Danny McBride, born Daniel Richard McBride on December 29, 1976, in Statesboro, Georgia, is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer known for his unique blend of humor and charisma. Over the years, he has established himself as a significant figure in the entertainment industry, renowned for his work in both film and television. McBride gained prominence for his distinctive comedic style, earning critical acclaim and several award nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award and four Satellite Awards.
McBride's journey in the entertainment industry began in the early 2000s. He made his film debut with a supporting role in the romantic drama All the Real Girls (2003), directed by David Gordon Green, who would later become a frequent collaborator. His career took a significant turn when he starred in The Foot Fist Way (2006), a film he co-wrote and produced. This project showcased his talents and garnered him mainstream recognition. He continued to build his reputation with roles in successful comedies such as Hot Rod (2007), Pineapple Express (2008), and Tropic Thunder (2008).
However, it was the HBO series Eastbound & Down (2009–2013) that truly propelled McBride into the spotlight. He starred as the brash and egotistical Kenny Powers, a former professional baseball player, a role that he co-created with Jody Hill. The show received critical acclaim and solidified McBride's status as a comedic force. Following the success of Eastbound & Down, he appeared in a variety of films, including Land of the Lost (2009) and Up in the Air (2009), further showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Throughout the 2010s, McBride continued to thrive in the comedy genre, starring in films such as Your Highness (2011), 30 Minutes or Less (2011), and This Is the End (2013). He also took on a prominent role in the HBO dark comedy series Vice Principals (2016–2017), which he co-created with Hill, demonstrating his ability to blend humor with more serious themes. His voice work in animated films like Despicable Me (2010), Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), and Sausage Party (2016) further illustrated his range as a performer.
In a notable departure from his comedic roots, McBride showcased his dramatic chops in the film As I Lay Dying (2013) and the science fiction horror film Alien: Covenant (2017). Additionally, he provided the voice of Duane Earl in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto V (2013), expanding his repertoire within the entertainment landscape.
In recent years, McBride has continued to make his mark on television with the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones (2019–2025), where he stars as Jesse Gemstone, a greedy and dysfunctional televangelist. His work in the horror genre has also gained attention, as he was a writer for Blumhouse Productions' Halloween film trilogy (2018–2022) and co-wrote the story for the supernatural horror film The Exorcist: Believer (2023). Moreover, as an executive producer for the HBO true crime documentary series Telemarketers (2023), he received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.
Outside of his professional achievements, McBride has been married to Gia Ruiz since October 9, 2010. With an extensive career that spans various genres and formats, Danny McBride remains a compelling figure in the entertainment industry, known for his innovative storytelling and memorable performances.