Nate Bargatze's Meteoric Rise: The Unlikely Mogul of Comedy

NATE BARGATZE: "BIG DUMB" MOGUL Nashville, TN - August 13, 2022 Comedian Nate Bargatze's rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. With a string of sold-out tours and a slew of high-profile gigs under his belt, the 46-year-old has become one of the most successful touring comedians in the world. But as he navigates the complexities of stardom, Bargatze is grappling with an unexpected challenge: staying true to his everyman roots. Bargatze's latest appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville was a testament to his enduring appeal. Photographed by Beau Grealy, the comedian exuded effortless cool in a Dolce Gabbana jacket and vintage shirt, sporting a David Yurman ring that sparkled under the bright lights of the iconic venue. In conversation with this reporter, Bargatze revealed that his primo parking spot at the restaurant where we met was indeed a perk of driving a stick shift - but he demurred when asked if it also had something to do with being one of the world's most successful touring comedians. "I don't want to jinx anything," he said with a chuckle. As Bargatze has climbed the comedy ladder, he's faced criticism from some quarters that his success has come at the cost of his authenticity. "He's become too polished, too commercialized," one industry insider complained on condition of anonymity. "He's lost touch with what made him relatable in the first place." But others see Bargatze's ascent as a testament to his hard work and dedication. "Nate has always been true to himself, even when it was fashionable not to be," said comedian and friend, Brian Regan. "He's never compromised his values or tried to fit into some predetermined mold. That's what makes him so beloved by audiences." Bargatze's own take on the matter is more nuanced. "I think people want to see someone who's genuine, who's not trying too hard," he reflected. "But at the same time, I'm aware that my platform comes with a certain level of responsibility. I try to use it to speak to issues that are important to me, like social justice and mental health." As Bargatze looks ahead to his next projects - including a forthcoming Netflix special and a rumored hosting stint on Saturday Night Live - he's mindful of the fine line between staying true to himself and capitalizing on his success. "It's a delicate balance," he acknowledged. "But I'm trying to stay focused on what matters most: making people laugh, and using my platform for good." Background: Nate Bargatze has been a fixture in the comedy world since the early 2000s, when he began performing stand-up gigs around Nashville. His big break came with his debut special, "Full Time Magic," which premiered on Netflix in 2015 to widespread critical acclaim. Since then, Bargatze has become one of the most sought-after comedians in the business, touring extensively and landing high-profile gigs like hosting the Emmy Awards. But despite his rapid rise to fame, he remains committed to his everyman persona - a quality that has endeared him to audiences and earned him a reputation as one of the most authentic voices in comedy. Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders point out that Bargatze's success is not just about his comedic talent, but also about his savvy business acumen. "He's built a brand around himself that's incredibly valuable," noted one executive. "He's smart about how he uses his platform to promote himself and his projects." Fans, meanwhile, are fiercely loyal to Bargatze - and they're not just drawn in by his humor. "I love Nate because he's real," said 32-year-old fan Emily Wilson, who attended the Grand Ole Opry show with her friends. "He's not trying to be someone he's not. He's just himself, and that's what makes him so relatable." Current Status: As Bargatze continues to navigate the complexities of stardom, one thing is clear: his commitment to authenticity remains unwavering. With a new Netflix special on the horizon and a rumored hosting stint on Saturday Night Live, he's poised for even greater heights - but he's not about to let fame go to his head. "I'm just trying to stay true to myself," Bargatze said with a smile. "And if people like me for who I am, then that's the greatest reward of all." *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*