Neal McDonough, a celebrated actor with a profound commitment to his family and faith, has made a personal choice that sets him apart in Hollywood: he refuses to kiss anyone in his movies or TV shows, declaring that his lips are reserved for one woman alone—his wife.
Best known for his standout roles as Lieutenant Lynn “Buck” Compton in Band of Brothers and President Dwight D. Eisenhower in American Horror Story: Double Feature, McDonough’s career reflects a blend of critical acclaim and personal principles. While his talent has earned him accolades, his uncompromising stance on intimate scenes has presented challenges in his acting journey.
A Rule That Commands Respect
Fans have widely praised McDonough for his decision to abstain from kissing scenes, seeing it as a mark of devotion and integrity. Social media was alight with support when his views became public, with one admirer commenting, “He set a good rule for himself.” Another applauded his principles, writing, “Respect for him. He is one in a billion for that.” Others admired his boundaries, with a fan stating, “Good for him. He’s entitled to set boundaries like anyone else.”
Despite the mixed opinions in the industry, McDonough remains steadfast in his beliefs, citing his faith and love for his wife as the foundation for his decision.
Love at First Sight: Neal and Ruvé’s Story
McDonough’s resolve to honor his wife, Ruvé, stems from their enduring love story, which began while he was filming Band of Brothers in England. Describing their meeting, McDonough recalls being instantly captivated, saying, “She knew there was something right off the beginning, but for me, I could just see, ‘Wow, this girl is just phenomenal.’ She’s my good luck charm.”
The couple married in 2003 and are now proud parents to five children. McDonough attributes his success and happiness to his wife, stating, “Everything that I am today is because of Ruvé.”
Sacrifices and Setbacks in Hollywood
While McDonough’s family life has been blissful, his career hasn’t always followed the same trajectory. In 2010, he was reportedly fired from the ABC series Scoundrels after refusing to perform intimate scenes with a co-star. This decision, though rooted in his faith and principles, led to professional setbacks. Reflecting on this difficult period, McDonough shared, “After that, I couldn’t get a job because everybody thought I was this religious zealot. I am very religious.”
ABC’s official explanation for his dismissal was a “casting change,” but the situation sparked a broader discussion about actors’ rights to set personal boundaries. Despite the challenges, McDonough never wavered from his rule, affirming, “These lips are meant for one woman.”
Navigating Romantic Roles Without Compromise
McDonough’s refusal to engage in kissing or intimate scenes could have limited his career, but he found ways to navigate these constraints. During his time on Desperate Housewives, where romance and drama take center stage, McDonough made his boundaries clear to series creator Marc Cherry. When he informed Cherry of his rule, the creator reportedly responded with humor and ingenuity: “I’m just going to have to write better.”
This adaptation allowed McDonough to deliver a compelling performance without compromising his values. His determination to balance his faith and craft has earned him respect among colleagues and fans alike.
A Career That Overcame Challenges
After weathering career difficulties, McDonough experienced a resurgence in his professional life, beginning with his role in Justified in 2012. Since then, he has enjoyed a flourishing career and feels deeply gratified by his journey. Speaking about his current success, he shared, “Every step I’ve had along the way, every challenge I’ve faced, has built this moment. And this is a moment I’m really cherishing.”
Today, Neal McDonough stands as a testament to the power of unwavering principles in an industry often driven by compromise. His story resonates as an inspiring example of how personal values can coexist with professional ambition, proving that integrity and success are not mutually exclusive.