Nate Bargatze is a rising star in the world of stand-up comedy, known for his clean, relatable humor and deadpan delivery. Born on March 25, 1979, in Nashville, Tennessee, he grew up in a family steeped in performance; his father was a motivational speaker and magician. This unique upbringing laid the foundation for Nate’s comedic voice, which draws heavily from personal experiences and everyday life.
Bargatze’s journey into comedy began in Chicago before he made his mark in New York City, where he honed his craft at iconic venues like The Boston Comedy Club. His breakthrough came with appearances on popular shows such as Conan and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he quickly became a favorite guest. His Netflix specials, including The Tennessee Kid and The Greatest Average American, have garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through humor that is both insightful and accessible.
Beyond stand-up, Nate hosts the successful podcast “The Nateland Podcast,” where he shares his comedic insights and engages with fellow creatives. His commitment to clean comedy has earned him the title of “the nicest man in stand-up,” making him a beloved figure in the industry. With multiple specials under his belt and a growing fanbase, Nate Bargatze continues to redefine what it means to be a modern comedian.
Nate Bargatze, an acclaimed American stand-up comedian, has gained recognition for his clean humor and relatable storytelling. His journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in comedy illustrates his dedication and unique style.
Early Life
Nathanael Bargatze was born on March 25, 1979, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Carole and Stephen Bargatze. His father, a motivational speaker and magician, significantly influenced Nate’s early life. Growing up in a household that valued performance arts, Nate attended Donelson Christian Academy and later enrolled at Volunteer State Community College. His formative years were marked by a blend of Southern culture and the comedic influences of his father’s profession, which laid the groundwork for his future career in comedy.
Career
Bargatze’s stand-up career began in Chicago before he moved to New York City, where he performed at The Boston Comedy Club. He cites the Jerry Seinfeld documentary Comedian (2002) as pivotal in inspiring him to pursue comedy full-time. His early appearances on shows like Conan and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon helped establish his presence in the comedy scene. In 2013, he participated in Fallon’s Clean Cut Comedy Tour and won both the New York Comedy Festival and the Boston Comedy Festival that year.
His first stand-up album, Yelled at by a Clown (2014), reached No. 2 on the Billboard Top Ten Comedy Charts. Following this success, he released Full Time Magic in 2015 alongside a Comedy Central special. In March 2019, Netflix premiered his hour-long special The Tennessee Kid, which showcased his signature storytelling style.
Bargatze’s subsequent specials include The Greatest Average American (2021) and Hello World (2023), both of which received critical acclaim. Notably, The Greatest Average American was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.
In addition to stand-up, Bargatze has ventured into podcasting with “The Nateland Podcast,” which he co-hosts with Brian Bates and Aaron Weber. This platform allows him to connect with fans on a more personal level while discussing various topics beyond comedy.
Influences
Bargatze’s comedic style is heavily influenced by legends such as Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, Brian Regan, Bob Newhart, and Bill Cosby. He appreciates humor that resonates with everyday experiences rather than relying on shock value or explicit content. This approach has endeared him to audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment.
Personal Life
Nate Bargatze resides in Nashville with his wife Laura Baines, whom he married on October 13, 2006. The couple has one daughter named Harper Blair Bargatze. Despite his growing fame, Nate maintains a grounded lifestyle rooted in family values. He often incorporates anecdotes about his family into his routines, further enhancing his relatability as a performer.
Filmography
Television
Bargatze has made numerous appearances on various late-night shows and comedy specials:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-2009 | Late Night with Conan O’Brien | Himself | 2 episodes |
| 2011-2013 | Conan | Self / Comic Guest | 3 episodes |
| 2013 | Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | Self | Guest appearance |
| 2019 | Nate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid | Self | Netflix special |
| 2023 | Nate Bargatze: Hello World | Self | Amazon Prime special |
| 2023 | Saturday Night Live | Host | Upcoming appearance |
Stand-Up Specials
- Yelled at by a Clown (2014)
- Full Time Magic (2015)
- The Tennessee Kid (2019)
- The Greatest Average American (2021)
- Hello World (2023)
Bargatze’s specials are characterized by their observational humor and clean content, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Awards and Nominations
Nate Bargatze’s work has garnered several accolades:
- Grammy Award Nomination: Best Comedy Album for The Greatest Average American (2022).
- Featured as one of the top up-and-coming comics by prominent comedians like Marc Maron and Jim Gaffigan.
His ability to connect with audiences through relatable humor has solidified his status as one of the leading figures in contemporary stand-up comedy.
Nate Bargatze’s journey from Nashville to national recognition is marked by hard work, dedication to clean comedy, and an ability to resonate with audiences through everyday experiences. His influence continues to grow as he expands into new mediums while remaining true to his roots in stand-up comedy.
Top 5 Things to Know About ‘SNL’ Host Nate Bargatze
Nate Bargatze, an American stand-up comedian and actor, has gained significant recognition in the comedy world and is set to host Saturday Night Live (SNL) again on October 5, 2024. Here are five key aspects to know about him:
1. Early Life and Background
Nate Bargatze was born on March 25, 1979, in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up in a family that appreciated performance arts; his father is a motivational speaker and magician. This early exposure to entertainment likely influenced his comedic style. Bargatze attended Donelson Christian Academy and later Volunteer State Community College, where he began to hone his craft in comedy.
2. Rise in Stand-Up Comedy
Bargatze’s career took off after he moved to Chicago and then New York City, where he performed at various comedy clubs, including The Boston Comedy Club. His breakthrough came with his first stand-up album, Yelled at by a Clown, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Top Ten Comedy Charts in 2014. He has since released several successful specials on Netflix, including The Tennessee Kid and The Greatest Average American, the latter nominated for a Grammy Award. His comedy is characterized by a clean style and relatable storytelling, which has earned him a reputation as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” according to The Atlantic.
3. Hosting SNL
Bargatze made his SNL hosting debut on October 28, 2023, where he received praise for his performance. His sketches often draw from personal experiences, such as family anecdotes and observations about everyday life. Notably, his portrayal of George Washington in a sketch was well-received. Following this success, he is scheduled to host again in October 2024, further solidifying his status within the SNL community.
4. Personal Life and Podcasting
Bargatze is married to Laura Blair since October 13, 2006, and they have one daughter. He resides in Nashville, where he continues to develop his comedy career. In addition to stand-up, he co-hosts the podcast Nateland, which features discussions about various topics related to life and comedy. This platform allows him to connect with fans on a more personal level.
5. Influence and Style
Bargatze’s comedic influences include legends like Jerry Seinfeld and Steve Martin. His humor often reflects a blend of observational comedy with a Southern charm that resonates with diverse audiences. He focuses on simple truths and everyday situations, making his material accessible and relatable. This approach has garnered him a loyal following and critical acclaim within the comedy circuit.
Nate Bargatze’s journey from Nashville to becoming a prominent figure in stand-up comedy showcases his talent for storytelling and connection with audiences. His upcoming hosting duties on SNL highlight his growing influence in the entertainment industry as he continues to bring laughter through his unique comedic lens.