He’s been known as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” a designation that the deadpan comic seems to take in the same easygoing stride as his sellout success across the country.
If you appreciate clean, story-driven side-splitting comedy, and you haven’t heard of Nate Bargatze – you’re in for a treat.
Background
Born Nathaniel Bargatze to Carole and Stephen Bargatze in Nashville in 1979, the now 45-year-old comic was brought up in a faith-filled home and shaped by teachers and fellow students at nearby Donelson Christian Academy. The K-12 school promotes the following mission:
To serve Christ by assisting parents in providing students with a challenging, college-preparatory education taught from a nondenominational biblical worldview that develops the whole person into a Christlike leader in the home, church, and community.
Stephen, Nate’s father, was both a clown and magician, professions that required him to overcome speech problems caused by a bulldog attack that marred his face.
“I had like six years of plastic surgery,” the elder Bargatze said. “I talk funny. I stuttered and stammered. I stammered more than stuttered. No confidence or anything like that. But I had a teacher that did magic.”
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness?
Stephen wasn’t raised in a Christian home, but started attending a Presbyterian Church because he wanted to play on its softball team. He accepted the Lord on a mission’s trip in Texas.
Because of his Christian faith, Nate’s father refused to work in bars and clubs. He follows a simple rule:
“Would I be embarrassed if my pastor walked in, and I was on this show, even though I’m 100 percent clean? I know you don’t have to be dirty to be funny. And I don’t like that kind of laugh. … I just don’t want to be a part of it.”
Like Father, Like Son
Nate employs a similar rule, noting he doesn’t want to say anything that would embarrass him in front of his mother and father.
“I would be mortified to curse in front of my parents,” he recently said.
Is He Married?
Nate and Laura Bargatze have been married since 2006, meeting as coworkers at an Applebee’s restaurant. Initially, she wasn’t too impressed.
“When I met him, he was a host and I didn’t think he was smart enough to be a server,” Laura said. “So, yeah — we’ve got a little bit farther than I expected.”
The Bargatzes have one daughter, Harper Blair.
Relationship Advice
Nate knows plenty of fellow professionals who struggle to balance the personal with the professional.
“If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend that is going to be in the way, then you have to choose. This is a thing that’s a commitment … You’ve got to make sacrifices to hopefully live a life that nobody gets to live.”
How to See Him
The Nate Bargatze “Be Funny” tour runs through the summer with shows in numerous U.S. and Canadian cities. While a lot of his humor may appeal to adults, the content is safe for the whole family.
Previous Netflix specials include The Greatest Average American in 2021 and The Tennessee Kid in 2019. His recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, a program that is increasingly crass and unfunny, was clever and clean, especially his depiction as George Washington.
Scripture to Ponder
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” – Ecc. 3:4
Image credit: Nate Bargatze/Instagram
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