Who Is Gijs Van Der Most? The Dutch Photographer And Husband Of Michelle Buteau
Ever wondered about the man behind the laughter of comedian Michelle Buteau? While she commands stages with her sharp wit and infectious energy, her personal life is anchored by a notably private partner: Gijs van der Most. This Dutch-born photographer and entrepreneur has carved out his own creative path, largely away from the spotlight, while supporting his famous wife. From a traditional wedding in 2010 to the joyful arrival of twins after a difficult fertility journey, their story is one of resilience, privacy, and shared creativity. But who exactly is Gijs van der Most beyond the "husband" title? Let’s delve into the life, work, and family of this multifaceted artist.
Biography and Early Life: From Amsterdam to the World Stage
Gijs van der Most was born and raised in the Netherlands, spending his formative years immersed in the culture and canals of Amsterdam. His Dutch heritage is a cornerstone of his identity, influencing his aesthetic sensibility and work ethic. Before becoming a fixture in the American creative scene, he built his life and early career in his home country. The decision to relocate was pivotal; he moved to New York City, the "Big Apple," a move that would ultimately change the course of his life. It was in the bustling, diverse environment of New York that he would meet the woman who would become his wife, though the exact circumstances of their first meeting remain a cherished secret they have deliberately kept from the public eye.
This transatlantic move speaks to a spirit of adventure and a desire for new creative horizons. New York, with its relentless energy and photographic opportunities, provided the perfect backdrop for a budding photographer to establish his portfolio and reputation. His early career in Amsterdam likely equipped him with a strong technical foundation and a unique European perspective that would later distinguish his work in the competitive U.S. market.
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Bio Data at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gijs van der Most |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Profession | Photographer, Entrepreneur, Founder of Van der Most Modern |
| Known For | Editorial/commercial photography, furniture & décor curation, being husband to Michelle Buteau |
| Birthplace | Netherlands (likely Amsterdam) |
| Key Cities Lived | Amsterdam, New York City, Los Angeles |
| Spouse | Michelle Buteau (married July 2010) |
| Children | Twins: Hazel and Otis (b. 2019) |
| Age | 42 (as of recent reports, placing his birth year around 1982) |
| Website | gijs.com (official photography portfolio) |
A Love Story Shielded from the Limelight
Despite Michelle Buteau's rising fame as a comedian and actress (known for her Netflix specials and roles in First Wives Club), she and Gijs have maintained a remarkably private relationship. The details of their first meeting are unknown, a conscious choice that underscores their commitment to keeping their bond sacred and separate from the entertainment industry's glare. This privacy is a rare and commendable stance in an era of oversharing, allowing their relationship to develop on their own terms.
Their courtship led to a traditional ceremony in July 2010, where they officially tied the knot. The wedding, like their relationship, was kept intimate and out of tabloid headlines. This foundational period of over a decade before starting a family gave them a strong, established partnership. Michelle has often spoken about Gijs with deep affection, highlighting his support and the normalcy he brings to her often chaotic comedic life. Their dynamic is built on mutual respect and a shared sense of humor—so much so that they frequently joke about their relationship in her stand-up routines. These jokes, however, are always rooted in love and authenticity, offering fans a glimpse into their playful, solid marriage without exploiting its intimate details.
The Journey to Parenthood: Joy After Years of Struggle
The path to becoming parents was far from easy. Michelle Buteau and her husband, Gijs van der Most, spent five years trying to conceive. This period, as Michelle has bravely shared, was marked by profound challenges. She described it as “a lot of disappointment, a lot of money spent and a lot of tears shed.” Their experience shines a light on the often-hidden emotional and financial toll of fertility struggles, a topic many couples face in silence.
Their perseverance culminated in the joyful birth of twins, Hazel and Otis, in 2019. The arrival of their children was a transformative moment, filling their lives with a new kind of chaos and boundless love. Michelle has been refreshingly open about the difficulties of the fertility journey, using her platform to normalize the conversation and offer solidarity to others experiencing similar pain. For Gijs, becoming a father to twins at 42 (based on reported ages) marked a new chapter, one he embraces with the same quiet dedication he brings to his work. The family now divides its time, with Gijs's career taking root in Los Angeles after a stint in New York, while Michelle's work continues to span coasts.
The Creative Mind: Photography and Entrepreneurship
While known as Michelle Buteau’s husband, Gijs van der Most is a accomplished photographer and businessman in his own right. His official website showcases a robust portfolio and a list of prominent publications he has worked with, including Dentsu, People, LPV Magazine, Fast Company, Esquire, and Men’s Health. This client list places him firmly within the elite circles of commercial and editorial photography, where his eye for detail and narrative is in high demand.
His photography style is often described as direct, personal, and sometimes with a little wink. He is fascinated by people, their behavior, and their environments. This curiosity fuels his documentary projects, such as one titled “Used,” which suggests a penchant for capturing authentic, unvarnished moments and the stories embedded in objects and places. His work doesn’t just document; it connects, offering viewers a sense of intimacy and insight into his subjects.
Relocation and Rising Fame in Los Angeles
After years building his career in New York, Gijs made a significant move, swapping Amsterdam for Los Angeles about two years ago (from the perspective of the article's source material). This relocation to the West Coast has proven fruitful. He has been quickly becoming a favorite in the downtown Los Angeles photography scene, a testament to his adaptability and the universal appeal of his aesthetic. The LA move also aligns with the family’s needs, providing a different lifestyle and creative community while remaining close to the entertainment industry hubs where his wife works.
Van der Most Modern: A Curated Design Venture
Beyond the camera, Gijs van der Most is the founder and owner of Van der Most Modern. This venture offers an eclectic collection of furniture and décor pieces carefully curated by him. The brand’s philosophy is clear: “We’re proud to offer you the best mid century modern.” This business showcases another dimension of his creative vision—an extension of his photographic eye for composition, texture, and timeless design into the physical spaces we inhabit. It’s a natural progression for an artist attuned to aesthetics, allowing him to shape environments with the same intentionality he applies to his images. This entrepreneurial spirit highlights a multifaceted career that spans visual storytelling and tangible design.
Addressing the Name: Clarifying the "Gijs van der Most" Search Results
A comprehensive look at the name "Gijs van der Most" must acknowledge that search results can sometimes surface unrelated individuals due to the commonality of Dutch names. For instance:
- Energy Innovation: Recent news features TU/e energy technologists Bart van der Holst and Gijs Verhoeven (note the different surname) who developed a new simulation tool that helps grid operators use existing capacity more efficiently and encourage flexible consumer behavior to combat electricity grid congestion. This is a separate person in a technical field.
- Football (Soccer): In a recent match, Jack Grealish defended Raheem Sterling’s debut performance for Feyenoord, where head coach Robin van Persie introduced Sterling in the 61st minute as a replacement for Gijs Smal. This is a Dutch footballer, a different individual entirely.
These mentions, while appearing in searches for similar names, are not connected to the photographer and Michelle Buteau’s husband. This article focuses exclusively on Gijs van der Most, the Dutch photographer, entrepreneur, and family man based in Los Angeles.
Family Life: Raising Hazel and Otis
The birth of Otis and Hazel van der most was a joyful moment that redefined their family. Michelle often shares hilarious and heartfelt anecdotes about parenting twins, painting a picture of a household filled with love, laughter, and the inevitable chaos that comes with two children the same age. Gijs is portrayed as a hands-on and supportive father, balancing his creative projects with family life.
Their approach to parenting seems grounded in the same privacy that protects their marriage. While Michelle shares select, relatable moments from motherhood, she and Gijs are deliberate about shielding their children from excessive public exposure. This allows Hazel and Otis to have a childhood as normal as possible, despite their mother’s celebrity. The family’s story—from a long, difficult fertility journey to the bustling joy of twins—resonates with many, offering a narrative of hope and perseverance.
Conclusion: A Portrait of a Private Creative
Gijs van der Most emerges not as a celebrity by association, but as a dedicated artist and entrepreneur who has skillfully built a life on his own terms. From the canals of Amsterdam to the studios of New York and now the creative lofts of downtown Los Angeles, his journey reflects a commitment to his craft. His work with top-tier publications and his curated furniture line, Van der Most Modern, demonstrate a versatile and refined aesthetic vision.
Simultaneously, his role as husband to the hilarious Michelle Buteau and father to twins Hazel and Otis reveals a man of depth, patience, and quiet strength. Their story—marked by a private courtship, a traditional wedding, a grueling but ultimately successful fertility journey, and a shared sense of humor—is a compelling counter-narrative to the typical Hollywood tale. He is the stable, creative force behind the laughter, a partner who values privacy, family, and artistic integrity. In a world obsessed with fame, Gijs van der Most reminds us that a fulfilling life is often built in the quiet spaces between the spotlight, surrounded by love, creativity, and the occasional well-placed wink.
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Gijs van der Most (Michelle Buteau's Husband) Wiki, Age, Family
Gijs van der Most (Michelle Buteau's Husband) Wiki, Age, Family
Gijs van der Most (Michelle Buteau's Husband) Wiki, Age, Family
