Neal McDonough, a well-known actor, has made a bold decision that sets him apart from his peers in Hollywood.
Unlike others who are willing to engage in on-screen romantic scenes with people they're not actually in love with, McDonough has chosen to prioritize his loyalty to his wife over his career.
Let's delve into the reasons behind this unique choice.
Growing up as the youngest of six siblings, McDonough always had a knack for making people laugh.
Despite struggling with dyslexia and finding certain subjects challenging, he possessed a natural talent for bringing joy to others.
After completing high school and earning his diploma, he attended Syracuse University.
There, he joined the Sigma Chi group and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1988.
Although he had received a significant scholarship to play baseball, he opted to pursue acting instead.
His debut film, “Darkman,” was released in 1990, and since then, he has enjoyed success in various TV shows and movies such as “Boomtown,” “Star Trek: First Contact,” “Minority Report,” “Walking Tall,” and “The Hitcher.”
One of his most notable roles was as the antagonist Damien Darhk in the TV series “Arrow.”
Despite playing a character with magical abilities, the show revealed McDonough's true nature as a genuinely good person.
Before meeting his wife, he contemplated leaving his Hollywood career behind and returning to Cape Cod to work at his parents' motel and participate in local theater.
However, everything changed when he received a call from none other than Steven Spielberg.
Spielberg offered him an audition for the show “Band of Brothers,” which became a turning point in McDonough's life.
In the year 2000, while working on “Band of Brothers,” McDonough unexpectedly crossed paths with his future wife, Ruvé.
He recalls falling in love with her at first sight and meeting her again on St. Patrick's Day in 2004.
Despite already being in a relationship, McDonough knew deep down that Ruvé was the one for him.
He promptly broke things off with his then-girlfriend, stating, “I'm sorry, but it's not going to work out between us anymore.
I just met the woman I'm going to marry.”
On December 1, 2003, McDonough and Ruvé tied the knot, three years after their initial encounter.
Their wedding was a beautiful affair, followed by a joyous seven-week honeymoon, during which they traveled to various destinations.
To this day, McDonough expresses his deep affection for his wife through heartfelt Instagram posts.
On their 13th wedding anniversary, he referred to Ruvé as his best friend, love, and life partner, expressing gratitude for having her in his life.
The McDonoughs have now been married for 20 years and are happily raising their two boys and three girls.
Their children include Morgan Patrick McDonough, Catherine Maggie McDonough, London Jane McDonough, Clover Elizabeth McDonough, and James Hamilton McDonough.
The family of seven resides together in Los Angeles, cherishing their time together.
Throughout his 30-year career, McDonough has made it clear that his faith is his top priority.
He has never participated in intimate scenes, even after being married for a long time and having five children.
McDonough firmly stated, “I won't kiss any other woman because these lips are only for one woman.”
While some in Hollywood may have struggled to understand or respect his beliefs, there have been individuals who have accommodated them.
One such instance occurred when McDonough landed a role on a show that conflicted with his values.
He informed the show's creator, Marc Cherry, that he would not engage in any kissing scenes due to his Christian beliefs.
Cherry initially expressed surprise but eventually agreed to write the show in a manner that aligned with McDonough's principles.
McDonough's decision to avoid love scenes has not come without consequences.
In 2010, he turned down a role on an ABC show that required intimate scenes with an actress.
This decision reportedly cost him around $1 million and presented challenges in finding new opportunities.
Despite the obstacles, McDonough remains steadfast in his faith, trusting that he made the right choice for himself and his wife.
Recently, the couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, reaffirming their commitment to one another.
McDonough looked dashing in a suit, while Ruvé wore a wedding gown reminiscent of their special day many years ago.
Sharing a photo of this moment on social media, McDonough once again expressed his belief that asking Ruvé to marry him was the best decision he ever made.
Neal McDonough stands out as a kind-hearted father with multiple children in Hollywood.
Like many others, he has found true happiness with a remarkable woman who surpasses the beauty of any actress.
While abstaining from on-screen kisses may seem unconventional, it is not the most unusual challenge directors encounter in their line of work.
