Comedian Nate Bargatze took on the prestigious role of grand marshal for the Daytona 500, delivering the command for drivers to start their engines. In a humorous twist, he considered incorporating a joke about the number of feet in 500 miles, but ultimately decided to keep it straightforward.
Jokes and Reflections on the Daytona 500
Bargatze revealed that he initially thought about using a joke related to the distance of 500 miles, quipping, "Nobody knows" how many feet are in that distance. This idea stemmed from his popular "Washington's Dream" sketches on "Saturday Night Live." However, when he tested the joke during a gig in Indianapolis, it fell flat, leading him to opt for a more normal approach.
He also joked about driver Jimmie Johnson, suggesting a bit about his age and left blinker, but upon arrival at Daytona, Bargatze realized that simplicity might be best. "I think you just need to do, normal? You have all these hopes and dreams to do something funny," he said. Despite the temptation, he kept his command serious, describing the event as "insanity" and a dream come true.
Career Achievements and Upcoming Projects
Bargatze's appearance at the Daytona 500 is just one highlight in a thriving career. He recently hosted the Emmy Awards, released three Netflix specials, and won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album with "Your Friend, Nate Bargatze." His "Big Dumb Eyes World Tour" set records for the biggest one-year gross by a comedy performer and achieved over 40 arena attendance records.
These successes have paved the way for his first starring role in a movie, "The Breadwinner," which he co-wrote. Influenced by his stand-up style and classic family comedies like "Mr. Mom" and "Home Alone," Bargatze aims for a broad appeal. "You want it to be broad, the whole family can come," he explained, comparing it to his inclusive stand-up approach.
The film features Mandy Moore as his wife, along with Colin Jost and Will Forte, and is set to open on May 29. Bargatze admitted feeling overwhelmed by the acting challenge but found it a good learning experience.
Future Endeavors and Personal Touches
At 46, Bargatze continues to tour, with upcoming shows in Rockford, Illinois, and he is set to host the ABC game show "The Greatest Average American." The title resonated with him when he received a specialty Daytona 500 hat numbered 302 out of 500, calling it average and fitting for his humble persona. "It's not bragging," he said. "I'm right in the middle. That's where the average American would be. It's humility. It's how you go."
His day at Daytona included mingling with drivers like Denny Hamlin, adding to the excitement of what he described as a dream job. Bargatze's blend of comedy and relatability continues to endear him to audiences across various platforms.
