Amy Smart Husband Carter Oosterhouse: Their Marriage, Family Life and Careers
Many fans searching for Amy Smart’s husband already know her from films like The Butterfly Effect or comedies like Just Friends, but fewer know the full story of her relationship with television personality and carpenter Carter Oosterhouse. Their marriage blends Hollywood, sustainability, family values, and a deep love for the environment—making it one of the more grounded and enduring partnerships in the entertainment world.
Who Is Amy Smart?
Amy Smart was born on March 26, 1976, in Topanga Canyon, California. Before becoming an actress, she started her career as a model, traveling internationally in her teens and early twenties. Modeling eventually led her toward acting, and by the late 1990s, she was landing roles that showcased her easy charm and emotional depth.
She gained wider recognition in films such as Varsity Blues, Road Trip, Rat Race, and the dark sci-fi thriller The Butterfly Effect. The romantic comedy Just Friends, where she starred opposite Ryan Reynolds, further solidified her as a relatable, down-to-earth screen presence. Later, she appeared in TV shows like Shameless and Justified, showing her range across different genres.
Over time, Smart shifted some of her focus away from Hollywood and toward environmental advocacy and family life. Her calm, nature-loving personality has always set her apart from the typical Hollywood stereotype, which is part of why her marriage to Carter Oosterhouse feels so naturally aligned.
Who Is Carter Oosterhouse?
Carter Oosterhouse is best known for being one of television’s most popular carpenters and home-improvement personalities. Born on September 19, 1976, in Traverse City, Michigan, he grew up in a tight-knit family and learned hands-on building skills early in life. Those skills, combined with his charisma and easygoing attitude, helped him break into television.
Oosterhouse became widely recognized through his work on TLC’s Trading Spaces, where he quickly became a fan favorite. He later hosted shows including Carter Can, Red Hot & Green, and multiple HGTV home-design programs. His career goes beyond television, however—he is heavily involved in sustainability, green building, and philanthropic work.
He co-founded the Carter’s Kids nonprofit, which builds play spaces to encourage physical activity for children. Additionally, Oosterhouse has worked extensively in eco-friendly construction and natural-living projects, making him not just a television personality but also a respected advocate for environmental responsibility.
How Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse Met
The story of how Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse met is one rooted in shared passions. The two crossed paths while participating in environmental and charity efforts. Their mutual commitment to sustainability sparked an immediate connection. Both shared a deep appreciation for nature, community involvement, and making lifestyle choices that support a healthier planet.
This shared purpose made their early relationship feel natural and aligned. They were drawn together not just by attraction, but by parallel values—something both have pointed to as a key pillar in their long-lasting bond.
Their Wedding and Marriage
Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse married on September 10, 2011, in Carter’s hometown of Traverse City, Michigan. Their wedding was a reflection of who they are as a couple: warm, eco-friendly, and deeply personal. Held outdoors in a rustic setting, the ceremony included sustainable design elements, local flowers, and farm-to-table food.
The celebration brought together their families, friends, and community in a way that felt authentic and relaxed rather than overly extravagant. Photos from the day show soft natural touches—wooden accents, lush greenery, and hand-crafted decor—very much in line with Oosterhouse’s aesthetic.
Since then, the couple has kept their marriage strong by choosing to live a grounded lifestyle away from Hollywood’s constant noise. They split their time between Los Angeles and Michigan, often choosing the quiet beauty of Traverse City, where Carter grew up and where they maintain deep roots.
Becoming Parents — Their Daughter
One of the most meaningful chapters in their life together came with the birth of their daughter, Flora, in December 2016. The road to parenthood wasn’t simple; Smart and Oosterhouse struggled with infertility and eventually chose surrogacy to grow their family. Smart has spoken openly about how emotional and humbling the journey was.
Flora’s arrival transformed their lives. Both parents often mention how grateful they feel to finally have the family they long hoped for. They have taken a very hands-on approach to parenting, prioritizing nature-based experiences, outdoor play, creativity, and a balanced schedule.
Their presence on social media frequently shows the three of them enjoying gardening, hiking, boating, and outdoor projects—a continuation of the environmentally focused lifestyle they shared long before becoming parents.
Balancing Hollywood, Business, and Environmental Work
Amy Smart’s acting career has shifted since becoming a mother, with fewer roles and a more selective approach to projects. Instead of chasing constant on-screen opportunities, she focuses on work that resonates with her values and schedule. She has also become increasingly involved in environmental advocacy, promoting sustainable living and eco-friendly products.
Carter continues to work in television, but he also devotes significant time to his entrepreneurial ventures, including a winery and his ongoing charity work through Carter’s Kids. Together, they often attend community events, environmental summits, and charity fundraisers. Their shared mission around sustainability remains a backbone of their public identity.
What makes their partnership stand out is that their careers complement each other. They work in different industries, but both care deeply about building things—whether that’s a home, a garden, a community project, or a stable family life.
