Danny McBride’s debut book, “Thrilling Tales of Modern Men,” hit the New York Times bestseller list within its first week of release, according to Deadline. The actor-comedian achieved this milestone from Charleston, South Carolina, not Los Angeles.
McBride ditched LA for the South in 2012. He told Fox News the move was the best decision for his career and family. “I’m so glad we live here,” he said in the interview.
The relocation was not an escape. “It wasn’t about running away from something, but running toward something better,” McBride stated.
Charleston offered a slower pace. Better schools. A community-focused lifestyle. Contrast that with Hollywood’s rat race: constant networking, traffic, the pressure to always be “on.”
McBride has two kids. He wanted them raised in a more grounded environment. Less paparazzi. More outdoor activities. A close-knit community.
His career did not suffer. He produced hit shows like “The Righteous Gemstones” and “Vice Principals.” Both are set in the South. Both draw from local culture, characters, landscapes.
Industry experts note the move allowed him to focus on quality over quantity. The result: critically acclaimed projects.
McBride redefined success. “I realized that success isn’t measured by how many meetings you have, but by the time you spend with your kids,” he said.
He built Rough House Pictures, his production company, in Charleston. He collaborates with talent remotely. Post-pandemic, streaming services and virtual casting have made location less critical.
His book’s success opened doors in publishing. It diversified his brand beyond acting and writing. A potential film adaptation is in discussion.
McBride hints at mentoring other creators who want to work outside the Hollywood system. His model offers an alternative to the “LA or bust” mentality.
The trend is growing. More Hollywood families are relocating to states like Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina for better work-life balance.
McBride’s move was not the end of his career. It was a new beginning. He proved success in entertainment can be built anywhere.
| Dimension | McBride’s Approach | Traditional Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Charleston, SC | Los Angeles, CA |
| Priority | Family first, career second | Career first, networking |
| Creative Output | Quality over quantity | Constant production |
| Lifestyle | Slower pace, community | Rat race, pressure |
| Key Metric | Time with kids | Number of meetings |
His upcoming projects include new seasons of “The Righteous Gemstones.” More collaborations with Jody Hill and David Gordon Green are expected.
McBride’s journey is a case study. Not everyone can replicate his success. But his choice proves a point: it’s not about where you live, but how you live.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Danny McBride leave Hollywood for the South?
- A: He moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 2012 for a slower pace, better schools for his kids, and a community-focused lifestyle, calling it the best decision for his career and family.
- Q: Did Danny McBride’s career suffer after leaving Los Angeles?
- A: No, his career thrived. He produced hit shows like ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ and ‘Vice Principals,’ both set in the South, and his debut book hit the New York Times bestseller list.
- Q: How does Danny McBride define success after his move?
- A: He redefined success as spending time with his kids rather than the number of meetings, focusing on quality projects over quantity.
Extended Reading
Source: Fox News interview with Danny McBride on leaving LA; Deadline report on “Thrilling Tales of Modern Men” bestseller status; MovieGuide article on family relocation.