Nate Bargatze: From Book-Averse Comedian to Literary Fundraiser
Comedian Nate Bargatze, known for his clean humor and widespread appeal, found himself in an unexpected setting on April Fools’ Day. He wasn’t there to prank anyone, but rather to support a cause close to his heart – or, perhaps, one he’s growing to appreciate: literacy. Bargatze took the stage at a fundraiser for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, joining a roster of esteemed authors and advocates for the power of books.
The event, held at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston, had previously featured historian H.W. Brands, novelist Victoria Christopher Murray, and actor-author Kelsey Grammer, all of whom shared their insights into the world of publishing and the importance of literacy.
Bargatze’s presence was somewhat ironic, given his well-documented aversion to reading. He has openly joked about his dislike for books, quipping that "every book is just the most words." Yet, there he stood, not as a punchline, but as a published author promoting his new book, "Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind."
Dressed in a black tracksuit, casually unzipped to reveal a white T-shirt, and sneakers, Bargatze immediately acknowledged the sartorial contrast between himself and the formally dressed attendees. "I didn’t know y’all wore suits," he joked. "My business casual’s different than your business casual. It’s the most ties I’ve ever seen in my life."
Despite his self-deprecating humor, Bargatze’s success is undeniable. He headlined the highest-earning comedy tour of 2024 and has built a thriving entertainment empire. The boy from Old Hickory, Tennessee, has standup specials, a production company, and a popular podcast, and is set to emcee the Emmy Awards.
On stage, Bargatze flipped through his book, sharing anecdotes about his marriage, a harrowing fall down a cliff, and his early days in comedy. He spoke candidly about his struggles with reading. "I kind of jumped around," he apologized to the audience. "Again reading is … just a hard thing. I really do want to do it; I love the idea of it." He added that if he had known about the Literacy Foundation earlier, "I probably could’ve used some of the help," eliciting laughter and applause.
In a separate interview, Bargatze reflected on his unexpected foray into writing. "I never really thought I’d be writing a book," he admitted. He described his book as a lighthearted read, not meant to be intellectually profound. "We’re not a book that’s better than anybody. We’re the one that just sits there, and it’s a fun read. And then after us you go back to the books that you’re actually going to learn something from."
This sentiment mirrors Bargatze’s comedy style, which is characterized by self-deprecation without malice. His strategic pauses, Southern drawl, and grammatically unconventional phrases create a unique comedic tension that generates laughter.
He regaled audiences with tales from his past, including a memorable visit to the Cape Fear Serpentarium, where a crocodile escaped its cage. His comedic timing and relatable observations turned the potentially terrifying experience into a hilarious anecdote.
Another signature story is from "The Tennessee Kid," his Netflix special, where he recounts a fight with his wife, Laura, over chocolate milk. His humorous take on the everyday absurdity of marital disagreements resonated with audiences.
School proved to be a challenge for Bargatze. After a year of remedial classes, he failed all his courses in his first semester at Western Kentucky University. He held various jobs, including hosting at Applebee’s, where he met his wife, and working as a water meter reader. It was a friend from his water meter job who encouraged Bargatze to pursue his comedic aspirations.
Bargatze drew inspiration from his father, a magician who incorporated jokes into his act, and from comedians featured on "The Bob & Tom Show." He decided to pursue comedy and moved to Chicago, where he enrolled in Second City classes. Later, inspired by Jerry Seinfeld’s documentary "Comedian," he relocated to New York City.
Witnessing the success of other standup comedians in New York provided him with hope and validation. "You’ve got to see people make it," he explained. "Because if you can see people … become big, then you at least can see that there’s a path. Otherwise, it’s very daunting."
Bargatze credits his success to perseverance and consistency. One of his biggest dreams was to perform at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, which he achieved and surpassed.
In April 2023, Bargatze set a record for the highest attendance at Bridgestone Arena, with 19,365 people. He has three performances at the Arena on the Big Dumb Eyes World Tour.
"I didn’t imagine it to be the level that it has gotten," Bargatze reflected. With his production company, Nateland Entertainment, he aims to create family-friendly content across various media platforms.
Nateland Entertainment produces comedy specials and curates a weekly lineup of comedians at Zanies comedy club in Nashville. Bargatze is committed to providing opportunities for emerging comedians.
"You get stuck behind people that don’t really get out of the way," he observed. "I think your job as an older showman … is to be able to step somewhat out of the way and really try to get the new, next wave coming in."
