| Full Name | Daniel Richard McBride |
| Age | 46 |
| Birthday | December 29, 1976 |
| Birth Sign | Capricorn |
| Born | United States |
| Relationship | Married to Gia Ruiz |
| Height | 5′ 10′′ |
| Net Worth | $25 million |
| @danny_mcbride | |
| @danny__mcbride |
Daniel Richard McBride is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer widely known for his comedic roles in major Hollywood films as well as his work on acclaimed HBO television series. With his blunt, irreverent humor and authentic Southern charm, McBride has carved out a unique place in the entertainment industry over the past 15 years.
Early Life and Career Beginnings in the South
McBride was born on December 29, 1976 in Statesboro, Georgia and spent his childhood there. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he received a degree in film in 1999.
In the early 2000s, a young McBride got his start performing stand-up comedy at bars and clubs around Philadelphia. This is where he first made a name for himself with his signature brand of blunt, foul-mouthed humor.
McBride‘s first film role came in 2004 when he played Bust-Ass in the indie martial arts comedy The Foot Fist Way. Though it was a small role, this marked the beginning of his acting career and was the start of fruitful creative collaborations with friends Jody Hill and Ben Best.
Big Break in Pineapple Express
McBride‘s big break came in 2008 when he was cast as the eccentric drug dealer Red in David Gordon Green‘s stoner action comedy Pineapple Express, co-starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. As Red, McBride stole many scenes with his loudmouthed, off-the-wall humor and proved he could hold his own alongside bigger stars.
The $27 million movie went on to gross over $100 million worldwide, putting McBride firmly on the map as a rising comedic actor in Hollywood. He landed roles in several other successful comedies like Tropic Thunder, Land of the Lost, and Your Highness, further showcasing his talent for playing endearing, idiotic characters on screen.
Critical and Commercial Success with HBO‘s Eastbound & Down
In 2009, McBride teamed up again with Jody Hill to create and star in the HBO sports comedy series Eastbound & Down. As former MLB pitcher Kenny Powers desperately trying to make a comeback, McBride was able to showcase not only his raunchy sense of humor but also his acting range.
With its blend of offensive jokes and nuanced character development, Eastbound & Down earned high praise from critics. It also built up a loyal audience during its four season run on HBO from 2009 to 2013.
McBride‘s performance as the brazen but insecure Kenny Powers showed that he could successfully carry a series as the lead character. His writing on the show also demonstrated his talents behind the scenes, with complex storytelling weaving crude laughs with surprisingly emotional moments.
Film, TV, and Voice Acting Work
Between filming seasons of Eastbound & Down, McBride continued taking on funny supporting roles in movies like Your Highness (2011), This is the End (2013), and Neighbors (2014). His ability to steal scenes with his improvisational, uninsured humor made him a highly sought after comedy actor.
McBride also proved he could take on more serious roles, playing the estranged brother of Laurie Strode in the hit 2018 horror sequel Halloween opposite Jamie Lee Curtis.
On the small screen, McBride created and starred in the HBO series Vice Principals (2016-2017) and most recently the series The Righteous Gemstones (2019-present). Both shows demonstrate McBride‘s skills as a creator and head writer.
In addition, McBride has found success in voice acting roles, bringing his recognizable Southern twang to animated movies like Ice Age: Continental Drift and The Angry Birds Movie 2.
Comedic Sensibility
A major component of McBride‘s widespread appeal is his eccentric, one-of-a-kind comedic sensibility. Though he often plays arrogant or buffoonish characters, McBride brings an endearing vulnerability and humor to these roles that balances out their brashness.
McBride has said he enjoys playing narcissistic characters like Kenny Powers because "it allows you to really embarrass yourself in ways you just couldn‘t if you were playing just a regular guy." Audiences seem to delight in the brazen, narcissistic, or ignorant behavior of McBride‘s on-screen personas.
Beyond just crude humor, McBride incorporates clever satire and surprising emotion into his writing. His scripts reveal his talents in crafting multidimensional characters and narratives that subvert expectations.
Personal Life
McBride met his wife Gia Ruiz in 2011 when she was working as a photographer on the set of Eastbound & Down. They married in 2010 and have two children together.
When he‘s not working, McBride enjoys sports (especially college football and basketball), spending time at the beach, and golfing. Despite his Hollywood success, the Georgia-native has remained down-to-earth and grounded. He still resides part-time in Charleston, South Carolina where he first got his start in comedy.
Legacy and Influence
With his array of beloved cult classic films and shows, Danny McBride has cemented his status as an iconic comedy actor, writer, and producer of the 21st century. He has paved the way for other uninhibited, riotously funny comedic talents.
McBride‘s lasting cultural impact can be seen in the memorable characters he‘s brought to life on screen, the quotable jokes and lines from his scripts, and the refreshing, carefree Southern personality he injects into his work.
Though he started out low-key, McBride‘s comedic sensibilities, writing voice, and acting range have made him one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood comedy today. His unique brand of boundary-pushing yet endearing humor continues to resonate with audiences. Danny McBride remains a one-of-a-kind comedic force whose best work still likely lies ahead.