Nate Bargatze, a beloved stand-up comedian known for his deadpan delivery and clean humor, has won over audiences across the nation with his relatable and down-to-earth style. Behind the scenes, there’s a woman who has been with him every step of the way: his wife, Laura Bargatze. Despite Nate’s growing fame with Netflix specials, Grammy nominations, and sold-out shows, Laura remains a pivotal figure in his life, helping him navigate both his career and personal life. But who is Laura Bargatze, and what role has she played in Nate’s journey to comedic stardom? Let’s dive into the life of Nate Bargatze’s wife and explore the dynamic relationship between them.
Profile Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Laura Bargatze |
| Spouse | Nate Bargatze |
| Marriage Date | October 13, 2006 |
| Children | Harper Blair Bargatze (born July 8, 2012) |
| Occupation | Executive Producer, Talent Manager |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Middle Tennessee State University, 2005) |
| First Meeting | Applebee’s in Tennessee (Early 20s) |
| Notable Support | Supported Nate’s decision to pursue stand-up comedy |
| Podcast Role | Executive Producer of The Nateland Podcast |
| Previous Job | Corporate Event Planner |
| Known For | Supportive partner to Nate Bargatze, involvement in his career |
| Wedding Proposal | Central Park carriage ride, New York City (2005) |
| Residence | South of Nashville, Tennessee |
The Humble Beginnings: A Love Story that Started at Applebee’s
Before Nate Bargatze became a household name in comedy, he was just a young man working at Applebee’s in Tennessee. It was there that he met Laura, a server at the same restaurant. Their relationship started in their early 20s when neither could have predicted where life would take them. Nate often jokes about their humble beginnings, mentioning that he worked as a host at Applebee’s, while Laura was a server—a dynamic he humorously references in his stand-up routines.
In his Netflix special, The Greatest Average American, Nate shared a funny anecdote about how Laura didn’t initially expect much from him, quipping that she thought he wasn’t “smart enough to be a server.” Little did she know at the time, their lives would take an unexpected and extraordinary turn. Despite Nate’s eventual leap into comedy, Laura’s early support and partnership laid the foundation for their long-lasting relationship.
One of the most charming stories from their early days is how Nate impressed Laura with his unique confidence. During a night out with friends, Nate put on The Little Mermaid soundtrack and silenced everyone, insisting on listening to one of the songs. Laura later shared on The Nateland Podcast that this bold move showed her that Nate was different, and his confidence won her over.
From Applebee’s to Comedy College: Laura’s Support for Nate’s Ambitions
As their relationship grew, so did Nate’s desire to pursue comedy. At the time, he was working a stable job as a meter reader for a water company, a position with good benefits and long-term security. Yet, Nate’s passion for comedy never waned. In high school, he had written in a senior yearbook that his dream was to perform at Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago, signaling his ambitions early on. When an opportunity arose to attend a comedy college in Chicago, Nate faced a crossroads in his career. He could stick with the safety of his county job or take a leap into the unpredictable world of comedy.
Laura’s reaction to his decision was pivotal. Instead of hesitating or discouraging Nate from chasing his dreams, she fully supported him. On The Nateland Podcast, she recalled how Nate nervously broke the news about wanting to become a stand-up comedian. Her response? “Okay, alright… do that!” That unwavering support became a key factor in Nate’s eventual success.
While many relationships might struggle with the uncertainty of a career in comedy, Laura’s belief in Nate never wavered. Nate himself credits Laura’s backing as essential, explaining that without the right support from a partner, chasing such a demanding career would have been much more difficult. The couple understood the sacrifices that were necessary to build a life that few others could imagine.
The Proposal and Marriage: A Central Park Surprise
Nate and Laura’s relationship culminated in a heartwarming proposal in New York City. At the time, Nate was living in New York while pursuing his stand-up career, and Laura was still working in Tennessee. During one of her visits to the city in 2005, Nate arranged for a romantic carriage ride through Central Park, where he popped the question. Laura admitted on The Nateland Podcast that she was completely taken by surprise. The couple married on October 13, 2006, with their wedding day falling on a Friday the 13th—an event Nate would later weave into his stand-up routines.
In The Tennessee Kid, Nate joked about their unusual wedding date, saying, “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.’” Nate’s comedic take on their wedding speaks to his ability to turn everyday life moments into relatable humor, a signature of his stand-up style.
Despite Nate’s frequent jokes about their marriage, the couple’s bond remains strong. On their 17th wedding anniversary, Nate posted a heartfelt tribute to Laura on social media, expressing his love and gratitude for her unwavering support throughout their journey together.
Raising a Family: Parenthood with Harper Bargatze
In 2012, Nate and Laura welcomed their daughter, Harper Blair Bargatze, into the world. Harper’s arrival marked a new chapter in their lives, adding the joys and challenges of parenthood to their already busy lives. Nate has incorporated his experiences as a father into his stand-up routines, often joking about the complexities of raising a child, especially when it comes to helping with homework and understanding the modern education system.
One of the charming elements of Nate’s comedy specials is Harper’s involvement. She has introduced her father on stage for all three of his major specials, proudly announcing, “Please welcome my daddy, Nate Bargatze!” This adorable gesture has not only endeared her to fans but has also shown the close-knit bond within the Bargatze family.
Nate’s stand-up frequently touches on his relationship with his daughter, making it clear that fatherhood has had a profound impact on his life. From laughing about the trials of third-grade homework to recounting the day-to-day moments of family life, Nate’s material highlights how much Harper means to him.
Laura’s Role in Nate’s Career: Producer and Partner
While Nate’s stand-up career has taken him across the country and into the spotlight, Laura has quietly played a crucial role behind the scenes. After working as a corporate event planner in New York City for several years, Laura began collaborating with Nate in 2019, taking on the role of executive producer for The Nateland Podcast. The podcast, where Nate and a group of friends discuss random topics and everyday life, has gained a significant following, thanks in part to Laura’s organizational and managerial skills.
Laura’s involvement in The Nateland Podcast highlights her continued support for Nate’s career, not just as a wife but as a business partner. She also serves as a talent manager at Bargatze Enterprises, helping manage Nate’s burgeoning career. Her behind-the-scenes work allows Nate to focus on his comedy, knowing that he has a trusted partner handling the logistics.
The Balance of Comedy and Marriage
Nate frequently incorporates his marriage into his stand-up routines, using his interactions with Laura as comedic fodder. From lighthearted jokes about marriage being like a mosh pit to playful arguments about idiomatic phrases, Nate’s material resonates with audiences because it feels real and relatable. Laura, for her part, doesn’t mind being the subject of Nate’s jokes. On The Nateland Podcast, she admitted that while some people may take his jokes too seriously, she’s in on the humor and understands that it’s all part of the job. “It pays our bills,” she said with a laugh.
Nate has also acknowledged that early in his career, some of his jokes about Laura may have given audiences the wrong impression about their relationship, leading him to dial back certain material. However, the relatable nature of their husband-and-wife banter remains a staple in Nate’s comedy.
Conclusion: The Heart Behind the Humor
Laura Bargatze has been by Nate’s side through thick and thin, from their early days working at Applebee’s to Nate’s rise as one of America’s favorite stand-up comedians. Her support, both emotional and professional, has been integral to Nate’s success, and their partnership serves as an example of how strong relationships can thrive even in the face of an unpredictable and demanding career. While Nate may be the one on stage, it’s clear that Laura’s role in his life is just as important, making her a vital part of his journey.
Their story is one of love, trust, and mutual support—qualities that have allowed them to build a life together in the spotlight without losing sight of what truly matters: each other and their family.
FAQs
Who is Nate Bargatze’s wife?
Nate Bargatze’s wife is Laura Bargatze. They have been married since October 13, 2006.
How did Nate and Laura Bargatze meet?
Nate and Laura met while working together at an Applebee’s restaurant in Tennessee when they were in their early 20s.
Does Nate Bargatze have children?
Yes, Nate and Laura Bargatze have one daughter, Harper Blair Bargatze, born on July 8, 2012.
What role does Laura Bargatze play in Nate’s career?
Laura is the executive producer of The Nateland Podcast and a talent manager at Bargatze Enterprises. She has been a strong supporter of Nate’s comedy career from the start.
Where do Nate and Laura Bargatze live?
Nate and Laura currently live about 25 minutes south of Nashville, Tennessee.
