Neal McDonough recently shared his experiences with Hollywood during an appearance on Tim Green’s podcast, “Nothing Left Unsaid,” where he revealed the challenges he faced in his career after refusing to film kissing scenes. The accomplished actor, known for his roles in films and series such as “Minority Report,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Yellowstone,” explained that he had always included a clause in his contracts preventing him from engaging in intimate on-screen moments.
McDonough emphasized that his decision was based on personal beliefs rather than any objections from his wife, Ruvé McDonough, whom he married in 2003. The actor recounted how his firm stance led to a significant fallout within the industry: “Hollywood just completely turned on me. They wouldn’t let me be part of the show anymore,” he said.
The impact of this rejection was profound, affecting both his career and personal life. McDonough described feeling lost without his identity as an actor, as he experienced a steep decline in opportunities. “I lost everything you could possibly imagine,” he admitted, highlighting the emotional and material toll of his decision.
Fortunately, McDonough has seen a resurgence in his career, recently acting alongside his wife in “The Last Rodeo,” where he was able to portray an on-screen kiss. This film is now available for streaming on Apple TV. Moreover, he has appeared in several episodes of Taylor Sheridan’s popular series “Yellowstone” and “Tulsa King,” both of which can be streamed on Paramount+.
This story exemplifies the complexities that actors face regarding personal values versus professional demands. McDonough’s journey underscores the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of industry pressures, and it offers a hopeful perspective on resilience, as he has successfully navigated his way back into the spotlight while adhering to his principles.