Neal McDonough won’t kiss any co-stars in movies or TV shows because ‘his lips are meant for one woman’
Neal McDonough, a well-known actor from shows like “Band of Brothers” and “Desperate Housewives,” has a unique approach to his work. He has publicly stated that he will not participate in on-screen romantic scenes, especially kissing, with any actress other than his wife, Ruve Robertson. He explains this by saying, “I won’t kiss any other woman because these lips are meant for one woman.” This commitment to his wife and his personal beliefs has sometimes presented challenges in his career.
For many actors, on-screen kisses and romantic scenes are simply part of the job. However, McDonough’s strong convictions have led him to turn down roles that require such intimacy. This has even resulted in him losing out on significant opportunities. As reported by Page Six, he once lost a role on ABC’s “Scoundrels” in 2010, a job that he estimated would have paid him $1 million. This was because he refused to film intimate scenes with actress Virginia Madsen.
McDonough described the aftermath of this decision as “horrible.” He explained that it became difficult for him to find work for a while because people perceived him as overly religious. He acknowledges that he is indeed a religious man, stating, “I am very religious. I put God and family first, and me second. That’s what I live by. It was hard for a few years.” He emphasized, “But I was not going to lose the fight. And it worked. My career has been phenomenal.”
Despite these difficulties, McDonough’s career has continued to flourish. He has found ways to navigate the industry while staying true to his principles. When he was cast as Nicollette Sheridan’s husband on “Desperate Housewives,” he had an open conversation with the show’s creator, Marc Cherry. He told Cherry, “I’m sure you know, but I won’t kiss anybody.” Instead of being resistant, Cherry accepted the challenge and replied, “All right, I’m just going to have to write better.” This demonstrates how McDonough’s honesty and Cherry’s willingness to adapt led to a successful collaboration.
McDonough’s dedication to his wife, Ruve, extends far beyond his professional life. They have been happily married since 2003 and have five children together. Their meeting is a story in itself. McDonough recounted how they met on St. Patrick’s Day in 2001 in London. “We literally bumped into each other on the street, locked eyes, and that was it,” he said. He was so smitten that he ended his current relationship the very next day, explaining, “The next morning, I called the woman I was dating at the time and said, ‘I’m sorry, it’s not going to work out with us anymore—I just met the woman I’m going to marry.'”
In another interview, McDonough revealed that he almost left Hollywood entirely. Before he landed his role in “Band of Brothers,” he was considering giving up acting and working at his family’s motel. However, a phone call from Steven Spielberg changed everything. “I was about to quit Hollywood when I got a call from Steven Spielberg. He wanted to see me for Band of Brothers, and it was off to the races,” he shared. This opportunity launched him into a successful career, allowing him to work on his own terms.
