| Brett Butler | |
|---|---|
Brett Butler at the 1994 Emmy Awards |
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| Born | Brett Anderson January 30, 1958 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress/Comedian |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Spouse | Charles Michael Wilson (1978–1981) Ken Zieger (1987–1999) |
Brett Butler (born January 30, 1958) is an American actress, writer, and stand-up comedian, best known for playing the title role in the comedy series Grace Under Fire.[1][2]
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Butler was born Brett Anderson in Montgomery, Alabama. She was the oldest of five sisters. Before experiencing success as a stand-up comic, she worked as a cocktail waitress.[3][2]
One of the first notable appearances for Butler was on Dolly Parton'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.[4][5]
Butler published her memoirs, entitled Knee Deep in Paradise, 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 Fire's 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 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.[6] She also expressed interest in writing another book.
In October 2011, Butler appeared on The Rosie Show and reported being sober since 1999.