Gijs Van Der Most: 5 Surprising Facts About Michelle Buteau's Dutch Photographer Husband
Comedian Michelle Buteau, known for her sharp wit and starring role in the Netflix hit *Survival of the Thickest*, is an open book about many aspects of her life, but the man behind the scenes, her husband, often remains a delightful mystery to many fans. As of December 2025, Buteau and her husband, Gijs van der Most, continue to be one of Hollywood’s most enduring and low-key couples, balancing two demanding careers and a vibrant family life.
Their relationship is a cornerstone of Buteau’s comedy, providing endless material about the reality of long-term marriage, cross-cultural differences, and the hilarious chaos of raising twins. Gijs van der Most is far more than just "Michelle Buteau's husband"—he is a successful Dutch-born photographer and a dedicated father whose own background adds a unique, international flavor to their New York-based family.
Michelle Buteau: Full Biography and Career Highlights
Michelle Buteau is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, excelling as a stand-up comedian, actress, host, and producer. Her career trajectory from a news editor to a multi-platform star is a testament to her undeniable talent and charisma.
- Full Name: Michelle Buteau
- Date of Birth: July 24, 1977
- Age: 48 (as of the current date, December 2025)
- Birthplace: Hamilton Township, New Jersey, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Haitian and Jamaican descent
- Education: Graduated from high school in New Jersey. She initially worked as a news editor in New York.
- Career Start: Began her stand-up comedy career in 2001.
- Major Roles/Projects:
- Television Series: *Survival of the Thickest* (Creator, Star, Executive Producer), *The Circle* (Host), *Tales of the City*, *Bless the Harts*.
- Stand-up Specials: *Welcome to Buteaupia* (Peabody Award Winner).
- Film: *Always Be My Maybe*, *Marry Me*, *The First Wives Club*.
- Book: *Survival of the Thickest: Essays*.
- Podcast: *Adulting* (co-hosted with Jordan Carlos).
Who Is Gijs van der Most? The Dutch Photographer
Michelle Buteau’s husband is Gijs van der Most, a highly accomplished Dutch photographer and businessman. The couple first met in a New York City bar shortly after Buteau had ended a previous relationship, and they quickly bonded over a shared sense of humor and appreciation for culture.
Van der Most is a private individual, but his professional background is well-documented. He was born in the Netherlands and maintains a strong connection to his home country.
1. He Is an Experienced Dutch-Born Photographer
Gijs van der Most is a professional photographer with a focus on commercial and artistic projects. He is a Dutch native who studied photographic design at the HKU (Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht), a prestigious art school in the Netherlands.
He graduated in 2005 and began his independent career in 2008. His work often reflects his European roots and an eye for unique composition, a stark contrast to the fast-paced world of his comedian wife.
2. They Have Been Married Since 2010
Michelle and Gijs tied the knot in 2010, meaning their marriage has spanned well over a decade. Their wedding was a significant moment in Buteau’s life, which she has openly discussed, even sharing the story of how she briefly considered ignoring her gut feelings about dieting for the event.
Their cross-cultural marriage is a frequent, affectionate topic in Buteau's stand-up and essays, highlighting the humorous differences between her loud, New Jersey-bred personality and his more reserved, Dutch sensibilities.
3. They Are Parents to Twins, Hazel and Otis
The couple welcomed twins, a boy and a girl named Hazel and Otis, in 2019. Buteau has been candid about their long and challenging journey to parenthood, which involved several years of trying to conceive and ultimately resulted in the use of a surrogate.
The arrival of their children, who are now toddlers, has become a central part of their family life and Buteau’s comedy material, which often revolves around the exhaustion and joy of being a "tired mom."
4. Gijs van der Most is the Inspiration for Some of Her Best Material
Michelle Buteau is masterful at weaving her personal life into her work, and Gijs is one of her greatest muses. Her award-winning stand-up special, *Welcome to Buteaupia*, and her book, *Survival of the Thickest: Essays*, both feature hilarious anecdotes about their relationship, from their first date to navigating life as new parents.
She often jokes about their cultural differences—the Dutch tendency toward directness versus the American love for sugarcoating—which provides a relatable and fresh perspective on modern marriage.
5. Their Family Life is a Key Theme in *Survival of the Thickest* Season 2
While the focus of her hit Netflix series, *Survival of the Thickest*, is on her character Mavis Beaumont's professional and dating life, the themes of family, love, and finding a partner are ever-present.
In interviews discussing the show's second season, Buteau has emphasized the importance of showing different aspects of love, including the stability and introspection that comes with a long-term, committed relationship like the one she shares with Gijs. The show, which she created and stars in, is a reflection of her own journey of self-acceptance and finding love on her own terms, a journey that Gijs van der Most has been a supportive and constant presence in for over a decade.
The Secret to Michelle and Gijs's Long-Term Success
After more than 15 years together, the longevity of Michelle Buteau and Gijs van der Most’s marriage is often attributed to a few key elements that Buteau frequently shares in her interviews and specials.
One of the most important factors is their ability to maintain separate, successful careers while fully supporting each other. Van der Most’s career as a photographer is his own creative outlet, and Buteau’s success as a comedian and host of shows like *The Circle* requires frequent travel and public attention.
Their foundation is built on deep friendship and mutual respect. Buteau has stated that she and Gijs genuinely enjoy spending time together, even when it involves the mundane tasks of parenting their twins, Hazel and Otis. This enduring partnership proves that behind every successful, hilarious woman is often a supportive, equally talented, and camera-ready partner.
Their journey, which began with a chance meeting in a New York bar and evolved through an international marriage, an infertility struggle, and the joy of welcoming twins, continues to be a source of inspiration and laughter for fans worldwide. They are a true example of a modern, multi-hyphenate couple navigating life, love, and the pursuit of “Buteaupia” together.
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