Nate Bargatze, the comedian with his roots in Nashville, candidly opened up about his decision to pack up from the glitzy streets of Los Angeles a decade ago. The switch was all about giving his daughter Harper, now 13, an "average" childhood. For Bargatze and his wife Laura, the move from LA to Nashville wasn’t just about a change in scenery – it was about grounding their family in a community where Harper could thrive away from the hustle of Hollywood.
In a heartfelt conversation with People, Bargatze shared, “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.” Here, Harper is introduced to a world far removed from her dad's comedy gigs and the Hollywood buzz, giving her the chance to grow up surrounded by typical, everyday experiences.
“A big part of me wanting to come back was for her to at least have somewhat of a normal existence,” Bargatze emphasized, reflecting on his daughter's new life.
Even though Harper is familiar with her dad's comedic talents – often introducing him on specials – Nate ensures her day-to-day life is untouched by the entertainment world's glimmer. This conscious choice was something he specifically aimed for by heading back to Nashville. “I wanted her to not be around all of this,” Nate admitted.
While the door isn’t closed if Harper ever feels the call of Hollywood herself, Nate stresses it must be her decision. “If she ever wanted to do it, it's on her own. It's her call,” he said.
Nate isn't the only star to opt out of LA's fast-paced lifestyle. Actor Josh Duhamel also made headlines for swapping the Hollywood scene for a quieter life in Minnesota with his wife Audra Mari and their son. Sharing his reasons with Parade, Duhamel described his move as a journey back to basics, focused on family and simple living. “The closest store is 40 miles away... you're not consumed by all these other distractions," he noted, underlining a similar sentiment to Bargatze's.
Both Bargatze and Duhamel's decisions highlight a broader trend among celebrities seeking a return to simpler, more grounded lifestyles, far from the bright lights of Tinseltown.