Brett Butler is a multifaceted American personality, born Brett Anderson on January 30, 1958, in Montgomery, Alabama, as the eldest of five sisters. Prior to achieving success as a stand-up comedian, she worked as a cocktail waitress, honing her skills and building her confidence.
One of her earliest notable appearances was on Dolly Parton's ill-fated 1987 variety series, Dolly, where she was hired as a writer for the remainder of the show's season. Although the series was canceled after one season due to lackluster ratings, Butler's experience and exposure helped pave the way for her future endeavors.
From 1993 to 1998, Butler starred in the ABC television show Grace Under Fire, playing the title role and battling a recurring drug addiction. During this time, she spent time in rehab and struggled with erratic behavior, ultimately leading to her dismissal from the show and its subsequent cancellation.
In 1996, Butler published her memoirs, titled Knee Deep in Paradise, which candidly addressed her struggles with addiction and her experiences before achieving fame. The book ended with the start of her television debut, providing a glimpse into her life before Grace Under Fire.
After the show's cancellation, Butler moved to a farm in Georgia, where she lived with 15 pets and focused on her personal well-being. In 2008, she headlined at an arts fundraiser, speaking openly about her depression, past addiction, and current life on the farm. She also expressed interest in writing another book, highlighting her ongoing creative pursuits.
In 2011, Butler appeared on The Rosie Show, where she reported being sober since 1998. She also spoke about her experiences living in a homeless shelter when funds ran out and her efforts to revive her career, including developing a reality TV show about her psychic abilities and performing at the Downtown Comedy Club in Los Angeles.
In June 2012, Butler began a recurring role on the CBS soap The Young and the Restless, playing the girlfriend of ex-psychiatrist Tim Reid. She also landed a recurring role as the bartender at the restaurant that Charlie Goodson frequents in the FX show Anger Management, starring Charlie Sheen.
Throughout her career, Butler has faced numerous challenges, from addiction to personal struggles, but has consistently demonstrated her resilience and determination to succeed.
