Neal McDonough won’t kiss any co-stars in movies or TV shows because ‘his lips are meant for one woman’
Neal McDonough has never wavered from his convictions, and he has never participated in any scenes that involve a close personal relationship on TV. He has been open about his everlasting dedication to his wife, Ruve Robertson, who is also the mother of his five children.
At 58, the actor, best known for his roles in Band of Brothers and Desperate Housewives, has been outspoken about his unwavering devotion to his wife. With a firm personal principle at heart, McDonough has turned down several high-profile projects that required romantic scenes, even when it meant sacrificing significant career opportunities.
His strong conviction has cost him some notable career opportunities over the years. In 2010, McDonough was reportedly let go from the ABC series Scoundrels after he refused to film love scenes with actress Virginia Madsen. This decision led to a significant setback, with an estimated one million dollars lost due to the role’s cancellation, making it one of the most well-known moments in his career.
McDonough has openly reflected on that difficult period, calling the experience “horrible.” The fallout from his decision led many in the industry to label him a “religious fanatic,” which resulted in a temporary career setback. “I couldn’t find work afterward because everyone assumed I was some kind of religious zealot,” he shared. “But I’m deeply devout. Before anything else, I put God and my family first.”
“I try to live my life by those principles,” McDonough continued, acknowledging how difficult those years were. Despite the obstacles, he never compromised his values in pursuit of career advancement. “It was tough for a while,” he admitted, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs. Over time, McDonough’s perseverance paid off, as he found success in roles that aligned with his ideals. Even though the period following his exit from Scoundrels was challenging, he stayed true to his principles and eventually thrived in opportunities that reflected his integrity.
When McDonough was cast as Nicollette Sheridan’s husband on Desperate Housewives, he made it crystal clear to Marc Cherry, the creator of the show, that he would not participate in any kissing scenes. Instead of pushing back, Cherry respected McDonough’s decision and took a creative approach to work around it. “Alright, I’m just going to have to write better to make it happen,” Cherry said, proving that captivating storytelling could thrive without relying on physical intimacy.
Thanks to Cherry’s creative workaround, McDonough was able to continue his career without compromising his values, demonstrating that staying true to one’s principles can lead to successful outcomes.
Off-screen, McDonough’s commitment to his wife, Ruve Robertson, is equally unwavering. The couple, married since 2003, shares a love story that feels almost fated. Their journey began in 2001 when they met by chance on St. Patrick’s Day in London. McDonough recalled the life-changing moment when their eyes met on the street, a connection so powerful that he immediately knew his life had shifted.
He later called the woman he was dating and told her, “I’m sorry, it’s not going to work out with us anymore—I just met the woman I’m going to marry.” That moment marked the start of a deep bond between McDonough and Ruve, which has since flourished into a strong marriage and a loving family.
Beyond his personal life, McDonough’s career continues to thrive, despite the obstacles he faced in Hollywood. He has built a versatile body of work, appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Yellowstone, Justified, and many other memorable roles, further solidifying his place in the entertainment industry.
The respect McDonough has earned from both his peers and fans is a testament to his steadfast dedication to his craft and his values. By refusing to compromise on what matters most to him, he has earned admiration not only for his talent but also for his integrity, becoming a true role model in an industry where staying true to oneself is often challenging.
At one point, McDonough even considered walking away from Hollywood altogether. Just before landing his iconic role in Band of Brothers, he was prepared to leave acting behind and join his parents at their motel. But fate had different plans when he received an unexpected phone call from none other than Steven Spielberg.
“When I was about to say goodbye to Hollywood, I got a call from Spielberg,” McDonough recalled. “As soon as I found out he wanted to see me for Band of Brothers, everything changed.”
McDonough’s journey is a testament to the power of unwavering values and perseverance. Despite losing roles due to his refusal to engage in personal scenes, his decision to remain authentic to himself has ultimately led to a career he can be proud of—a true success story shaped by integrity and grit.
By grounding his success in his family and faith, McDonough has carved out a career on his own terms. His unwavering dedication to these core values has not only shaped his journey but also ensured that his achievements remain authentic and meaningful. With each step, he continues to build on this foundation, proving that true success is rooted in staying true to oneself.
