Nathan was born in Melbourne, Australia, as Nathan Godkin. He began acting professionally at age 15. After parts in TV commercials, he was discovered at a regional talent contest by Jan Russ, at the time the casting director of Australian soap Neighbours, who cast him in a small role that grew into the ongoing character of 'Pinhead' (1998-2000). He went on to perform guest roles in several Australian TV shows.

In 2007 he relocated to the UK. He met his Scottish wife Shelley Lang (Inception) acting together in a London stage production of 'The Present' by Nick Ward. One year later they married and he took his wife's name Lang, a decision that still baffles his father-in-law. They have two daughters and live in Margate, UK.

Nathan was cast by acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos as Courtier to Queen Anne in Academy Award-winning film The Favourite (2018). He is also a professional comedian and regularly performs his surreal style of high-energy physical comedy at festivals around Europe.