Nate Bargatze, the Emmy-nominated comedian, is a curious paradox: a wildly successful entertainer who fiercely clings to his everyman persona. His burnt orange Porsche, a symbol of his phenomenal success, sits in stark contrast to his down-to-earth demeanor. Having quietly climbed the comedy ladder and then exploded onto the scene, Bargatze grapples with the unexpected challenges of his burgeoning empire. Selling out arenas, starring in movies, hosting SNL, and now emceeing the Emmy Awards – these are not exactly 'everyman' achievements, and the weight of it all has led him to seek therapy, a decision he initially found embarrassing. This is a far cry from his upbringing in Old Hickory, Tennessee, where therapy wasn't exactly commonplace.
His journey reflects an ambitious spirit he once downplayed. In high school, he envisioned performing at Zanies, Nashville's premier comedy club – a foreshadowing of his current trajectory. Now, Bargatze envisions something far grander: 'the next Disney.' Nateland, his ambitious entertainment company, aims to deliver wholesome, family-friendly content across various platforms, including TV shows, movies, podcasts, live events, and yes, even a theme park. His recent interview with Esquire, where he made some critical comments about Disney's current leadership, surprisingly led to a direct text exchange with Disney CEO Bob Iger, highlighting his unexpected influence.
Bargatze's success is built on a foundation of hard work and strategic networking. He's actively sought guidance from industry giants like Adam Sandler, Mark Wahlberg, Jerry Seinfeld, and top executives, demonstrating a keen understanding of the business side of entertainment. His clean comedy, a conscious choice rooted in his faith and upbringing, has been both a blessing and a challenge. While it may have initially slowed his ascent, it's also become his unique selling point, allowing him to connect with a broad audience that other comedians may not reach. This commitment to clean comedy is something Jimmy Fallon, a staunch supporter, has long admired.
His career took a dramatic turn after hosting Saturday Night Live, which propelled him to a new level of fame. His performance was lauded, and the show experienced its highest ratings in months, solidifying Bargatze's place in the mainstream. This success has led to an expansion of Nateland, including the development of a talent incubation system and a planned production facility in Nashville. Plans for a Nateland theme park are also underway, showcasing his unwavering ambition. Hollywood has also embraced Bargatze; his first feature film, *The Breadwinner*, a family-friendly comedy, is set for release, with major brands already lining up for endorsements.
Despite his newfound success, Bargatze remains grounded, acutely aware of the potential pitfalls of fame. He's actively working on himself, recently starting ADHD medication to manage his focus and energy. He's also mindful of maintaining the relatability that has been key to his success, prioritizing family time and continuing to write material grounded in everyday experiences. With one more tour planned before fully transitioning to Hollywood, Bargatze is strategically shifting gears, ready to tackle his next chapter, balancing the demands of a growing empire with the importance of staying true to himself and his family.
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Originally published at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/nate-bargatze-interview-emmys-2025-comedy-theme-park-1236366090/
