In a heartfelt reflection on his family life, comedian Nate Bargatze has openly discussed his decision to leave the glitz of Los Angeles a decade ago, hoping to provide his daughter with a more grounded upbringing. The 46-year-old star, along with his wife Laura and their now 13-year-old daughter Harper, returned to his roots in Nashville, a move that he believes has significantly enriched his daughter’s childhood.
A Return to Roots
Bargatze’s choice to settle in Nashville was driven by a desire for normalcy. In a recent interview with *People*, he explained, “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.” This environment, he believes, allows Harper to grow up around everyday experiences rather than the whirlwind of celebrity culture.
He elaborated on how important it is for his daughter to have a typical childhood, stating, “So everything that she is around now … she’s not around this,” referring to the entertainment industry that surrounds him. While Harper is aware of her father’s career and even introduces him during his comedy specials, her life is largely centred around school and friendships, which he considers paramount to her development.
Prioritising Family Over Fame
Bargatze’s motivations for the move extend beyond mere geography; they are deeply personal. “I specifically moved home for her,” he shared. “I wanted her to not be around all of this.” He emphasised that if Harper ever chooses to pursue a career in entertainment, it will be entirely her decision, allowing her to carve her own path without the pressures of fame looming over her.
In a conversation with WSMV 4 Nashville, Bargatze noted that Nashville offers Harper “some sanity” amidst his hectic career. “A big part of me wanting to come back was for her to at least have somewhat of a normal existence,” he remarked. The friendships Harper nurtures are rooted in the same community that shaped Bargatze’s own upbringing, offering a sense of continuity and connection to family traditions.
A Growing Trend Among Celebrities
Bargatze is not alone in his quest for a quieter life away from the Hollywood spotlight. Fellow actor Josh Duhamel has also made the leap, trading his Hollywood home for a more private existence in Minnesota with his wife Audra Mari and their young son, Shepherd. Duhamel has spoken about the secluded home he built deep in the woods, designed to foster family connections away from distractions.
“Part of the reason I built my place out in Minnesota, deep in the woods, is it’s removed from everything,” he shared in an interview with *Parade*. Duhamel’s emphasis on creating memories and nurturing relationships highlights a growing trend among entertainers seeking to prioritise family life over the relentless pace of fame.
The Importance of a Grounded Upbringing
In today’s fast-paced world, where fame often overshadows personal connections, Bargatze and Duhamel’s choices represent a significant shift in how some celebrities approach parenthood. By stepping back from the limelight, they are actively choosing to cultivate a nurturing environment for their children, prioritising stability and normalcy over the allure of celebrity status.
Why it Matters
The choices made by figures like Nate Bargatze and Josh Duhamel resonate beyond their personal lives; they reflect a broader cultural shift towards valuing family and authenticity in an age often dominated by superficiality. In a landscape where celebrity life is regularly showcased, these stories remind us of the fundamental importance of grounding our children in love, community, and genuine experiences—an ethos that can inspire us all to reconsider what truly matters in our own lives.
