Neal McDonough Puts God & Family First, Himself Second & Refuses to Kiss Other Women On-Screen

  • "Yellowstone" star Neal McDonough lost his "big beautiful house in Los Angeles," "shiny Mercedes," and "was really crushed" after he refused to kiss another woman on-screen.

  • The actor was blacklisted from Hollywood and couldn't get a job for two years.

  • The father of five proudly admits that he puts his family and God first in his life.

Most Hollywood actors have some line they would not cross. For the "Yellowstone" actor Neal McDonough, sticking to his principles almost led to his downfall after directors refused to work with him.

McDonough always refused to compromise his faith, and he stuck to his guns whenever a situation came up that threatened to overtake him. However, when he refused to do an on-screen love scene, his life took a turn.

Neal McDonough attends the Project Blue Book panel at Comic-Con International on July 21, 2018 in San Diego, California | Source: Getty Images

He lost his role in "Scoundrels" because of his principles, and he was blacklisted, which led to almost two years of no work for the actor. Nonetheless, he kept his faith, hoping God would have a greater plan in store for him. He said about being shunned:

"Look, we all make mistakes. We're all flawed, we're all human. And that's kind of what makes us beautiful at the same time."

Neal McDonough and Ruve Robertson during World Premiere Of "Timeline" at Mann's National Theater in Westwood, California, United States | Source: Getty Images

Eventually, he received a call from Graham Yost, a screenwriter who wanted to hire him for a new series. After his tough time, McDonough noted that he always felt his strong connection with his faith carried him through the hard times in his life.

How Does Neal McDonough Keep His Marriage Strong?

Throughout his career, McDonough stuck to his beliefs. He refused whenever a director or producer asked him to kiss another woman, and they always understood, saying they would write the scene to accommodate him.

He taught his five children about his principles, and he's proud to say his love and patience have paid off.

Neal McDonough and Ruve Robertson during World Premiere Of "Timeline" at Mann's National Theater in Westwood, California, United States | Source: Getty Images

But, after refusing to kiss a woman in the first season of "Scoundrels," they fired him. He lost his "big beautiful house in Los Angeles," his "shiny Mercedes," and he "was really crushed." They thought he was a fanatic, but he just did what he thought was right. He said:

"And also I really love my wife. These lips are meant for one woman."

Ruve McDonough, Neal McDonough, and guests attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's "Slumberland" at AMC Century City 15 on November 09, 2022 in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images

The actor has loved his wife, Ruve Robertson, since he first met her. He was speechless when he saw her and could only blurt out a line admiring her height. Luckily, she took it as the compliment it was intended to be, and they have been together ever since.

Who Does Neal McDonough Put First in His Life?

In McDonough's life, there's a strict list of priorities. His God and his family always come first, and only after he has thought of them does he consider himself. The actor does not stray from this rule, and he commented:

"For me, it's family first, me second. God first, me second. And when you're run by those rules, things are a lot easier."

Ruve Robertson, Neal McDonough and family attend the Premiere of Illumination's "Sing 2" on December 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Luckily, after two years of not finding any work, the new show "Justified" gave him a new opportunity. He seized it with both hands and has been building himself up ever since. He credited his success to his faith, saying it steered him on the right course.

The rest of his family is as devoted as he is. He taught his five children about his principles, and he's proud to say his love and patience have paid off. Now, back in the saddle, McDonough spends his time working full-time.

ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmtwcW9mZXqvscClZKablKS7sMHGoWSpraSoeqi7w2admqWZocZussirqq1lmJ66b7TTpqM%3D