s been inspired by his fellow funny men and women, including Buteau. “It’s so great to co-host with my friend, sister and colleague, whom I’ve known for probably 15 years,” Bell declared to EBONY. “We’ve been wanting to work together for the longest time.” Bell is an ardent fan of many people, projects and talents in the entertainment business. But it’s what happened earlier this year at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards that speaks to his consistency in the crazy business of show. “Having my mother, Val, as my date at the awards when I was nominated for Survival of the Thickest. That was a wonderful moment.”
It’s no surprise that Bell feels his most powerful in moments of camaraderie. “When I come through for others that need me,” he declared. “Whether it’s co-workers, friends, family and even fans. Everyone falls short occasionally, but when I’m needed and can show up for my people, that’s a powerful feeling.”
Buteau, who co-hosts The Circle and her many comedy specials on Netflix, has been working the scene for a minute. Yes, she’s that girl you’ve seen in that movie who keeps popping up. Working overtime to achieve her dreams is also a part of her power.
“I love what I do, period! I wouldn’t work this hard or put up with this much BS if I didn’t love it,” Buteau declared. “A lot of people work really hard at a job they don’t love; that’s just not how I can live. I’m an artist. I love to create. I love to bond with people. I love to educate through love and comedy. So, whether it’s standup, hosting, acting, producing, writing, like give it to me, I wanna do it.”
For her, it is, and always has been, about unleashing your power, even in the hard moments. “Finding solace in them all,” she concluded, “is how you keep going.”
As the duo gear up for season two of Survival of the Thickest, premiering on Netflix in 2025, Bell dished, “The guest cast is amazing and so funny. There will definitely be some surprises along the way with some twists and turns that no one saw coming…a lot of stuff that surprised me, and I knew what was going to happen!”
