Danny McBride says ditching LA was the best move for his career and family
Danny McBride Reveals Why Leaving Los Angeles Transformed His Life and Career
Danny McBride says ditching LA was - Actor Danny McBride has opened up about the pivotal decision to leave Los Angeles behind, describing it as one of the most beneficial choices he ever made for both his professional trajectory and personal well-being. During a recent appearance on Rich Roll's podcast, McBride reflected on his 2017 relocation from the entertainment capital to Charleston, South Carolina, where he and his family now call home.
Seeking Creative Freedom Beyond the Hollywood Bubble
The comedian and television creator, known for crafting and starring in series such as "The Righteous Gemstones" and "Eastbound & Down," explained that geographic distance from industry headquarters provided unexpected advantages. He recalled how production experiences differed significantly when working outside traditional entertainment hubs.
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
This observation sparked a realization about how location influences creative autonomy. McBride and his collaborators began intentionally selecting filming destinations that required more effort for Hollywood decision-makers to reach, thereby reducing unwanted interference in their artistic process.
We're like, 'Oh, we just gotta choose cities that it's not easy to get to from L.A., and then we'll have more freedom.'
Raising Children Away from Social Media Saturation
Beyond professional benefits, McBride highlighted how Charleston's environment has positively impacted his children's development. He and his wife, Gia Ruiz, are parents to Declan, who is fourteen years old, and Ava, who is ten. The couple has noticed their kids maintain healthier relationships with digital platforms compared to what they might have experienced growing up in Los Angeles.
In my house, I try to limit my kids having access to all this stuff. 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.
The coastal community setting has also encouraged outdoor activities and real-world connections. McBride described how neighborhood children engage in fishing and water-based recreation, creating a lifestyle that feels less dominated by digital culture.
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. And I don't know… it's not as pervasive there, I guess.
Redefining Work-Life Balance After Fatherhood
McBride acknowledged that becoming a parent fundamentally altered his approach to his career. Previously, he could dedicate virtually all his energy to professional projects without concern for family obligations.
It was really easy to do this job when I didn't have kids. 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.'
His solution involves restructuring his daily routine to accommodate both creative work and family presence. He begins his professional day well before his children wake up, allowing him to accomplish meaningful tasks while maintaining emotional availability for his family throughout the day.
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.
This flexible approach enables McBride to continue producing content without feeling isolated from family life. He emphasizes finding a rhythm that accommodates both creative output and genuine presence with loved ones.
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.
Through this intentional lifestyle change, McBride has discovered that stepping away from Hollywood's center of gravity has enriched both his artistic endeavors and his personal relationships in ways he never anticipated.