Tone Bell, Tasha Smith Join Netflix’s Michelle Buteau comedy series Survival of the Thickest
Deadline reports that Tone Bell, who starred in Netflix’s multi-cam comedy Disjointed, is to star alongside Michelle Buteau in Netflix’s comedy series Survival of the Thickest, with Tasha Smith recurring.
Linda Mendoza, who has directed episodes of Never Have I Ever, 30 Rock and Girs5Eva, will direct the first two episodes of the series.
The series stars Buteau as Mavis Beaumont, Black, plus-size and newly single, but not by her choice. Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. 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.
Bell will play Khalil, Mavis’s bestie and first phone call since high school. He’s a creative and talented artist who has always prided himself on making life choices that keep things simple, affordable – nothing wrong with clipping coupons – and uncomplicated. But now in his very late 30s, he starts to question what really matters and if life is worth complicating for the right person.
Smith will play Marley, an early 50’s self-made millionaire. She’s a woman of NYC status who always has a fresh luxury manicure and the best day and night serums money can buy. She gives that Aries tell-it-like-it-is energy, but there’s still an ever present warm big sister vibe. She just wants the best for everybody, and she knows what the best is.
Survival of the Thickest, which is based on Buteau’s book, was created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. The latter will serve as showrunner. It comes from A24 with Anne Hong from Mosaic also exec producing.