Fresh Air 'Righteous Gemstones' Creator Danny McBride's Love Letter To The South
23 snips
May 12, 2025 
Danny McBride, creator and star of The Righteous Gemstones, shares his insights on challenging Hollywood stereotypes of the South. He reflects on his comedic roots and how the absurdity of Southern culture shapes his storytelling. The conversation dives into the depth of his characters, balancing humor with their complexities. McBride also discusses lessons from working with church pastors and the emotional journey of wrapping up his hit show, revealing the camaraderie and nostalgia felt among the cast.
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Living in South Shapes Show
- Danny McBride moved to Charleston, South Carolina to be closer to family and shoot his shows there.
- Living in the South deeply influenced the setting and storytelling of The Righteous Gemstones.
Divorce Sparked Religious Reflection
- Danny's religious upbringing was Southern Baptist and heavily involved in church activities.
- A family divorce led to feeling judgmental attitudes in church, sparking his interest in exploring religious hypocrisy.
Satire Targets Hypocrisy, Not Faith
- The Righteous Gemstones satirizes hypocritical televangelists, not the sincere faith of believers.
- Humor targets flawed characters, respecting religion while exposing greed and scandal.