Introduction
Celebrity marriages often live under an intense microscope, where red carpets and public appearances overshadow everyday reality. Yet, comedian and actress Michelle Buteau and her husband, photographer and Dutch native Gijs Van Der Most, have maintained a grounded partnership away from constant media fanfare.
Their relationship combines a thriving entertainment career with a steady family life raising twins. While Buteau's public profile has soared through stand-up specials, hit television series, and her memoir, Van Der Most works largely behind the lens, creating a balanced dynamic that keeps their private world intact.
Who Is Gijs Van Der Most?
Gijs Van Der Most is a professional photographer and director known for his distinct visual style and commercial work. Born in the Netherlands, he built a career capturing striking portraits, commercial campaigns, and editorial spreads.
Unlike partners who actively seek out the spotlight, Van Der Most prefers focusing on his craft behind the camera. His artistic background gives him a unique perspective on the entertainment industry, allowing him to understand and support Buteau’s demanding schedule without getting caught up in the celebrity machinery.
How Michelle Buteau and Gijs Van Der Met
The couple’s path crossed years before Buteau achieved household-name status. Like many modern relationships, they navigated early dating through shared interests, mutual friends, and a shared sense of humor.
In various interviews and her essays, Buteau has spoken openly about the early days of dating, noting that Van Der Most’s calm demeanor provided an immediate contrast to her own high-energy comedic persona. Their shared appreciation for food, travel, and quiet weekends formed the foundation of a long-term commitment that eventually led to marriage.
Building a Family and Balancing Careers
In 2019, Michelle Buteau and Gijs Van Der Most welcomed twins—Hazel and Otis—via surrogate. The journey to parenthood was featured candidly in Buteau's Netflix special Welcome to Buteaupia and her essay collection Survival of the Thickest, where she discussed the emotional and physical realities of fertility struggles and surrogacy.
Balancing two demanding creative careers with raising young children requires careful coordination:
- Dividing responsibilities: Both parents actively share childcare duties, ensuring neither career completely dominates family life.
- Prioritizing privacy: The couple keeps their children largely shielded from intense public exposure, sharing selective glimpses only when it serves their personal narrative.
- Mutual creative support: Van Der Most often supports Buteau’s creative projects behind the scenes, while Buteau frequently champions her husband's photography work.
Candid Communication as a Relationship Anchor
What makes Buteau and Van Der Most stand out in celebrity culture is their commitment to direct, unvarnished communication. Buteau has often noted in press appearances that humor and honesty are non-negotiable elements of their household.
Rather than presenting a flawless, airbrushed image to the public, they embrace the ordinary chaos of marriage and parenting. This transparency has resonated deeply with fans who look for relatable figures in modern media. You can read more about Buteau's career trajectory on Deadline and explore her literary work via Penguin Random House.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Michelle Buteau and Gijs Van Der Most get married?
The couple tied the knot in 2015 after several years of dating, celebrating with a vibrant ceremony that reflected both of their cultural backgrounds.
What is Gijs Van Der Most's profession?
Gijs Van Der Most is a professional photographer and director who specializes in commercial shoots, portraits, and editorial photography.
How many children do they have?
They have twins, a son and a daughter named Otis and Hazel, born via surrogate in January 2019.
Where are they based?
The family primarily lives and works in the United States, balancing bi-coastal commitments with international travel.
