Tone Bell, Tasha Smith are joining Michelle Buteau’s upcoming Netflix comedy series Survival of the Thickest.
Bell will star opposite Buteau in the series while Smith joins in a recurring capacity.
Linda Mendoza is directing the first two episodes of Survival of the Thickest, which is based on Buteau’s book, was created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel.
Survival of the Thickest follows Mavis Beaumont (Buteau), a Black, plus-size and newly single woman, 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.
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Bell is cast as 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.
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Survival of the Thickest was created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and will be executive produced by A24 and Anne Hong from Mosaic. Sanchez-Witzel is also the showrunner for the series.