E! True Hollywood Story Season 3 Episode 35

E! True Hollywood Story Season 3 Episode 35 Brett Butler

  • August 23, 1999

Brett Butler was an American comedian and actress who rose to fame in the 1990s with her hit show, "Grace Under Fire." However, her success was quickly overshadowed by personal struggles and controversy, making her one of Hollywood's most intriguing and tragic figures. In this episode of E! True Hollywood Story, we take a deep dive into the life and career of Brett Butler, exploring the rise and fall of one of the industry's most complex personalities.

The episode begins with a brief look at Butler's early life, growing up in rural Alabama and finding solace in comedy at a young age. From there, we see her move to New York City to pursue stand-up comedy, eventually landing a spot on "The Tonight Show" and catching the attention of Hollywood executives. This leads to her breakout role on "Grace Under Fire," a show that quickly becomes one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s.

However, as Butler's fame and success grow, so do her personal demons. We see how she struggles with substance abuse and a tumultuous marriage, leading to a very public breakdown and an eventual contract dispute with the producers of "Grace Under Fire." This causes her to be effectively blacklisted from Hollywood, with her career sputtering out in the early 2000s.

Despite these setbacks, Butler eventually finds a path to recovery and redemption, returning to stand-up comedy and becoming an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. We see how she uses her platform to help others and how her story remains a cautionary tale for anyone seeking to navigate the dark side of fame.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a variety of sources who knew Butler throughout her career, from co-stars and producers to family members and fellow comedians. They provide insider perspectives on her rise and fall, as well as insights into her personality and struggles.

Overall, this episode of E! True Hollywood Story is a fascinating look at one of Hollywood's most enigmatic personalities. Through a mix of archival footage, interviews, and deep analysis, we see how Brett Butler's story is one of triumph and tragedy, of highs and lows, and of the enduring power of comedy to help us navigate life's toughest moments. Whether you're a fan of her work or simply interested in the darker side of fame, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.

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Description
  • First Aired
    August 23, 1999
  • Language
    English