Nate Bargatze has captivated audiences with his clean, relatable comedy for years, achieving widespread recognition through his Netflix specials, sold-out tours, and even a stint hosting Saturday Night Live. While his on-stage persona is undeniably hilarious, much of his material draws inspiration from his life off-stage, particularly his family. At the heart of it all is his wife, Laura Bargatze, his partner since long before fame found him. Their enduring relationship and family life are a testament to a grounded existence amidst the whirlwind of comedic success.
Nate and Laura’s story began in a familiar setting for many young couples: Applebee’s. Working together in Tennessee during their early twenties, their connection blossomed, laying the foundation for a relationship that has weathered the ups and downs of pursuing a career in entertainment. Laura has been a constant presence throughout Nate’s journey, from comedy college in Chicago to the demanding comedy scene of New York City and Los Angeles, and finally to his current prominence.
Her unwavering support is frequently acknowledged by Nate, and Laura herself has offered insights into their dynamic on The Nateland Podcast. Beyond support, Laura is an integral part of Nate’s professional life, working behind the scenes on his podcast and managing various aspects of his career. Together, they have built a life centered in Tennessee, raising their daughter, Harper, away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood.
This article delves into the heartwarming details of Nate Bargatze’s family life, exploring his relationship with Laura Bargatze, their journey together, and the joys of raising their daughter, Harper. Discover the story behind the comedian and the family that grounds his comedic genius.
From Applebee’s to Center Stage: The Beginning of Nate and Laura Bargatze
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Alt text: A candid photo of Nate Bargatze and Laura Bargatze smiling warmly at an event, showcasing their strong bond.
Long before comedy specials and Grammy nominations, Nate Bargatze’s story included an Applebee’s restaurant in Tennessee, where he crossed paths with Laura. In their early twenties, both were working at the casual dining establishment – Nate as a host and Laura as a server. This humble beginning is a frequent source of humor in Nate’s stand-up, particularly in The Greatest Average American, where he jokes about Laura’s initial assessment of his server potential.
“Someone asked [Laura] recently … did you ever imagine when you started dating that your lives would become all that it’s become?” Nate recounts in his special. Laura’s response, as Nate tells it, was hilariously down-to-earth: “When I met him, he was a host and I didn’t think he was smart enough to be a server. So, yeah — we’ve got a little bit farther than I expected.”
Despite this initial skepticism, Laura was charmed by Nate’s unique personality. On The Nateland Podcast, she recounted a memorable evening with Applebee’s coworkers where Nate’s confidence shone through in an unexpected way. He put on The Little Mermaid soundtrack in a social setting and playfully demanded silence from his friends to fully appreciate it. Laura found this quirky confidence endearing, marking a moment when she truly took notice of him.
Unwavering Support: Laura Bargatze and Nate’s Comedy Dreams
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Alt text: Nate Bargatze and his wife Laura enjoying a moment together at the scenic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, highlighting their shared experiences.
While working as a meter reader for a water company, a job offering stability and benefits, Nate harbored a long-held ambition: comedy. Despite the security of his county job, a high school aspiration to perform at Zanie’s comedy club in Chicago lingered. When the opportunity to attend comedy college in Chicago arose, Nate decided to pursue his passion, and Laura was wholeheartedly supportive.
Laura recalled her reaction on The Nateland Podcast, “He said, ‘I have to tell you something,’ and … my mind is racing. Just, like, what could it be?” Nate’s announcement that he wanted to become a stand-up comedian was met not with hesitation, but with encouragement. “And I was like, okay, alright … do that!” she remembered. Laura explained she “had a good feeling about it,” showcasing her early belief in Nate’s potential.
Nate credits Laura’s early and continued support as crucial to his comedic journey. He emphasized on The Nateland Podcast the importance of supportive relationships when pursuing demanding careers, stating that partners who are not on board can become obstacles. Laura’s belief in Nate allowed him to fully commit to the sacrifices necessary to achieve his comedy dreams.
Seventeen Years and Counting: The Marriage of Nate and Laura Bargatze
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Alt text: Nate Bargatze and Laura Bargatze dressed elegantly at a charity event for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, demonstrating their philanthropic engagement.
In 2005, while navigating the challenges of the New York City comedy scene, Nate proposed to Laura during a visit. A romantic carriage ride through Central Park set the stage for the proposal, which Laura admitted was a complete surprise. The couple solidified their commitment on Friday, October 13, 2006. Their wedding date, falling on Friday the 13th, became another source of comedic fodder for Nate, notably in The Tennessee Kid.
He jokingly remarks about the ease of booking their wedding venue on such a date, quipping, “We got married on Friday the 13th. Got a pretty sweet deal on that. They were wide open. We were like, ‘What times are available?’ They go, ‘Every one of ‘em. All 24. You can call us that day if you want.’”
Beyond the date, Nate shares anecdotes about their wedding planning, highlighting his mother’s and Laura’s shared frugality. One humorous example is the “awful” DJ hired by Nate’s mother, who reportedly became intoxicated and played the same song repeatedly. Despite any wedding mishaps, Nate consistently expresses deep affection and gratitude for Laura. On their 17th anniversary, he shared a heartfelt Instagram post, acknowledging Laura’s unwavering support and love, writing, “Friday the 13th turned out to be ok. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I love you Laura. Happy Anniversary!”
Harper Blair Bargatze: Adding Daughter to the Nate Bargatze Family
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Alt text: A heartwarming family portrait of Nate Bargatze, Laura Bargatze, and their daughter Harper, radiating joy and family closeness.
The Bargatze family expanded on July 8, 2012, with the arrival of their daughter, Harper Blair Bargatze. Nate announced Harper’s birth on social media, sharing a picture of their newborn with the simple and joyful caption, “My beautiful new daughter Harper Blair. Awesome day.”
Harper has grown up alongside her father’s comedy career and has even become a part of it. She has the endearing role of introducing Nate at the beginning of all his comedy specials, with the now-iconic line, “Please welcome my daddy, Nate Bargatze!” Nate frequently incorporates his experiences as a father into his stand-up, humorously depicting the challenges of parenting, from confusing homework assignments to school bus logistics.
In a playful turn, Harper even reviewed some of Nate’s jokes about her for a Netflix feature. In a YouTube video, their comedic dynamic is evident as Harper confidently declares herself “way funnier” than her comedian father. This glimpse into their father-daughter relationship reveals a fun-loving family environment.
Laura Bargatze: A Career Woman and Partner in Nate’s Success
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Alt text: Nate and Laura Bargatze exploring Vietnam, showcasing their adventurous spirit and shared travel experiences.
Laura Bargatze is not only Nate’s wife and partner but also a successful professional in her own right. Graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a business administration degree in 2005, she initially worked in marketing for Applebee’s, and continued in the field after moving to New York City. Her career path then shifted towards corporate event planning, a role she pursued for nearly a decade in New York.
Laura described her attraction to event planning on The Nateland Podcast, noting the appeal of travel and late-night work, which gave her independence and a schedule separate from Nate’s. Nate himself emphasized Laura’s independent nature.
Since 2019, Laura and Nate have officially combined their professional lives. She is now an executive producer for The Nateland Podcast and a talent manager at Bargatze Enterprises. Her business acumen and organizational skills are invaluable assets to Nate’s expanding career, showcasing a true partnership both at home and in business.
The Relatable Humor of Marriage: Laura as Nate’s Comedy Muse
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Alt text: Nate Bargatze on stage delivering his signature observational humor, likely referencing relatable family situations.
A significant portion of Nate Bargatze’s comedy revolves around his observations of married life and interactions with Laura. From comparing marriage to a “mosh pit” to dissecting everyday disagreements like the phrase “one fell swoop,” Nate finds humor in the minutiae of domestic life. Laura takes it all in stride, even joking on The Nateland Podcast that being the subject of his jokes “pays our bills.” She playfully adds that “picking at people” is her way of showing affection.
While Laura is generally comfortable with Nate’s marital humor, they both acknowledge the need for balance. Nate mentioned having to adjust some jokes when audiences misinterpreted them as signs of marital discord. Laura recounted a friend’s reaction to a joke, “Oh, he just said he wanted to murder you,” to which Laura calmly replied, “He doesn’t mean it. He’s not really going to murder me, so it’s fine.”
Ultimately, the relatability of Nate’s marital humor is a key to his comedic success. As Laura aptly concluded, “When things are so relatable, everyone’s laughing.” Even in his recent Netflix special, Your Friend, Nate Bargatze, Nate jokes about a domestic argument where his attempt to use doing laundry as a point in his favor backfired, highlighting the never-ending source of humor in married life.
Red Carpet Ready: Nate and Laura at the Grammy and CMA Awards
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Alt text: Nate Bargatze and Laura Bargatze posing elegantly on the red carpet at the 2022 Grammy Awards, a glamorous moment in their journey.
Nate and Laura have shared many milestones in Nate’s career, including glamorous events like the Grammy and CMA Awards. In April 2022, they attended the 64th Annual Grammy Awards where Nate’s album, The Greatest Average American, was nominated for Best Comedy Album. Nate also served as a presenter at the prestigious event. Despite not winning the award, Nate celebrated the evening, particularly praising Laura in an Instagram post: “My wife looked beautiful. We had a lot of fun.”
They continued to grace red carpets, attending the CMA Awards in Nashville in November 2023. Laura’s stunning silver gown and Nate’s sharp blue suit showcased their effortless style and partnership as they navigated the country music world’s biggest night. These appearances highlight how Laura is not just a supportive spouse but also a present and stylish partner in Nate’s public life.
Back to Their Roots: Family Life in Tennessee
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Alt text: A joyful outdoor photo of the Bargatze family, Nate, Laura, and Harper, enjoying their life in Tennessee, close to family roots.
Despite career demands that have taken them to New York City and Los Angeles, Nate and Laura have chosen to root their family life in Tennessee, close to their Southern origins. Both being from the South – Nate from Tennessee and Laura from Alabama – the pull of family and familiarity was strong.
While in New York early in Nate’s career, they experienced the city’s challenges on a tight budget. Laura noted that New York “starts to wear on you a little bit” without financial comfort. Nate, finding himself too comfortable in the NYC comedy scene, felt the need for a change. This led them to Los Angeles in 2012, but after two years, the couple quietly returned to Nashville in 2014.
Nate explained that his decision to return to Nashville was driven by a desire to be closer to family. With his and Laura’s families nearby, and realizing his touring schedule meant constant travel anyway, Nashville became the logical and desirable home base. They currently reside just south of Nashville, embracing a quieter life outside of the major entertainment hubs, prioritizing family while managing Nate’s thriving comedy career.
Conclusion: The Strength of Family in Nate Bargatze’s Comedy
Nate Bargatze’s comedy resonates with audiences because it’s grounded in the everyday realities of life, and much of that reality stems from his family. His relationship with Laura Bargatze is a central pillar of his life and career, from their initial meeting at Applebee’s to their current partnership in both life and work. Laura’s unwavering support, business acumen, and shared sense of humor are undeniable elements of Nate’s success. Together, with their daughter Harper, the Bargatze family embodies a relatable and heartwarming dynamic that enhances Nate’s comedic appeal and provides a solid foundation for his continued achievements. Their story is a testament to the strength of family in navigating the complexities of life and career, even in the unpredictable world of comedy.
