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Brett Butler (comedian)
Encyclopedia
Brett Butler is an American
actress, writer, and stand-up
comedian
, best known for playing the title role in the comedy series Grace Under Fire
.
. She was the oldest of five sisters. Before experiencing success as a stand-up comic, she worked as a cocktail waitress
.
's ill-fated 1987 variety series, Dolly
. Parton subsequently hired Butler as a writer for the remainder of the show's season, before it was cancelled.
Butler was the star of the ABC
television show Grace Under Fire
from 1993–1998. In February 1998, due to her erratic behavior stemming from substance abuse, she was dismissed from the show.
, in 1996. The book was started before attaining her celebrity status, and candidly addresses much of this time frame, ending the autobiography before Grace Under Fires television debut. As part of her book promotion, she went on Howard Stern and talked about sexual abuse that happened at an early age.
In October 2011, Butler appeared on The Rosie Show
and reported being sober since 1999.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actress, writer, and stand-up
Stand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy is a comedic art form. Usually, a comedian performs in front of a live audience, speaking directly to them. Their performances are sometimes filmed for later release via DVD, the internet, and television...
comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
, best known for playing the title role in the comedy series Grace Under Fire
Grace Under Fire
Grace Under Fire is an American sitcom that aired on ABC from September 1993 to February 1998. The show starred Brett Butler, and was the highest rated new comedy of the 1993–1994 season.- Premise of show :...
.
Early life
Butler was born Brett Anderson in Montgomery, AlabamaMontgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is the capital of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located on the Alabama River southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. As of the 2010 census, Montgomery had a population of 205,764 making it the second-largest city...
. She was the oldest of five sisters. Before experiencing success as a stand-up comic, she worked as a cocktail waitress
Cocktail waitress
A cocktail waitress is a type of server who specializes in bringing drinks to patrons of bars, casinos, comedy clubs, live music venues and other drinking establishments and often wears revealing clothing in order to get more tips...
.
Career
One of the first notable appearances for Butler was on Dolly PartonDolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
's ill-fated 1987 variety series, Dolly
Dolly (TV series)
Dolly is a television variety show that ran on ABC during the 1987-1988 season featuring Dolly Parton.-Overview:The show was an attempt at a traditional variety show, featuring music, comedy skits and various guest stars...
. Parton subsequently hired Butler as a writer for the remainder of the show's season, before it was cancelled.
Butler was the star of the ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
television show Grace Under Fire
Grace Under Fire
Grace Under Fire is an American sitcom that aired on ABC from September 1993 to February 1998. The show starred Brett Butler, and was the highest rated new comedy of the 1993–1994 season.- Premise of show :...
from 1993–1998. In February 1998, due to her erratic behavior stemming from substance abuse, she was dismissed from the show.
Book
Butler published her memoirs, entitled Knee Deep in ParadiseKnee Deep in Paradise
Knee Deep in Paradise is the title of an autobiography authored by actor/comedian Brett Butler, released in 1996.The memoir is very direct, and deals with her pre-stardom life, prior to the success of her popular ABC sitcom Grace Under Fire....
, in 1996. The book was started before attaining her celebrity status, and candidly addresses much of this time frame, ending the autobiography before Grace Under Fires television debut. As part of her book promotion, she went on Howard Stern and talked about sexual abuse that happened at an early age.
Recent events
In 2008, Butler headlined at an arts fundraiser and spoke freely with a reporter about her depression, past drug addiction, television work and current life on a farm. She also expressed interest in writing another book.In October 2011, Butler appeared on The Rosie Show
The Rosie Show
The Rosie Show is an American evening television talk show hosted and produced by actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell, airing on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network...
and reported being sober since 1999.