Neal McDonough, renowned for his captivating performances in series such as 'Yellowstone,' 'Suits,' 'Minority Report,' among others, has recently opened up about the perceived setback that has shadowed his storied career. During a poignant segment on the 'Nothing Left Unsaid' podcast, McDonough revealed that Hollywood seemingly "turned its back" on him due to a unique clause in his contracts – his no-kiss rule, which hindered his access to acting roles.
"I've always included in my contracts a stipulation that I wouldn't engage in on-screen kisses with another woman," said the talented actor, who also starred in 'Desperate Housewives.' "My wife, Ruve McDonough, whom I married in 2003 and with whom we share three children, never really had an issue with it. It was more a personal boundary for me. I thought, 'I don't want to put you through that emotional strain, especially as we start a family. I don't want our kids to witness such scenes either.'"
McDonough, who is also acclaimed for his portrayal in 'Band of Brothers,' delved deeper into how his steadfast principle of refusing to engage in kissing scenes with female actors dramatically reshaped his career path, resulting in a desolate two-year span devoid of acting opportunities.
"Intimacy is a deeply personal matter for me," he confessed. "When I declined such scenes, and they couldn't fathom my stance, Hollywood turned its collective gaze away from me. I was shut out of projects. For two long years, I struggled to secure a job, losing not just material possessions like houses but also my confidence, my charm, my essence, my very identity. Acting was my identity, and I was genuinely good at it."
While McDonough didn't pinpoint the exact phase of his career when this occurred, his resume boasts a multitude of films and TV shows over the years, including recent appearances in 'The Last Rodeo,' 'Homestead,' 'Walking Tall,' and notably, 'Yellowstone.'
