Danny McBride says ditching LA was the best move for his career and family
Why Danny McBride Believes Leaving Hollywood Was Transformative
Danny McBride says ditching LA was - Danny McBride recently shared his perspective on a pivotal life decision during an appearance on Rich Roll's podcast. The actor and comedian revealed that relocating his family from Los Angeles to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2017 proved to be one of the most beneficial choices he ever made. When Roll inquired about this transition, McBride explained that stepping away from the Hollywood "bubble" opened doors he hadn't anticipated.
A New Approach to Creative Work
McBride, who has created and headlined successful series including "The Righteous Gemstones" and "Eastbound & Down," noted that his current residence provides greater artistic liberty. He recalled filming "Eastbound" in Wilmington, North Carolina, and observing how executives rarely visited the set. According to McBride, the lack of convenient air travel between Los Angeles and North Carolina at that time meant producers stayed in their own city.
"When we were shooting 'Eastbound,' we were shooting in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the idea that there was not a direct flight, at that time, from L.A. to North Carolina, we noticed that the executives never came to set," McBride said.
This realization sparked an intentional strategy. McBride and his team began selecting locations that required more effort for Hollywood decision-makers to reach. The result was a working environment where creative choices faced less oversight and interference.
Raising Children Away from the Spotlight
Beyond professional advantages, McBride highlighted how Charleston benefits his children. He and his wife, Gia Ruiz, are parents to Declan, who is fourteen years old, and Ava, who is ten. Living outside the entertainment capital means their kids encounter less pressure to engage heavily with social media platforms.
"In my house, I try to limit my kids having access to all this stuff," he said. "I just try to be present in their lives. So, if they're listening to anybody's take on the world, hopefully it's mine and my wife's, and not a stranger online."
McBride also appreciated the community atmosphere in Charleston. He described living near a creek where neighborhood children enjoy fishing and spending time outdoors. This simpler lifestyle contrasts with the more pervasive digital culture found in Los Angeles.
"I think maybe that's part of the benefit of being in Charleston is like, we live on a creek and the kids in our neighborhood are into fishing, and they're into, you know, getting out in the water," he shared. "And I don't know … it's not as pervasive there, I guess."
Rebalancing Priorities After Fatherhood
The arrival of his children fundamentally shifted McBride's relationship with his career. He acknowledged that working in entertainment felt effortless before becoming a parent. Previously, he dedicated nearly all his energy to his projects. Once Declan and Ava entered the picture, his perspective evolved considerably.
"It was really easy to do this job when I didn't have kids," he admitted, explaining that he used to "give all my time to the job." "And then once kids came around, it started to be like, 'I don't want to give that much time to this. I want to get the result, but I have other jobs now too. I want to be there for these kids. I want to be a good partner for my wife. I don't want to push all these things off just because I'm making a TV show.'"
McBride now strives to maintain equilibrium between his professional obligations and personal responsibilities. His daily routine reflects this balance. He begins working well before his children wake up, allowing him to accomplish meaningful tasks while they sleep. By the time they rise, he has already engaged his mind with something energizing.
"And then by the time the kids go awake, I already have started something that's got my mind working, that has me excited. I can sit down and be present for those guys and get them to school, and I drop 'em off, then I come back home and I jam more," McBride said. "I just try to find the time that works that doesn't make me sequestered off while the rest of life is happening and I'm hammering away nonsense and d--- jokes."
This approach enables McBride to remain actively involved in his children's lives without sacrificing his creative output. He continues to produce content while ensuring his family remains a central focus. The combination of geographic distance from Hollywood and intentional time management has created a sustainable model for both his career and his home life.