The Righteous Gemstones marks the third collaboration between Danny McBride and HBO, continuing a legacy of successful and critically acclaimed comedy series. Following the popular Eastbound & Down, and the unique narrative of Vice Principals, this series has become a fan favorite as it heads toward its much-anticipated final season. A notable feature of McBride’s work is his frequent use of the same actors across his projects, resulting in a cast of The Righteous Gemstones that is rich with familiar faces from his previous series.
As fans prepare for the conclusion of season 4 of The Righteous Gemstones, many are feeling nostalgic about the end of this chapter. However, for those new to McBride’s HBO universe, both Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals serve as excellent follow-up series, showcasing hilarious storylines and captivating performances. Viewers revisiting these series will notice seven actors from The Righteous Gemstones returning from McBride’s earlier works, adding a layer of connection and enjoyment to those familiar with his comedic style.
1 Danny McBride
Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals
At the forefront of these series is Danny McBride himself, who not only created but also stars in all three shows. His journey began with Eastbound & Down, where he famously portrayed Kenny Powers, a volatile former baseball player turned middle school PE teacher. In Vice Principals, McBride took on the role of Neal Gamby, a high school administrator determined to become principal. Currently, in The Righteous Gemstones, he plays Jesse Gemstone, the ambitious eldest sibling of the evangelistic Gemstone family.
2 Edi Patterson
Vice Principals
Edi Patterson shines as Judy Gemstone in The Righteous Gemstones, where her character leverages her musical prowess to further the family ministry. She also appeared as Jen Abbot in Vice Principals, where she played a Civics teacher who develops feelings for McBride’s character.
3 Walton Goggins
Vice Principals
Known for his captivating performances, Walton Goggins embodies Baby Billy Freeman in The Righteous Gemstones, serving as the antagonist during the first season. Goggins also starred alongside McBride in Vice Principals as Lee Russell, the vice principal navigating the ups and downs of educational administration.
4 Jody Hill
Eastbound & Down
Jody Hill, a pivotal collaborator with McBride, has contributed both behind and in front of the camera. While he co-created Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals, he takes on a supporting role in The Righteous Gemstones as Levi, the faithful guitarist and friend to Jesse.
5 Cullen Moss
Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals
Cullen Moss appears as Brock, a minor yet integral character serving as a security guard at the Gemstone compound. Previously, he portrayed Mark in Eastbound & Down and Mr. Chrysler in Vice Principals, showcasing his versatility within McBride’s universe.
6 Shea Whigham
Vice Principals
Shea Whigham, known for his role in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, stars as Dusty Daniels in The Righteous Gemstones, a NASCAR driver who generously supports Gemstone Ministries. He also made a memorable appearance in Vice Principals as Ray Liptrapp, the new spouse of Neal Gamby’s ex-wife.
7 Steve Little
Eastbound & Down
Last but certainly not least, Steve Little returns in a cameo role in season 4, episode 3 of The Righteous Gemstones as the host of the Top Christ Following Man Of The Year competition. His fans will recognize him from his earlier role as Stevie Janowski in Eastbound & Down, making his appearance a delightful nod for longtime viewers.