Neal McDonough Reveals Why Hollywood Abandoned Him for Refusing On-Screen Kisses

Neal McDonough is an actor with a unique rule: he won’t kiss anyone on-screen. This decision has shaped his career in significant ways. He recently shared that Hollywood turned against him for sticking to his principles.

In an episode of the Nothing Left Unsaid podcast, McDonough explained, “I’ve always had in my contracts that I wouldn’t kiss another woman on screen.” He added that it wasn’t his wife who had an issue with it; it was his personal comfort that mattered most.

This choice led to unexpected consequences. McDonough said, “When I couldn’t do it, and they couldn’t understand it, Hollywood just completely turned on me.” As a result, he struggled to find work for two years. “I lost everything you could possibly imagine—houses, material belongings, even my sense of identity,” he admitted.

Married since 2003 and a father of five, McDonough’s commitment to his values came at a steep cost. The actor, known for his roles in shows like Desperate Housewives and Band of Brothers, felt lost without acting. His sense of self is deeply tied to his career.

Despite the challenges, McDonough has made a comeback. He has acted in popular series like Yellowstone, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and even starred in American Horror Story: Double Feature as Dwight D. Eisenhower. Recent roles also include parts in Tulsa King and the animated series What If…? on Disney+.

Interestingly, many actors face personal dilemmas similar to McDonough’s. A recent survey found that over 60% of actors consider their on-screen actions deeply tied to their values. Social media trends show that audiences often support actors who take a stand for their beliefs.

It’s a reminder that personal and professional lives often intersect in Hollywood. As McDonough has shown, staying true to one’s principles can lead to hardships but also opens doors to new, unexpected opportunities.

For more on Hollywood’s influence on personal choices, you can check out this report from The Hollywood Reporter.

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Neal McDonough