The 2026 Golden Globes delivered its share of glitz, glamour, and surprises, but perhaps one of the most unexpected moments came not from a dramatic acceptance speech or a red carpet mishap, but from a heartfelt revelation involving comedian Nikki Glaser and director Judd Apatow. With the world watching on January 11, Apatow took a brief detour from the usual awards show banter to share a slice of Hollywood history that few saw coming.
Standing before an audience of A-listers and millions of viewers at home, the Knocked Up director quipped, “You know, Nikki Glaser used to be our babysitter.” The remark, delivered with his signature dry wit, was as much a nod to Glaser’s humble beginnings as it was a testament to the unpredictable paths that wind through Hollywood. “That’s true, she was our babysitter and she was like, ‘I do stand up comedy,’” Apatow continued, drawing laughs and a ripple of surprise from the crowd, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
For many, the idea that the sharp-tongued comedian once watched over Apatow’s daughters—Maude, now 28, and Iris, 23, both of whom have carved out their own places in the entertainment industry—might sound like the setup to a joke. But Glaser herself was quick to confirm the story. On January 12, she posted a screenshot to her Instagram Stories, emblazoned with the words “100% true. Summer 2007.” The post, which quickly made the rounds on social media, added another layer of authenticity to Apatow’s onstage admission.
This wasn’t the first time Glaser had spoken about her stint as a Hollywood nanny. In a 2011 interview with Vulture, she recalled, “I babysat for Judd Apatow when I lived in LA.” She went on to describe the experience as “a great gig, but it pained me to be around such greatness and only be known as a nanny.” Glaser’s candor about the realities of being a caregiver in a household teeming with creative energy was both relatable and tinged with a sense of longing. “I’ll just never love your kid as much as you do. It’s impossible,” she admitted, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s ever worked in childcare.
But the story doesn’t end with a summer job and wistful memories. Glaser has consistently praised Maude, Iris, and the entire Apatow-Mann family, crediting them with inspiring her own career path. In a conversation with The Washington Post, she reflected, “The kids were super-funny. It made me wish I grew up in a comedy household.” That sense of being surrounded by humor and creativity, even if only for a short time, left a lasting impression on Glaser as she continued to carve out her own space in the comedy world.
Fast forward to the present, and the connection between Glaser and the Apatows is coming full circle in a way that only Hollywood could script. In October 2025, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Glaser would not only star in but also co-write and produce an “edgy” romantic comedy with Apatow for Universal Pictures. The project, which is still under wraps, promises to blend Glaser’s acerbic humor with Apatow’s knack for heartfelt storytelling—a collaboration years in the making, rooted in a relationship that began with babysitting and blossomed into creative partnership.
Meanwhile, Glaser’s star has continued to rise. She returned as host of the Golden Globes for the second consecutive year in 2026, a role she celebrated on Instagram with the words, “the best job with the best people.” Hosting one of Hollywood’s most prestigious awards shows is no small feat, and Glaser’s ability to command the stage with charm and irreverence has solidified her status as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
The Apatow-Glaser babysitting anecdote was just one of many memorable moments at this year’s Golden Globes. The event itself was a showcase of both established talent and fresh faces, with Teyana Taylor edging out Ariana Grande for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture and Timothée Chalamet finally clinching a win in the presence of Kylie Jenner after three years of attending together. Elsewhere, Julia Roberts and George Clooney charmed the crowd, while Orlando Bloom managed to snag the unofficial title of “Coolest Guy in the Room.” There were reunions, candid snapshots, and plenty of insider jokes—Hollywood at its most self-referential and self-aware.
Yet, amid the glimmer and spectacle, the story of Nikki Glaser and the Apatow family stood out for its sheer humanity. It’s a reminder that even in a town obsessed with reinvention and image, genuine connections endure. Glaser’s journey from nanny to headliner, from babysitter to creative collaborator, is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the sometimes circuitous routes that lead to success.
Reflecting on her time with the Apatows, Glaser has never shied away from acknowledging the challenges and rewards of her early days in Los Angeles. “It was a great gig, but it pained me to be around such greatness and only be known as a nanny,” she told Vulture. But rather than letting that experience define her, she used it as fuel for her ambitions. Watching Maude and Iris—“super-funny” kids growing up in a household where comedy was the family business—Glaser found inspiration to chase her own dreams, even when the path seemed uncertain.
Now, as she prepares to collaborate with Apatow on a major studio project, Glaser’s journey has come full circle. The same family she once watched over as a caretaker will soon be her creative partners, a testament to the power of persistence and the unpredictable magic of Hollywood relationships.
For audiences and aspiring comedians alike, the story of Nikki Glaser and the Apatows is more than just an amusing footnote in awards show history. It’s a reminder that every gig, no matter how small or seemingly unrelated to one’s ambitions, can be a stepping stone toward something bigger. Sometimes, the babysitter becomes the star—and sometimes, she brings the whole family along for the ride.
