Neal McDonough, a well-known actor in Hollywood, has made headlines for a unique and unwavering commitment: he refuses to kiss anyone onscreen. His reason?
His lips are meant for only one woman—his wife, Ruvé Robertson. 😘💋
A Marriage Built on Love and Faith
McDonough has been married to Ruvé Robertson since 2003, and their love story began on the set of the critically acclaimed series Band of Brothers.
Over the years, the couple has built a strong family together, raising five children.
McDonough’s devotion to his wife is not just a personal choice; it’s deeply rooted in his faith. As a devout Catholic, McDonough believes that even a kiss shared in an acting role could be considered a form of infidelity.
A Decision Grounded in Faith
In interviews, McDonough has expressed that his refusal to engage in intimate scenes, including kissing, stems from his religious beliefs.
“I won’t kiss any other woman because these lips are only for one woman,” McDonough shared. For him, staying true to his vows means honoring his wife in every aspect of his life, including his acting career.
The Impact on His Career
McDonough’s commitment to his principles hasn’t always been easy. In fact, it has cost him roles in the past.
He was notably fired from the ABC series Scoundrels because of his refusal to participate in kissing scenes. “I was surprised, and it was a horrible situation for me,” McDonough recalled.
The fallout from this decision led to a period where he struggled to find work, as some in the industry labeled him a “religious zealot.”
Despite these challenges, McDonough remained steadfast in his beliefs. “I am very religious. I put God and family first, and me second. That’s what I live by,”
he explained, acknowledging that this stance made the early years of his career particularly difficult.
Setting Boundaries from the Start
After his experience with Scoundrels, McDonough became more proactive in setting boundaries when accepting roles.
When he was cast in the hit series Desperate Housewives, he made his position clear to the show’s creator, Marc Cherry. “When Marc Cherry signed me, I told him, ‘You probably already know this, but I won’t kiss anyone,’”
McDonough recalled. Cherry’s initial surprise gave way to acceptance, and he even joked, “Okay, I’ll just have to write better.”