Comedy fans know Nate Bargatze for his clean humor and relatable jokes, but behind this successful comedian stands an equally impressive woman – his wife, Laura Bargatze. As Nate’s career reaches new heights, including his recent selection to host Saturday Night Live, many wonder about the woman who has been by his side since before his comedy fame. Laura isn’t just Nate Bargatze’s wife; she’s a successful professional, dedicated mother, and key player in her husband’s growing comedy empire.
Early Life and Education
Born as Laura Blair Baines on May 1, 1989, in Huntsville, Alabama, Laura grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged education and hard work. Her journey to success began at Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned a business administration degree in 2005. Showing her dedication to continuous learning, Laura went on to get another degree in communication studies from the University of Alabama in 2011.
These educational choices weren’t random – they laid a strong foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry. Laura’s business background would prove invaluable as she helped manage her husband’s rising comedy career, while her communication studies enhanced her ability to navigate the entertainment world.
From Applebee’s to Forever
The story of how Nate Bargatze met his wife seems like it could be straight out of a romantic comedy. Both were working at an Applebee’s restaurant in Tennessee – Laura as a server and Nate as a host. In comedy shows, Nate often jokes about their first impressions of each other. He shares that Laura once said, “When I met him, he was a host, and I didn’t think he was smart enough to be a server.”
Their relationship grew as Nate pursued his comedy dreams in New York City. In 2005, during a romantic carriage ride through Central Park, Nate proposed to Laura. They chose an unusual wedding date – Friday, October 13, 2006, which has become a recurring joke in Nate’s comedy routines. As Nate recently shared on their 17th anniversary in 2023, “Friday the 13th turned out to be OK. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
Family Life and Parenting
The Bargatzes welcomed their daughter, Harper Blair, on July 8, 2012. Harper quickly became part of her dad’s comedy world, even introducing him in his Netflix specials. This integration of family life into Nate’s comedy shows how the Bargatzes balance their personal and professional lives.
Today, Nate Bargatze’s wife and daughter live with him about 25 minutes south of Nashville, Tennessee. Despite Nate’s growing fame, Laura helps maintain a sense of normalcy in their home life. She ensures Harper has a regular childhood while supporting her husband’s increasingly high-profile career. Their home serves as a sanctuary from the spotlight, where they can just be a family.
Career and Professional Contributions
Laura Bargatze’s career path showcases her versatility and business acumen. She started as a media consultant at Applebee’s Woodland Group, then moved to marketing roles at Alexandra Investment Management and Kurtzman Carson Consultants. These experiences prepared her for her current role as an executive producer of The Nateland Podcast, which she’s held since 2020.
As Nate’s career has grown, so has Laura’s role in managing it. She now serves as a talent manager at Bargatze Enterprises, applying her business education and experience to help guide her husband’s comedy empire. On Laura’s birthday, Nate acknowledged her contribution, calling her “the best mom, wife, and podcast producer!”
Laura’s Role in Nate’s Comedy Career
When Nate decided to leave a stable job to pursue comedy, Laura stood firmly behind his decision. Her support wasn’t just emotional – she put her business skills to work, helping to manage the practical aspects of building a comedy career. As Nate often acknowledges in interviews, he “couldn’t have done any of this without her.”
Laura’s influence extends beyond just being supportive. She actively contributes to the success of Nate’s projects, including his podcast. Her business sense and organizational skills have helped turn Nate’s natural comedy talent into a successful career. She handles the business side of comedy, allowing Nate to focus on what he does best – making people laugh.
Red Carpet Appearances and Public Life
While Laura typically prefers to stay behind the scenes, she occasionally joins her husband in the spotlight. Nate Bargatze’s wife has walked red carpets at major events, including the 2022 Grammy Awards when Nate’s comedy album was nominated for Best Comedy Album. At the 2023 CMA Awards, she turned heads in a stunning one-shoulder metallic dress, showing she can shine when the occasion calls for it.
These public appearances give fans a glimpse of the woman who helps keep one of comedy’s rising stars grounded. Laura handles these moments with grace, supporting her husband while maintaining her own identity.
Personal Details and Public Perception
Standing at 5’5″ with brown hair and dark brown eyes, Laura is known for her grounded personality and natural, approachable beauty. As of 2023, she has an estimated net worth of $2 million, largely from her work as a producer and talent manager.
The public admires Laura for maintaining a down-to-earth approach despite her husband’s fame. Fans often comment on how the couple seems relatable and genuine, qualities that are reflected in Nate’s comedy.
A True Partnership
What makes Nate and Laura Bargatze’s relationship work so well? Friends and colleagues point to their shared values, mutual respect, and ability to find humor in life’s challenges. Laura’s grounded personality balances Nate’s comedy career, creating a stable foundation for their family and professional life.
Their journey from Applebee’s employees to comedy success stories proves that with the right partner, you can turn even the wildest dreams into reality. As Nate said in a recent Mother’s Day post, “You are the best mom and keep a circus running. I wouldn’t want to do any of this with anyone else.” This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of their partnership – a true team effort built on love, respect, and a shared sense of humor.