Meet Otis van der Most: Michelle Buteau’s Adorable Son

Have you ever heard the name Otis van der Most and wondered who he is? If you’re a fan of comedian Michelle Buteau, you’re about to meet someone very special. Otis is her adorable son, and his story is both heartwarming and inspiring.

Michelle’s road to motherhood wasn’t easy. But after years of trying, her dream finally came true — and that’s when Otis entered the world. In today’s article, we’ll learn more about Otis, his unique birth story, his fun personality, and his life with his loving family. Let’s get to know this little guy who brings big joy to everyone around him.

Who Is Otis van der Most?

Otis van der Most is the son of Michelle Buteau, a well-known comedian and actress, and her husband Gijs van der Most, a photographer from the Netherlands.

He was born on January 22, 2019, and has a twin sister named Hazel. That means he’s now 6 years old (as of 2025)! Otis lives in New York City with his parents and sister.

He comes from a beautifully mixed background. His mom, Michelle, is Haitian, Jamaican, Lebanese, and French, while his dad, Gijs, is Dutch. Otis is growing up in a loving and creative home filled with laughter, culture, and fun.

The Long Journey Before Otis Was Born

Michelle always knew she wanted to be a mom. But her path to becoming one was filled with ups and downs. She and her husband tried for years to have a baby. They went through IVF (in vitro fertilization) many times and even faced four miscarriages along the way.

At one point, Michelle was diagnosed with a condition called Prolactinoma, which made it harder to get pregnant. She tried everything — even holistic medicine — but nothing worked. She was emotionally and physically drained.

In her own words, she said she felt like she was being punished for wanting a baby so badly. It was a painful and confusing time for her and her husband.

Otis van der Most Was Born via Surrogacy

After all the pain and struggles, Michelle and Gijs made a brave choice — they turned to surrogacy. At the time, surrogacy wasn’t legal in New York, so they had to go to Pennsylvania to make it happen.

Michelle found a wonderful surrogate while she was filming the movie Always Be My Maybe in Vancouver. It was a moment of hope after years of heartbreak.

When Otis and Hazel were finally born, Michelle called them her “rainbows after the storm.” That’s a beautiful way to describe them — because they came after a very tough time and brought so much light.

The Day Otis Arrived

Otis was born on a cold January day in 2019. Michelle was right there in the hospital room during the birth, holding her breath with excitement. She had never imagined that moment would happen — but it did.

When she held Otis and Hazel for the first time, she said it felt like a “marathon of emotions.” She was happy, tired, emotional, and grateful — all at once.

She shared the news with the world on Instagram, writing:

“After years of trying, countless needles, and too many procedures to remember… it was well worth every tear.”

Otis and Hazel were finally here, and Michelle and Gijs were over the moon.

Growing Up with His Twin Sister Hazel

Otis isn’t just a son — he’s also a twin brother. His sister Hazel was born at the same time, and the two have been side by side ever since.

Michelle loves watching them grow up together. She says they have a beautiful bond and are always there for each other. Whether they’re playing, learning, or just being silly, they bring each other joy every single day.

As Michelle puts it, “It’s a miracle that they will always have each other.” She grew up as an only child, so seeing Otis and Hazel play and laugh together makes her heart full.

Otis van der Most’s Personality and Fun Vibe

Otis may be young, but he already has a strong and funny personality. Michelle often jokes that he acts like a “tired husband holding his wife’s purse at Macy’s.” That’s her way of saying he’s calm, chill, and kind of wise beyond his years.

While Hazel is full of sass and energy, Otis is the quiet observer. He watches everything, takes it all in, and then surprises you with something smart or funny.

Michelle calls her kids “little adults,” and with Otis, that’s especially true. He might be small, but he already shows signs of having a thoughtful and gentle heart.

Otis’s First Big Moments in Public

Otis van der Most may be young, but he has already had some big moments in the spotlight. In December 2020, he appeared with his mom and sister on the cover of Parents magazine. It was a big deal for Michelle — not just because of the cover, but because she got to celebrate her beautiful family.

She shared the cover on Instagram with pride. It wasn’t just about fame — it was about showing the world her miracle babies. After everything she went through to have Otis and Hazel, this moment was full of joy and love.

Otis has also made little appearances in Michelle’s stand-up comedy stories. Even though she keeps her kids mostly private, she loves sharing funny and sweet things about them. It’s clear that Otis is already a star in her heart.

Life at Home with Michelle and Gijs

Otis lives with his mom, dad, and twin sister in New York City. Their home is full of love, laughter, and lots of fun. Michelle is a busy woman — she writes, acts, hosts, and performs stand-up. But she always makes time for Otis and Hazel.

Mornings are busy. Michelle wakes up early to get everything ready for school. Then Gijs drops them off, and Michelle picks them up after work. It’s a good team effort. They make sure the kids always feel loved and supported.

Otis is growing up in a creative and caring home. With two artistic parents and a close sibling, he’s learning about the world in a warm and happy way.

Michelle Buteau’s Parenting Style with Otis

Michelle is a very involved mom. She watches her kids closely, asks questions, and makes sure they’re safe and happy. She calls herself a bit of a “helicopter parent,” always checking to make sure things are okay.

She grew up with a strict, careful mother, so it makes sense that she brings that energy to parenting. But it comes from love. Michelle wants Otis to feel proud, brave, and ready for anything.

She also teaches him that it’s okay to make mistakes. Her goal is to raise kids who are kind, thoughtful, and full of self-worth — and Otis is already on that path.

Gijs van der Most, Otis’s Fun and Chill Dad

Now let’s talk about Gijs van der Most, Otis’s dad. Gijs is Dutch, and his parenting style is very different from Michelle’s. He’s calm, relaxed, and lets the kids figure things out on their own.

For example, if Otis climbs something and can’t get down, Gijs might say, “Figure it out.” It may sound simple, but it teaches Otis to solve problems on his own. Gijs believes in giving kids space to grow.

He also loves the outdoors. While Michelle prefers staying in with a good show, Gijs likes camping, hiking, and paddleboarding. Sometimes they all go on fun trips together — and Otis gets to enjoy both sides of parenting: comfort and adventure.

School Life and Daily Adventures

In Fall 2024, Otis started kindergarten. It was a big step, but he handled it like a champ. Michelle says she’s proud of how her little boy is growing up and adjusting to new things.

Otis loves learning, asking questions, and exploring the world. Whether he’s reading a book, drawing a picture, or playing with Hazel, he’s always curious. Michelle supports this by keeping his days full of love and creativity.

She once said that being a tired mom is a “privilege.” Even after a long day, knowing she’s raising kids like Otis gives her the strength to keep going.

What Michelle Hopes for Otis’s Future

Michelle has big dreams for Otis, but more than anything, she wants him to be happy. She hopes he grows up kind, confident, and proud of who he is. She doesn’t push him to be perfect — just to be real.

She once told USA Today,

“I want the world for them. I want them to know that they’re never losing, only learning.”

That’s the heart of how she raises Otis. Life is full of ups and downs, but she teaches him to learn from every moment and never give up.

With such a strong and loving family behind him, Otis van der Most is on a beautiful path. He may be small now, but there’s no doubt that big things are ahead.

Final Words

From his inspiring birth story to his sweet and funny personality, Otis van der Most is more than just Michelle Buteau’s son — he’s a symbol of hope, love, and never giving up. Watching him grow is not just special for Michelle and Gijs, but for everyone who follows their story.

Otis reminds us that sometimes, the best things in life come after the biggest struggles — and they’re always worth the wait.