Comedian and actor Nate Bargatze has opened up about his deliberate decision to leave Los Angeles ten years ago, relocating to Nashville to provide his daughter with what he describes as an "average" and grounded upbringing. The 46-year-old funnyman, known for his dry wit and observational humour, moved back to his hometown with his wife, Laura Bargatze, and their daughter Harper, who is now 13 years old.
Seeking Normalcy in a Cul-de-Sac
In a recent interview with People magazine, Bargatze elaborated on the motivations behind the family's move. He emphasised that they now reside in a peaceful neighbourhood cul-de-sac, intentionally distant from the entertainment industry's bubble. "We live in a great neighbourhood. 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 continued, highlighting how this environment shields his daughter from the glitz and glamour associated with his career. "So everything that she is around now … she's not around this," he said, referring to his work in comedy and acting. "She knows I do it, and I have her introduce me in my specials. So she sees sights of it, but overall, she's going to school."
A Deliberate Choice for Family Life
Bargatze was unequivocal about his primary reason for the relocation, stating, "I specifically moved home for my daughter. I wanted her to not be around all of this." He expressed a desire for Harper to experience a childhood filled with ordinary friendships and routines, rather than the often surreal world of show business.
During a separate interview with WSMV 4 Nashville in February 2025, the comedian reiterated this sentiment, noting that Nashville offers his daughter "some sanity" amidst the "crazy" nature of his career. "A big part of me wanting to come back was for her to at least have somewhat of a normal existence," Bargatze reflected. "Her friends are just friends, they’re friends that I would’ve grown up with."
Leaving the Door Open for Harper's Future
While Bargatze is keen to insulate his daughter from Hollywood's pressures during her formative years, he remains supportive of any future ambitions she might harbour. "If she ever wanted to do it, it's on her own. It's her call," he stated regarding the possibility of Harper entering the entertainment industry one day.
Following a Broader Trend Among Celebrities
Bargatze is not alone in seeking a quieter life away from Los Angeles. Actor Josh Duhamel has also made a similar move, leaving Hollywood behind for a secluded existence 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 shared details about the family home he built deep in the Minnesota woods. "Part of the reason I built my place out in Minnesota, deep in the woods, is it’s removed from everything," he revealed. "The closest store is 40 miles away. Once we get there, it's really about everybody taking care of each other — making memories, spending time with family and friends."
The Safe Haven star elaborated on the benefits of this rural retreat, saying, "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." Duhamel emphasised that this lifestyle change has profoundly reconnected him with reality, fulfilling his soul in numerous meaningful ways.
