Why Danny McBride Left Los Angeles: A Super Simple Story

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Who is Danny McBride?

Danny McBride is a grown-up who acts in and makes funny TV shows. You might know him from:

• "Eastbound & Down"
• "The Righteous Gemstones"

He is married to Gia Ruiz, and they have two kids:

• Son Declan (age 14)
• Daughter Ava (age 10)

The Big Move: From L.A. to Charleston

In 2017, Danny decided to move his family from Los Angeles (a huge, busy city in California) to Charleston, South Carolina (a calmer place near the water).

On a chat show (called a podcast) with Rich Roll, Danny explained why he left the "bubble" of L.A.

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Danny’s two big reasons for moving:

1. He wanted more freedom to make his TV shows the way he likes.
2. He wanted his kids to grow up away from too much screen time and strangers on the internet.

How Far-Away Cities Gave Him More Freedom

When Danny was making "Eastbound & Down," they filmed it in Wilmington, North Carolina. Back then, there was no direct flight (a plane that goes straight there without stops) from L.A. to North Carolina.

Because the trip was hard, the big bosses (called executives) from the TV company rarely visited the set. Danny noticed:

• "If we pick cities that are hard to fly to from L.A., the bosses won’t come bother us."
• That meant the team could make the show with less watching-over-the-shoulder and more creative freedom (being able to make what you want).

So living in Charleston (also not a quick hop from L.A.) helps keep that freedom.

Danny McBride raises his kids in Charleston, South Carolina over Los Angeles. (Getty Images)

Keeping Kids Away from Screens

Danny says another good thing about Charleston is that his kids aren’t as glued to social media (apps where people post photos and videos).

He said:

• "In my house, I limit my kids’ access to all this stuff."
• He wants to be present in their lives so they listen to him and his wife, not strangers online.

Because they live on a creek (a small waterway), the neighborhood kids like fishing and playing in the water. Social media just isn’t pervasive (everywhere) there.

McBride says that he doesn’t believe social media is as "pervasive" (everywhere) in Charleston. (Getty Images)

Finding Balance as a Dad and Worker

Danny told Rich Roll that having kids changed his life.

Before kids:

• He gave all his time to his job.

After kids:

• He said: "I don’t want to give that much time to this. I want to be there for my kids and be a good partner for my wife."
• He had to find a balance between making TV and being a dad.

How He Starts His Day (Numbered Steps)

What works for Danny is waking up super early. Here’s his simple routine:

1. Wake up before the kids and start something fun or work that gets his brain going.
2. When kids wake up, he is already excited and can sit with them, eat, and take them to school.
3. After dropping them off, he comes home and "jams more" (works a lot) on his projects.
4. Key idea: He tries to work at times when the rest of the family life isn’t happening, so he isn’t hidden away while everyone else is having fun.

McBride also spoke about finding the balance between working in Hollywood and raising his children. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)

Other Things Mentioned in the Article

• The article also points to another story: "‘The Thorn Birds’ star Rachel Ward traded ‘empty’ Hollywood for farm life in Australia."
• Fox News encourages readers to:
  • Read more entertainment news
  • Sign up for the Entertainment Newsletter
  • Download the Fox News App

Author note: This article was written by Janelle Ash, an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital who covers Hollywood and celebrity news.

Summary

Danny McBride moved from Los Angeles to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2017. He did this to:

• Have more creative freedom (by being far from TV bosses)
• Raise his kids with less social media and more outdoor play
• Balance his work and family life by waking up early and being present with his children

He loves living by the creek where his kids fish, and he makes sure his family comes first.

FAQ

1. Why did Danny McBride leave Los Angeles?
He left to get more freedom to make his shows without bosses visiting, and to raise his kids in a quieter place with less social media.

2. What TV shows is Danny McBride known for?
He created and starred in "Eastbound & Down" and "The Righteous Gemstones."

3. How does Danny balance work and family?
He wakes up before his kids, gets some work done, then focuses on his kids, and works more after school drop-off.

4. Where does Danny McBride live now?
He lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and two kids.

5. What are his kids’ names and ages?
Son Declan is 14, and daughter Ava is 10.