Neal McDonough Faced Firing Over On-Screen Kiss Rule

Neal McDonough, an actor known for roles in 'Band of Brothers' and 'Yellowstone,' revealed that his refusal to kiss anyone but his wife on-screen, based on personal and religious convictions, led to significant professional setbacks, including being fired from ABC's 'Scoundrels' in 2010 and experiencing two years of unemployment. During this period, he lost material possessions, struggled with his identity, and faced mental health challenges, including increased alcohol use. McDonough emphasized that his decision was rooted in personal values rather than external pressure, though he was sometimes mischaracterized as a 'religious zealot.' With support from colleagues like producer Graham Yost, he eventually rebuilt his career and continued to act in projects such as 'Yellowstone,' '9-1-1: Lone Star,' and 'The Last Rodeo.' His experience has sparked discussion on actors' personal boundaries versus industry expectations. The story highlights broader issues of authenticity and ethical choices in Hollywood.