Gijs van der Most is a Dutch photographer and businessman who is best known as the husband of American comedian and actress Michelle Buteau. While his wife has become a familiar face on television and Netflix, Gijs has spent much of his career working behind the camera. Born in the Netherlands, he developed an interest in photography and later built a career in the creative industry. His work has appeared in publications such as People, Esquire and Men’s Health.
Apart from photography, Gijs has been involved in Van der Most Modern, a furniture business based in Brooklyn, New York. He married Michelle Buteau in July 2010, and the couple welcomed twins, Hazel and Otis, through surrogacy in 2019. Although his wife’s career has brought him public attention, he remains focused on his work and family rather than seeking fame.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gijs van der Most |
| Known For | Husband of Michelle Buteau |
| Birthplace | Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Profession | Photographer, Businessman and Furniture Designer |
| Education | HKU University of the Arts Utrecht |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Michelle Buteau |
| Marriage Date | July 2010 |
| Children | Two (Hazel and Otis) |
| Children’s Birth Year | 2019 |
| Business | Van der Most Modern |
| Famous Photography Work | People, Esquire and Men’s Health |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed |
Who Is Gijs van der Most?
Gijs van der Most is a Dutch photographer and entrepreneur who has worked in photography, furniture and design. His name became more widely recognised through his marriage to Michelle Buteau, but he had already started building his professional career before her biggest television successes.
Unlike many celebrity partners who regularly appear in interviews and entertainment programmes, Gijs rarely discusses his personal affairs publicly. Most information about him comes from his professional background and interviews given by his wife. His career shows that he has interests and achievements of his own, even though many people first discover him through Buteau.
Early Life and Education in the Netherlands
Gijs van der Most was born in the Netherlands, where he spent his early years before moving to the United States. Growing up in a country known for its art, architecture and design helped shape the creative interests that later became part of his career. However, very little has been publicly confirmed about his childhood, parents or early family background.
He studied photographic design at HKU (Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht) in the Netherlands. According to his professional profile, he attended the institution between 2000 and 2005. His studies gave him a background in photography and visual presentation, which would become important in his later work. Rather than pursuing a career in front of the camera, he chose to develop his skills behind it.
How Gijs van der Most Started His Photography Career
Photography became one of the main parts of Gijs van der Most’s professional life. He began working as a professional photographer around 2008, building experience in editorial and commercial photography. His assignments have been associated with recognised publications, including People, Esquire, Men’s Health and Fast Company.
His photography often focuses on people, their surroundings and ordinary moments. Earlier professional profiles describe projects such as Used Car Salesmen, Yard Sales and Sign Jugglers. These collections explored everyday places and activities rather than relying only on carefully arranged studio photographs.
Gijs also worked in the Los Angeles photography scene after moving from Amsterdam. His interest in observing people and their environments became a recognisable part of his work. Although he is not as publicly famous as his wife, his professional history shows years of experience in the creative field.
His Furniture Business, Van der Most Modern
Alongside photography, Gijs developed an interest in furniture and interior design. He became involved in Van der Most Modern, a Brooklyn-based business specialising in carefully selected vintage furniture and decorative pieces. The business became known for its collection of mid-century furniture, including designs influenced by Dutch and European styles.
Gijs used his understanding of visual design when selecting furniture for the business. Instead of simply selling ordinary household items, the shop focused on pieces with interesting shapes, materials and practical uses. Design publications have described him as the founder and owner behind the collection.
His photography background connected naturally with his interest in furniture. Both involve paying attention to colour, shape, detail and presentation. Although the business has received public coverage, there is limited confirmed information about its current trading status.
How Did Gijs van der Most Meet Michelle Buteau?
Gijs van der Most and Michelle Buteau met in 2008, before Michelle became widely recognised for her work on Netflix and in Hollywood films. Their relationship developed while she was still building her comedy career and looking for bigger opportunities in entertainment.
The couple married in July 2010. Their marriage brought together two people from different cultural backgrounds, with Gijs coming from the Netherlands and Michelle growing up in the United States. Buteau has occasionally spoken about their differences, including their approaches to communication and family life.
Their relationship has lasted through major career changes and personal challenges. Michelle has publicly praised her husband’s support, particularly during the earlier years of her career when success was far from guaranteed. Rather than competing for attention, they have continued pursuing their individual interests while building a family together.
Their Journey to Becoming Parents
One of the most emotional chapters in the couple’s marriage was their journey towards parenthood. Michelle Buteau has spoken openly about the difficulties she experienced while trying to have children, including several rounds of IVF treatment and pregnancy losses.
The experience was physically and emotionally difficult for her. During an interview with People, Michelle explained how Gijs became concerned about the effect that repeated fertility treatments were having on her. He encouraged her to consider another path towards becoming a mother.
The couple eventually decided to explore surrogacy. At the time, New York’s laws made their plans more complicated, so they sought help in Pennsylvania. After years of disappointment, they finally received the news they had been hoping for.
In 2019, Gijs and Michelle welcomed their twins, Hazel and Otis, through gestational surrogacy. Their arrival marked a major change in the couple’s lives and brought an end to a long, difficult journey towards parenthood.
Gijs van der Most as a Father
Becoming a father to twins introduced Gijs van der Most to a different set of responsibilities. While he continued to have professional interests, raising two young children became an important part of family life. Michelle has discussed their experiences as parents in interviews and comedy performances.
She has also explained that she and Gijs sometimes approach parenting differently. Their cultural backgrounds influence certain habits and expectations, but they share the responsibility of raising Hazel and Otis.
The twins have occasionally been mentioned in Michelle’s interviews, although the family does not share every part of their daily routine with the public. In recent interviews, she has spoken warmly about watching her children grow and develop their individual personalities.
His Support for Michelle Buteau’s Career
Michelle Buteau has built an impressive entertainment career through stand-up comedy, acting, writing and television hosting. She is known for projects such as Survival of the Thickest, The Circle, Always Be My Maybe and Babes. As her career has grown, Gijs has remained an important part of her personal support system.
In interviews, Michelle has credited her husband with encouraging her when she was still finding her place in comedy. She has described the value of having a partner who celebrates her achievements instead of feeling uncomfortable about her success.
Their relationship has also appeared in some of her comedy material. Michelle often finds humour in marriage, parenting and the everyday differences between herself and her Dutch husband. These stories have given audiences a small look at their family life without requiring Gijs to become a public entertainer himself.
Public Appearances and Life Away from Fame
Although Gijs van der Most usually maintains a lower public profile, he has accompanied Michelle Buteau to several entertainment events. The couple have appeared together at red-carpet premieres, awards ceremonies and charity events.
They attended the Writers Guild Awards in 2023 and appeared at the New York premiere of Survival of the Thickest that same year. Gijs also joined Michelle at the second season’s premiere in March 2025.
These appearances have helped fans recognise him, particularly as Michelle’s popularity has increased. However, attending public events with his wife does not mean that he has chosen the same career. His main professional background remains photography and furniture design.
What Is Gijs van der Most’s Net Worth?
There is no reliable public figure for Gijs van der Most’s net worth. His work as a photographer and his involvement in the furniture business suggest that he has earned money through creative and commercial projects, but his exact income and financial assets have not been publicly confirmed.
Some celebrity biography websites publish estimates of his wealth without explaining where the figures come from. Such numbers should not be treated as established facts. Gijs has not publicly shared enough financial information to support an accurate personal net worth estimate.
Why Gijs van der Most Attracts Public Interest
Much of the interest surrounding Gijs van der Most comes from Michelle Buteau’s growing popularity. Viewers who enjoy her comedy and television appearances naturally become curious about the person she has been married to for more than 16 years.
There is also a professional story behind the public curiosity. Gijs trained as a photographer, worked on creative projects and developed a furniture business before becoming familiar to wider entertainment audiences. His background makes him more than simply a celebrity spouse.
His marriage, photography work and experience as a father offer a clearer picture of his life than the unverified details often found on biography websites.
Conclusion
Gijs van der Most has spent years building a career in photography and furniture design while supporting his wife, Michelle Buteau, through her rise in entertainment. From studying photographic design in the Netherlands to working in the United States, he has followed a creative path of his own.
His marriage to Michelle in 2010 and the arrival of their twins, Hazel and Otis, in 2019 are among the most important publicly known moments in his family life. Although he occasionally appears alongside his wife at major events, he has remained a relatively private figure. His story is one of professional creativity, a long marriage and a family built through years of patience and shared effort.
(FAQs)
Who is Gijs van der Most?
Gijs van der Most is a Dutch photographer and businessman best known as the husband of American comedian and actress Michelle Buteau. He has worked in professional photography and has been involved in the Brooklyn furniture business Van der Most Modern.
What does Gijs van der Most do for a living?
Gijs works in photography and has experience in the furniture and design industry. His photographic work has appeared in publications including People, Esquire and Men’s Health.
When did Gijs van der Most marry Michelle Buteau?
Gijs van der Most married Michelle Buteau in July 2010. The couple met in 2008 and have remained together throughout her growing career in comedy and television.
How many children does Gijs van der Most have?
Gijs van der Most has two children, twins named Hazel and Otis. They were born in 2019 through gestational surrogacy after the couple experienced difficulties with fertility treatments.
What is Gijs van der Most’s nationality?
Gijs van der Most is Dutch. He was born in the Netherlands and studied photographic design at HKU in Utrecht before developing his professional career in the United States.
