Daniel Richard McBride, born on December 29, 1976, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, celebrated for his unique comedic voice. He rose to prominence through HBO shows like Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, and The Righteous Gemstones, all of which he helped create. McBride has also appeared in numerous films and earned critical acclaim, including nominations for a Primetime Emmy and multiple Satellite Awards.
Profile Summary
Full Name | Daniel Richard McBride |
Date of Birth | December 29, 1976 |
Place of Birth | Statesboro, Georgia, USA |
Nationality | American |
Spouse | Gia Ruiz (married 2010) |
Children | 2 |
Occupations | Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer |
Net Worth | $25 million (as of 2025) |

Early Life and Education
Born in Statesboro, Georgia, McBride grew up in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. His mother and stepfather worked as civilian personnel at Marine Corps Base Quantico.
With a heritage that includes Irish, Scottish, English, and Jewish roots, he was raised in a Baptist household where church was an important part of his upbringing.
McBride graduated from Courtland High School and later attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in filmmaking.
During college, he formed a creative partnership with Jody Hill and Kris Baucom, which would become central to his career.
Career
McBride began his career in the early 2000s with short films and small acting roles. His big break came with the 2006 indie comedy The Foot Fist Way, which he co-wrote and starred in as a deluded Tae Kwon Do instructor.
The film’s success at Sundance caught the attention of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, opening doors to bigger projects. He gained wider recognition with roles in films such as Pineapple Express (2008), Tropic Thunder (2008), and Your Highness (2011).
He co-created and starred in HBO’s Eastbound & Down (2009–2013), portraying Kenny Powers, a disgraced baseball player. The show was critically praised and established McBride as a leading figure in comedy.
He went on to co-create Vice Principals (2016–2017) and created The Righteous Gemstones (2019–present), continuing his successful collaboration with Jody Hill and expanding his role behind the scenes as a producer and creator.
Personal Life

McBride married Gia Ruiz in 2010, and the couple has two children. Though he tends to keep his personal life private, he has shared that he was a shy child who developed a love for filmmaking at an early age.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Danny McBride’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, earned through his diverse career as an actor, writer, producer, and director.
Selected Filmography
- The Foot Fist Way (2006)
- Hot Rod (2007)
- Pineapple Express (2008)
- Tropic Thunder (2008)
- Up in the Air (2009)
- Land of the Lost (2009)
- Your Highness (2011)
- This Is the End (2013)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Voice roles in Despicable Me (2010), Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), The Angry Birds Movie (2016), Sausage Party (2016), and The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021).
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, McBride has earned several nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award and four Satellite Awards, recognizing his contributions to television and comedy.