Long before Nikki Glaser was hosting the Golden Globes and selling out comedy shows, she had a very different Hollywood job: babysitting for Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann’s kids, including future “Euphoria” star Maude Apatow.
The story resurfaced during the 2026 Golden Globes when Apatow casually dropped the reveal while introducing Glaser as the night’s host. “You know, Nikki Glaser used to be our babysitter,” he said onstage, adding that she had told them at the time she was doing stand-up comedy. Glaser later confirmed the moment on Instagram, writing, “100% true. Summer 2007,” according to E! News.
At the time, Glaser was a young comedian trying to find her footing in Los Angeles. Babysitting for one of comedy’s most influential families paid the bills, but it also came with complicated feelings.
From Babysitter to Golden Globes Host
In a 2011 interview with Vulture, Glaser admitted that while the job was solid, it was emotionally tough being surrounded by so much comedy success while being known only as “the nanny.” She said it “pained” her to be around that level of greatness while she was still trying to break into the industry.
Still, Glaser has always spoken fondly of the experience. She has described Maude and her sister Iris as funny, sweet kids and said the household itself was inspiring. In a January 2011 interview with The Washington Post, Glaser said watching the Apatow family dynamic made her wish she had grown up in a comedy-focused home.
That early exposure stuck with her. Nearly two decades later, Glaser returned to the Golden Globes stage not as a babysitter, but as the host for the second consecutive year, a moment that highlighted just how far her career has come.
How That Early Job Shaped Her Career
Glaser has also shared more details about her babysitting days during a January appearance on The Howard Stern Show. She revealed that Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann paid her between $35 and $40 an hour back in 2007, which she said was “more than I’d ever been paid to babysit,” per E! News. She added that the kids were “so sweet” and “so funny.”
One moment from that time still stands out. Glaser recalled answering the phone while babysitting and realizing it was Adam Sandler on the line. She said he asked how her night was going, calling it the nicest call she had ever gotten while working and noting she’s been a fan ever since.
Her connection with Apatow also led to her taking a chance professionally. While babysitting, Glaser learned he was casting real comedians for “Funny People.” Encouraged by a friend who reminded her she did not move to Los Angeles to be a babysitter forever, she asked Apatow for an audition. She did not land the role, but she has said he was supportive and kind throughout the process.
Now, that early relationship has come full circle. Glaser has revealed she and Apatow are currently writing a movie together, inspired by honest conversations about her life, career and choices. As she put it, “It’s going to be funny,” adding that the project will have heart and come from a real place.
