Actor Neal McDonough Claims Hollywood Blacklisted Him Over Refusal To Kiss Women

Neal McDonough, known for roles in 'Yellowstone,' 'Captain America: The First Avenger,' and 'Desperate Housewives,' revealed on the "Nothing Left Unsaid" podcast that he was blackballed in Hollywood for refusing to kiss women other than his wife on screen. McDonough maintained clauses in his contracts prohibiting on-screen kissing with other women, a decision driven by personal convictions and respect for his family, which producers and casting agents struggled to accept. This stance reportedly led to a two-year period during which he struggled to find work, losing not only material possessions but also his professional identity and confidence. Despite the setback, McDonough emphasized that his wife supported his decision and that his refusal was a personal boundary rather than an issue with his spouse. He also noted that many of his notable villainous roles, such as Malcolm Beck in 'Yellowstone' and Robert Quarles in 'Justified,' did not require intimate scenes, suggesting alternative pathways in acting roles. McDonough’s experience highlights the challenges actors may face in Hollywood when personal values conflict with industry expectations, though he has since regained steady work.