Before she was roasting Hollywood’s elite at the Golden Globes, Nikki Glaser was babysitting their kids.
The comedian recently opened up about her surprising past working for director Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann.
And she revealed one unexpected phone call that changed how she viewed one of comedy’s biggest stars.
Here’s what the 41-year-old shared about those early days in Hollywood.
The Golden Globes Surprise
During the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony, Apatow dropped a bombshell about the evening’s host. While speaking on stage, the 58-year-old director revealed that Glaser used to watch his daughters before her comedy career took off.
You know, Nikki Glaser used to be our babysitter. That’s true, she was our babysitter and she was like, ‘I do stand up comedy.’
The revelation surprised many viewers who knew Glaser only as a sharp-tongued comedian and television personality. But it turns out she had a direct connection to Hollywood royalty long before her breakout success.
The Pay Was Pretty Good
Appearing on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show Tuesday, January 13, Glaser shared more details about her babysitting gig. She watched Apatow and Mann’s daughters Maude, now 28, and Iris, 23, back in 2007.
The compensation was notably generous for babysitting work at the time.
This was 2007, I think it was like $35, $40 an hour. Which was more than I [had] ever been paid to babysit.
For context, typical babysitting rates in Los Angeles around that time hovered between $10 and $20 per hour. Apatow and Mann, 53, were paying double the going rate or more.
Easy Gig With Funny Kids
Glaser emphasized that earning that money wasn’t difficult. The Apatow daughters made her job remarkably simple.
She described Maude and Iris as “so sweet” and noted they “were so funny” just like their famous parents. Given that Apatow has directed comedy classics like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, while Mann has starred in numerous comedies, the apple clearly didn’t fall far from the tree.
The experience gave Glaser a front-row seat to Hollywood family life during her own journey into entertainment.
The Adam Sandler Call That Changed Everything
Glaser’s favorite memory from those babysitting days came completely by chance. One evening while watching the kids, she answered a phone call that turned into an unforgettable moment.
Comedy superstar Adam Sandler was on the other end of the line.
He was like, ‘Hello.’ I was like, ‘Hi.’ And he was like, ‘Hello, Maude, this is Adam.’ I was like, ‘Oh no, this is the babysitter.’
What happened next made a lasting impression on Glaser. Rather than awkwardly ending the call or simply asking for Apatow, Sandler did something unexpected.
A Small Gesture With Big Impact
The 59-year-old actor took time to engage with the young babysitter. Without missing a beat, he asked how her night was going.
That simple act of kindness and consideration stayed with Glaser for nearly two decades.
It was my first interaction with Adam Sandler and I have loved him ever since. That was the nicest call I’ve ever gotten when I was babysitting.
For someone just starting out in comedy, having an established star treat her with respect and genuine interest made a profound impact. Sandler didn’t need to chat with a babysitter, but he chose to anyway.
From Babysitter to Golden Globes Host
Glaser’s journey from watching Apatow’s kids to hosting one of Hollywood’s biggest nights represents a remarkable trajectory. Her razor-sharp wit and fearless approach to comedy have made her one of the industry’s most respected hosts.
The 2026 Golden Globes marked a career-defining moment for Glaser, who received widespread praise for her hosting duties. That she once babysat for someone now celebrating her success adds a full-circle element to the story.
Her experiences working for supportive industry figures like Apatow and Mann, plus encountering genuinely kind stars like Sandler, likely shaped her understanding of how to navigate Hollywood. These early interactions taught her that success doesn’t require sacrificing decency.
Why This Story Resonates
Glaser’s babysitting revelation offers several takeaways about making it in entertainment:
- Everyone starts somewhere: Even successful comedians worked side jobs while pursuing their dreams
- Connections matter: Working for industry insiders can provide valuable insight and networking opportunities
- Small kindnesses count: Sandler’s brief conversation left a lasting positive impression
- Fair compensation matters: Apatow and Mann paying well showed respect for Glaser’s time and work
The story also humanizes celebrities often seen only through their professional accomplishments. Apatow hiring a young comedian as his babysitter, Mann trusting her with their children, and Sandler chatting with someone he didn’t know all demonstrate character beyond fame.
For aspiring entertainers juggling day jobs while chasing dreams, Glaser’s path offers encouragement. She went from earning $35-40 per hour watching kids to commanding attention as host of a ceremony watched by millions worldwide.
And she clearly hasn’t forgotten where she came from or the people who treated her well along the way.