Actor explains why he refuses to kiss his colleagues in films and series: ‘I’m very religious’

One of the central actors in the film “In the Crosshairs” (2000) and the series “Yellowstone” (2018), Neal McDonough was once again questioned about his refusal to kiss colleagues on set. He has maintained his work status for years and recalled being fired from a production because of his personal restriction and fame in Hollywood. “I was surprised. It was a terrible situation for me,” he said in a recent interview about his short participation in the series and “Scoundrels” (2010).

McDonough recalled other episodes that led to his reputation as a “pious” man and, consequently, the loss of many jobs. The star, who calls himself a Christian, regrets being a victim of religious prejudice in the film industry. “I put God and family first, and myself second. I live by that precept. It was hard for me for a few years,” he told Closer Weekly magazine.

He, who also participated in the series “Band of Brothers” (2001), reinforced his condition. “I will not kiss any other woman, because these lips are for one woman only,” explained McDonough, who has been married for 21 years to producer Ruve McDonough and the two are parents to five children.

When he was cast as Dave Williams in the 2004 series “Desperate Housewives,” he warned that he would not kiss anyone on screen. Producer Marc Cherry was not too happy with the star’s warning. “But this is ‘Desperate Housewives!'” he reportedly told his boss, who then decided to accept his condition. However, McDonough knows that he has already stopped being cast for several roles. “Absolutely. It has made me feel bad. Now, I don’t care anymore.”

In 2023, he starred in the series “The Shift” as a mysterious benefactor who sends the protagonist to a series of complex alternative realities. In each of his new works, therefore, the rule remains: no caresses, kisses or any “intimacy” with colleagues, even if it is just “pretend”.