Comedian and actor Nate Bargatze has opened up about his deliberate decision to leave Los Angeles ten years ago, aiming to provide his daughter with a more grounded and ordinary childhood. The 46-year-old performer, along with his wife Laura Bargatze, relocated back to his hometown of Nashville, where their now 13-year-old daughter Harper is growing up surrounded by what he describes as "regular" people and routines.
Seeking Normalcy in Nashville
In a recent interview with People magazine, Bargatze elaborated on the motivations behind the move. He emphasized that their neighborhood in Nashville is a cul-de-sac filled with residents who have conventional jobs, rather than careers in entertainment. This environment, he believes, offers Harper a stark contrast to the glitz and unpredictability of Hollywood.
"We live in a great neighborhood. We're in a cul-de-sac. No one who's really in entertainment lives there. It's people who have regular jobs, our friends," Bargatze explained. He added that while Harper is aware of his profession and even introduces him in his comedy specials, her daily life revolves around school and typical childhood activities, insulating her from the industry's pressures.
Intentional Move for Family Values
Bargatze stated unequivocally that he "specifically moved home" for his daughter's benefit. "I wanted her to not be around all of this," he remarked, referring to the entertainment business. He hopes this choice will allow Harper to make her own decisions about pursuing a career in entertainment later, if she desires, without external influences.
During a February 2025 interview with WSMV 4 Nashville, the comedian further highlighted how Nashville provides "some sanity" for his daughter amidst his "crazy" career. "A big part of me wanting to come back was for her to at least have somewhat of a normal existence," Bargatze shared. "Her friends are just friends, they’re friends that I would’ve grown up with."
Other Celebrities Choosing Similar Paths
Bargatze is not alone in opting to leave Los Angeles for a more private and family-oriented lifestyle. Actor Josh Duhamel, for instance, has moved from Hollywood to a secluded property in Minnesota with his wife Audra Mari and their two-year-old son Shepherd. Duhamel also has a 12-year-old son, Axel, from his previous marriage to Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas.
In an interview with Parade last year, Duhamel described building a home deep in the woods, approximately 40 miles from the nearest store. "Part of the reason I built my place out in Minnesota, deep in the woods, is it’s removed from everything," he said. The setting allows his family to focus on basics like making memories, spending quality time together, and fostering community.
Embracing Simplicity and Reality
Duhamel reflected that this move has helped him reconnect with reality, which he finds deeply fulfilling. "You really get a chance to get back to the basics. You're not consumed by all these other distractions. When you're out there, it's really about having fun, making sure everybody's warm, everybody's got food and water," he noted.
Both Bargatze and Duhamel's stories underscore a growing trend among celebrities seeking to shield their children from the intense spotlight and distractions of entertainment hubs. By choosing locations like Nashville and Minnesota, they aim to cultivate normalcy, stability, and traditional values for their families.
