You’ve probably seen the name pop up on your feed lately. Maybe it was a red carpet photo or a snippet from a stand-up special that made you pause. Otis van der Most isn't a tech mogul or a Dutch footballer, though the name certainly sounds like he could be. He's actually one half of the famous twin duo belonging to comedian and actress Michelle Buteau and her husband, Gijs van der Most.
It’s kind of wild how much people care about celebrity kids these days. But with Otis, there’s a real story there. It isn't just about a cute kid at a movie premiere; it’s about a long, grueling journey to parenthood that his parents shared with the world.
Why Otis van der Most Is More Than Just a Famous Last Name
When Otis and his twin sister, Hazel, arrived in January 2019, it wasn't just a "celebrity birth announcement." It was a victory. Michelle Buteau has been incredibly open—honestly, maybe the most transparent person in Hollywood—about her struggle with infertility. She went through rounds of IVF that didn't work. She dealt with the physical toll and the emotional wreckage that comes when your body doesn't do what you want it to do.
Otis was born via surrogate.
This matters because it changed the conversation. When Otis van der Most was born, he became a face for families who take the "non-traditional" route. His dad, Gijs, is a Dutch photographer who brings a very specific, laid-back European vibe to the family dynamic. You can see it in the way they dress the kids—no over-the-top designer toddler suits, just cool, functional, and very "New York meets Amsterdam" style.
The Red Carpet Debut
If you’re looking for where you might have recognized him from recently, look no further than the Despicable Me 4 premiere in June 2024. Otis van der Most was there at Jazz at Lincoln Center, looking remarkably chill for a five-year-old surrounded by flashing lights and giant yellow Minions.
He’s got this energy. Michelle often jokes in her sets that Otis has the "vibe of a tired husband holding his wife's purse at Macy's." It’s that specific brand of toddler-cool that makes people gravitate toward him.
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The Cultural Melting Pot
Otis is growing up in a house that is basically a global summit.
- His Mom: Born in New Jersey to parents of Haitian, Lebanese, Jamaican, and French descent.
- His Dad: Born and raised in the Netherlands.
- The Result: A kid who is getting a world-class education in culture just by eating breakfast.
They live in the Bronx. That’s a choice. They aren't tucked away in a gated community in Calabasas. Otis van der Most is growing up with the noise, the grit, and the reality of New York City. Gijs even co-owns a furniture business called Van der Most Modern in Bushwick. It’s a family that works, creates, and stays grounded, which is probably why Otis doesn't look terrified when a camera points at him.
What People Get Wrong About Celebrity Kids Like Otis
There’s this assumption that these kids are spoiled or "nepo babies" before they can even tie their shoes. With Otis, it feels different. His parents are very protective of his actual childhood while being open about the existence of their family.
They aren't "content creators" using their kids for brand deals.
When you see Otis van der Most, you’re seeing a kid whose parents waited nearly a decade to meet him. That changes the way a child is raised. There’s a level of intentionality there. Michelle has talked about the "cultural clash" in their parenting—how Gijs is very Dutch and relaxed (letting the kids explore, get dirty, be independent) while she describes herself as more of a "helicopter parent."
Otis is the bridge between those two worlds.
Breaking Down the Surrogate Journey
We can't talk about Otis without talking about how he got here. Surrogacy is still a bit of a "taboo" topic in some circles, or at least one that people find confusing. For the van der Most family, it was the only way.
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Michelle was 36 when she started the process. By the time Otis and Hazel arrived, she was 41. It’s a reminder that "late" parenthood is just "parenthood."
Living Between Two Languages
Is Otis van der Most bilingual? Most signs point to yes, or at least he's well on his way. Gijs is Dutch, and the family spends time navigating that heritage. In the Netherlands, parenting is famously different from the U.S. Dutch kids are often ranked as some of the happiest in the world because of the "doe maar gewoon" (just act normal) philosophy.
You see that in Otis. He’s "normal."
Even at high-profile events, he looks like a kid who just happens to be at a party. There’s no coached "celebrity kid" smile.
The Van der Most Modern Connection
Aside from being a dad, Gijs is a professional photographer and a mid-century modern furniture expert. Their shop in Bushwick is a staple for people who want authentic, restored pieces. Otis is growing up around craftsmanship.
It’s not just about fame; it’s about a family business.
While Hazel is often described as the one with her mom’s "big" personality, Otis is frequently noted for his observant, slightly more reserved nature. He’s the one taking it all in.
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Actionable Takeaways from the Otis van der Most Story
If you’re following this family or just curious about the name, there are a few real-world things to appreciate about their approach:
- Normalize Alternative Paths: Whether it's IVF or surrogacy, Otis’s life proves that there is no "right" way to build a family.
- Cultural Integration: If you’re a multi-cultural family, lean into it. Don’t pick one heritage over the other; let your kids experience the "clash."
- Privacy vs. Presence: You can be a public figure (like Michelle) without exploiting your children. It’s possible to share your joy without selling your kids' privacy.
- Stay Grounded: Living in a diverse, working neighborhood like the Bronx keeps the "celebrity" bubble from popping.
Otis van der Most is just a kid, but he represents a very modern, very real version of the American dream—mixed with a little bit of Dutch cool. He’s a reminder that sometimes the things we wait longest for are the ones that turn out the best.
Keep an eye out for him, but don't expect him to be a child star anytime soon. His parents seem much more interested in letting him just be Otis.
Next Steps for Readers:
If you are interested in the furniture legacy Otis might one day inherit, check out Van der Most Modern in Brooklyn to see the aesthetic that defines his home life. For those navigating their own parenthood struggles, Michelle Buteau’s book Survival of the Thickest offers a much deeper, more personal look at the road to Otis and Hazel.