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Michelle Buteau’s Twins: 7 Surprising Truths About Otis And Hazel’s Surrogacy Journey And Life Now

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Comedian and actress Michelle Buteau is as famous for her sharp wit and infectious laugh as she is for her candid, hilarious stories about motherhood. As of today, December 23, 2025, Buteau and her husband, Gijs van der Most, are the proud parents of twins, a boy and a girl, whose arrival was the culmination of a deeply personal and often challenging fertility journey that the star has openly shared with the world. Their family life, now centered around their nearly seven-year-old duo, is a constant source of material for her stand-up and a heartwarming chapter in her highly successful career. The two adorable children, Otis and Hazel, were born in January 2019, instantly transforming the lives of the *Survival of the Thickest* creator and her Dutch husband. Buteau has been an outspoken advocate for surrogacy, detailing her struggles with infertility and her experience using a gestational carrier, making her an inspirational figure for many couples facing similar challenges. This is the complete, up-to-date story of Michelle Buteau's family, from her professional rise to the surprising truths of raising her vibrant twins.

Michelle Buteau: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Michelle Buteau is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, effortlessly moving between stand-up comedy, acting, hosting, and writing. Her career trajectory is a testament to her versatility and unique comedic voice.
  • Full Name: Michelle Buteau
  • Date of Birth: July 24, 1977
  • Place of Birth: Hamilton Township, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: Haitian and Jamaican descent
  • Education: Florida International University
  • Husband: Gijs van der Most (married since 2010)
  • Children: Twins, Otis and Hazel van der Most (born January 2019)
  • Primary Occupations: Stand-up Comedian, Actress, Television Host, Producer, Podcast Host
  • Notable Works:
    • Television Series: *Survival of the Thickest* (Creator, Star, and Executive Producer), *First Wives Club*, *Tales of the City*
    • Hosting/Narrating: *The Circle* (Host), *Too Hot to Handle* (Narrator)
    • Comedy Specials: *Welcome to Buteaupia* (Netflix, 2020)
    • Book: *Survival of the Thickest: Essays* (2020)
    • Podcast: *Adulting* (co-hosted with Jordan Carlos)
Buteau began her stand-up comedy career in 2001, quickly gaining recognition for her energetic stage presence and relatable humor. Her rise to fame accelerated with her successful Netflix special, *Welcome to Buteaupia*, which won a Critics' Choice Television Award, cementing her status as a comedic force. The recent success of her semi-autobiographical book and Netflix series, *Survival of the Thickest*, has made her a household name and a champion for body positivity and self-acceptance.

The Surrogacy Journey: How Otis and Hazel Arrived

The birth of Otis and Hazel in January 2019 was a moment of profound joy, but it followed a long and emotionally taxing road of infertility and IVF treatments. Buteau has been unflinchingly honest about this period, transforming her private pain into a powerful, public narrative.

The Infertility Struggle and IVF

Michelle Buteau and her husband, Gijs van der Most, struggled for years to conceive a child naturally. Buteau has described the intense emotional and physical toll of multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), a process she often recounts with her signature blend of raw honesty and dark humor. She has spoken candidly about the disappointment of failed cycles and the pressure it puts on a marriage, a topic that resonates deeply with many couples.

Choosing a Gestational Carrier

After realizing that carrying a pregnancy to term was not a viable option, the couple made the decision to pursue surrogacy, utilizing a gestational carrier for their embryos. This decision, Buteau has explained, was made with the full support of her husband and became a new chapter in their quest for a family. Her openness about using a surrogate has helped demystify the process and challenge the stigma often associated with it.

The Pennsylvania Birth and Legal Advocacy

One of the most surprising details of the twins' birth is the location. Due to restrictive surrogacy laws in New York state at the time, Buteau and van der Most had to travel to Pennsylvania for the birth of Otis and Hazel. This legal hurdle, which forced them to navigate complex interstate laws, became a major point of advocacy for Buteau. She later joined other parents, including Andy Cohen, in lobbying efforts to change the laws in New York, a move that eventually led to the state legalizing compensated gestational surrogacy. Her personal story was instrumental in this legislative victory, turning her family's challenge into a win for others.

Life with Twins: Otis and Hazel Today

As Otis and Hazel approach their seventh birthday in January 2026, Michelle Buteau’s life as a working mother of twins provides endless material for her comedy specials and interviews. She often shares hilarious anecdotes that highlight the unique personalities of her children and the sheer chaos of raising two kids at once.

The Personalities of Otis and Hazel

Buteau frequently describes her twins as having distinct and strong personalities. Otis, her son, and Hazel, her daughter, are often portrayed as a dynamic duo who keep their comedian mother on her toes. She has joked about their "mind of their own" and the relentless energy that comes with raising two children who are the same age. Her comedy special, *Welcome to Buteaupia*, and her book, *Survival of the Thickest*, both feature her new life as a parent, balancing career demands with the reality of toddler and school-age life.

The Reality of Parenting as a Comedian

Buteau has spoken about how becoming a mother has fundamentally changed her perspective, making her both a better comedian and a more focused professional. She notes that the relentless schedule of parenting and the lack of "me time" means she has no patience for trivial matters, including "cancel culture," a sentiment she has shared in interviews. This new focus on what truly matters has sharpened her comedic lens, making her observations on modern life and motherhood even more relatable.

The "Survival of the Thickest" Family Dynamic

The themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and finding your voice—central to her hit show *Survival of the Thickest*—are clearly reflected in her family life. Buteau and Gijs van der Most, a Dutch art dealer, maintain a strong partnership, navigating the challenges of a bicoastal career and raising a family. Her commitment to being her authentic self, whether on a red carpet or in a messy living room, serves as a powerful example for her children. The twins, growing up in a household full of love and laughter, are often the unseen, hilarious muses behind her most successful work.

In a world where celebrity parenting is often filtered, Michelle Buteau’s willingness to share the messy, beautiful truth about her journey—from infertility to surrogacy to the daily grind of raising twins—has cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most authentic and beloved stars. Her story is not just about having kids; it is about resilience, advocacy, and the hilarious reality of family life.

michelle buteau kids
michelle buteau kids

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