Veteran actor Neal McDonough, best known for his work in Band of Brothers, Desperate Housewives, Minority Report, Suits, and Yellowstone, recently spoke about the personal conviction that once cost him his career in Hollywood.
During an appearance on the Nothing Left Unsaid podcast, in a clip first circulated by TMZ, McDonough revealed that he lost significant work opportunities due to his decision to refrain from kissing other women on screen—a choice rooted in his commitment to his wife, South African model Ruvé Robertson, whom he married in 2003.
“I’d always had in my contracts I wouldn’t kiss another woman on-screen,” McDonough explained. “My wife didn’t have any problem with it. It was I, really, who had a problem with it. When I couldn’t do it, and they couldn’t understand it, Hollywood just completely turned on me. They wouldn’t let me be part of the show anymore.”
The actor, who is also a father of five, emphasized that his stance was not about public perception but rather personal integrity. However, the backlash was severe.
“For two years, I couldn’t get a job and I lost everything you could possibly imagine,” he continued. “Not just houses and material things, but your swagger, your cool, who you are, your identity, everything. My identity was an actor, and a really good one. And once you don’t have that identity, you’re kind of lost in a tailspin.”
The fallout led to a period of professional exile and personal struggle, shaking the foundation of how McDonough saw himself. Nevertheless, he remained resolute and gradually rebuilt his career on his own terms.
A Career Revival on His Terms
In recent years, McDonough has enjoyed a professional resurgence, often taking roles that align with his values. He starred in The Last Rodeo, a faith-based drama from Angel Studios, playing a former bull-riding champion who returns to the ring in an effort to save his grandson. The film, released in May 2025, was both a commercial and critical success, grossing $15 million on an $8 million budget.
On television, McDonough has continued to secure prominent roles. He portrayed the villainous Malcolm Beck in Yellowstone and appeared as Sergeant Ty O’Brien in 9-1-1: Lone Star. Most recently, he reunited with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan for the second season of Tulsa King, where he stars alongside Sylvester Stallone in a recurring role on the Paramount+ series.
Despite the hardships, McDonough’s unwavering principles and dedication to his family have helped him carve out a meaningful, values-driven path in Hollywood.
“It’s not about being famous,” McDonough said. “It’s about doing what’s right—even when it costs you everything.”
Source: theghanareport
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