Performed her first comedy routine in a school pageant at the age of eight

Moved to Texas after her first marriage was over and began performing comedy

Performed over 1,000 shows in two years

Left the South for the first time; drove to NYC

Began performing on the NYC comedy circuit (date approximate)

Worked as a writer and occasional performer on "Dolly", Dolly Parton's short-lived ABC variety show

Featured with four other comediennes on "Love Laughs", a Lifetime special about relationships

Starred in "Brett Butler: The Child Ain't Right", a Showtime comedy special

Starred in her own ABC sitcom, "Grace Under Fire"

Entered rehab for addiction to prescription painkillers

Production of "Grace Under Fire" was suspended allegedly because of Butler's ongoing substance abuse problems; Butler reportedly entered rehab again for substance abuse treatment

Made pilot for ABC sitcom tentatively titled "Homecoming Queen"

Appeared in two-week stint in the Off-Broadway play "The Vagina Monolgues"

Resumed standup comedy career