Chicago’s Nicole J. Butler: ‘She Shed’ State Farm commercial went viral, changed her life

She’s best known as Cheryl, the owner of the burning “she shed” in the popular State Farm Insurance TV commercial.

Thanks to that national ad, Chicago native Nicole J. Butler’s acting career is on fire.

The commercial, with Reggie Currelley as Butler’s on-screen husband, has racked up more than 1 million views on YouTube in addition to all of those who see it on TV.

In an interview, Butler spoke about the hugely popular commercial, “chichier” she sheds and her future plans.

QUESTION: You’ve done national commercials for Progressive, Walmart and others. What do you think it is about the State Farm spot that makes it so popular?

ANSWER: It was real. Cheryl and Victor and the dynamic of their relationship is something people can relate to. Reggie’s performance is so deadpan as he is holding that garden hose with the water slowly dribbling out. People also wondered just what the heck a she shed was. This commercial introduced something new to our shared lexicon.

Q: Were you familiar with the term “she shed” before you auditioned?

A: No. I didn’t know what it was when I first got the script. I Googled it before my audition. It took me to Pinterest, and I saw some cool sheds. And now it seems everyone wants one.

Jeff Ellingson / Jeff E. Photo

Q: You’re from Chicago. Which neighborhood do you call home?

A: We grew up in a couple of places, but Morgan Park and Englewood are where I lived most of the time.

Q: You’re the oldest of six sisters and one brother. What’s been your family’s reaction to the commercial?

A: They tell me every time it comes on. I get a text every single time. My family has always been supportive of my career choice, but the commercial has certainly made things a bit easier for them. Now, when asked what I’ve been in, they always say, “She is ‘she-shed’ Cheryl.”

Q: Where is the strangest place you have been recognized?

A: At the South Carolina State Fair. I was there with friends. A couple of women were staring at me, and I wasn’t sure why. A friend overheard them asking, “Is that the woman from the she shed commercial?” I have had people in L.A. yell “she shed” at me and didn’t think anything of it. You’re kind of used to running into actors here in L.A. In South Carolina? That’s when I began to realize that this was a bigger thing than I thought.

Q: The internet is ablaze with theories about who started the she shed fire — everyone from the Elf on the Shelf to Cheryl’s husband Victor. Answer the burning question: Who started the she shed fire?

A: I know State Farm does not condone arson, so I can say with certainty it was not Cheryl or Victor. I think it probably was lightning. Oh, Victor probably witnessed it from the very beginning, saw the lightning hit the shed and did nothing about it. But it was lightning.

Q: Where you surprised by how much attention the word “chichier” seemed to receive on the Internet?

A: I was surprised by the confusion. Of course, I had the script and could see the word was “chichier” and not “she-she-er.” That is probably the No. 1 question I get asked — along with whether Victor burned down the shed. The word is “chichier” in the script, and that’s how I said it. It is cool that people can interpret it another way, though. Like Cheryl’s new she shed will be extra, extra feminine. “She-she-er.”

Q: Did Cheryl get her chichier she shed — and just how chichier are we talking? The last one had a chandelier.

A: Cheryl’s she shed is still on fire, so it hasn’t been replaced just yet. I’m hoping we will all get to eventually see the chichier she shed. Maybe one with two stories and an elevator?

Q: What’s next?

A: I’ve written and produced a premiere episode of a show called “Sister President.” It’s a comedy you can watch online at SisterPresident.com. I’m currently crowdfunding to shoot the whole season. There has also been so much interest in Cheryl the character and me as the actress who plays her that I am hoping it will lead to a series role. I’m hoping it leads to something bigger.

Q: Anything specific you’d like to be a part of?

A: I’d love to be on “The Chi.” It would be nice to shoot something back in my hometown! Beyond that, I’m just excited by other people’s excitement for this commercial. I’m honored to be a part of something that is bringing people joy.

Misha Davenport is a freelance writer.