Nate Bargatze's burnt orange Porsche catches my eye before I even see him. This striking vehicle pulls up to a lively Nashville restaurant where we've arranged to meet. The valet gestures for Bargatze to park out front, a perk he enjoys due to his preference for a stick shift. While he might downplay it, this is also a benefit of being recognized as the most successful touring comedian in the world.
At 46, Bargatze has reached the pinnacle of the comedy hierarchy, but he grapples with a pressing question: How can he maintain his everyman persona while basking in the limelight? After all, an everyman doesn’t typically sell out arenas, star in films, or host prestigious events like the Emmy Awards. However, Bargatze has a fondness for his Porsche, seeing it as a small joy amidst his hectic touring schedule. “I’m embarrassed,” he admits as onlookers do double takes. “I hesitate to even talk about it because I don’t want anybody to think that I think I’m better than them.”
Bargatze has openly discussed his struggles with the discomfort that comes with success. Recently, he has been addressing these feelings in therapy, a topic that makes him uncomfortable. He fears being perceived as out of touch, rather than the relatable, oafish dad who resonates with his many fans. After a fruitful therapy session, he opens up about his experiences, revealing that he grew up in “upper lower class” Old Hickory, Tennessee, where therapy was rarely discussed, let alone pursued for self-improvement.
Reflecting on his high school yearbook, where students were asked what they envisioned for their lives in ten years, Bargatze confidently stated he would be performing at Zanies, Nashville’s premier comedy club. This response hints at the ambition he has harbored, although he admits it once felt unrealistic to dream that big. Today, he boldly declares his goal of creating “the next Disney”—a wholesome entertainment hub for families. His vision for Nateland, the company he founded, includes TV shows, movies, podcasts, specials, and even an amusement park, all rooted in the wholesome content he cherishes.
In the past year, Bargatze has made headlines for his impressive earnings, grossing over $80 million last year—more than renowned comedians like Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld combined. However, he recognizes the importance of articulating his vision carefully, especially after a spring interview with Esquire led to misinterpretation of his comments about Disney. This resulted in unexpected communication with Disney CEO Bob Iger, highlighting the weight his words now carry in the industry.
As Bargatze navigates this new territory, he seeks guidance from industry veterans like Adam Sandler and Mark Wahlberg, soaking in their wisdom. He has a fierce competitive spirit and a commitment to building his brand, which has led to the hiring of a team to support his ambitions. “Nate’s got that ‘aw, shucks’ thing to him, but he’s taking it all in,” says Felix Verdigets, the CEO of Bargatze’s company.
To reach his goals, Bargatze acknowledges the need for personal growth, which has led him to consider ADHD medication. He grapples with the fear that this condition could be his “superpower,” but recognizes the overwhelming challenges it presents. Additionally, he has confronted his relationship with food, having previously cut back on alcohol to prevent it from sabotaging his career. Despite his progress, he admits to struggling with impulse eating, often turning to fast food as a coping mechanism.
As he navigates his personal challenges, Bargatze reflects on his upbringing, which he describes as “pure dumb funny.” With a father who was a clown and magician, humor was a constant in his life, yet he still worries about not having the troubled childhood that many comedians draw from for material. Instead, he channels his experiences into clean comedy, a commitment that has garnered respect from peers like Jimmy Fallon, who has praised Bargatze for choosing to remain clean and relatable.
Bargatze’s career trajectory took a notable turn with his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live in October 2023, which significantly raised his profile. Despite already selling out arenas, he understood that he needed to impress a new audience. His successful performance earned rave reviews and even led to a return invitation to host, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Following this breakthrough, Bargatze’s ambitions expanded. He aims to create a talent incubation system to nurture clean comics, as well as a production facility in Nashville. His vision also includes a family-friendly amusement park, with studies underway to assess its feasibility. While some may doubt his ambitions, those close to him know he thrives on proving skeptics wrong.
As Bargatze prepares for the next phase of his career, he plans to focus more on Hollywood after one final tour. He recognizes the hard work it takes to succeed in both stand-up and film, stating, “I won’t do it well if I try to do both.” Although it may seem counterintuitive to step back from a lucrative touring career, he envisions performing more as a hobby while dedicating himself to film and television projects.
Ultimately, Bargatze strives to maintain his authenticity as he transitions into this new realm. He understands the importance of keeping his comedy relatable to audiences, focusing on everyday experiences rather than the trappings of fame. This commitment to his roots is evident in his desire to remain grounded, even as he navigates the complexities of success.
As he wraps up our conversation, Bargatze prepares to head home, reminding himself to cherish the moments that truly matter—like taking his family to Disney World, just like any ordinary dad would. His journey reflects the balance of ambition and authenticity, a testament to the power of remaining true to oneself amidst the whirlwind of fame and success.
