Actor Neal McDonough recently discussed the moral boundary he refused to cross, which led to him being “blackballed” in Hollywood.
During an episode of the “Nothing Left Unsaid” podcast, McDonough revealed that he had a no-kissing clause in his contracts, refusing to kiss anyone but his wife on-screen. This decision ultimately impacted his career opportunities.
McDonough shared, “I had always had in my contracts that I wouldn’t kiss another woman on-screen. It was me, really, who had a problem. I was like, ‘Yeah, I don’t want to put you through it. I know we’re going to start having kids, and I don’t want to put my kids through it.”
The actor explained how Hollywood reacted negatively to his personal boundaries, causing him to lose many opportunities and his sense of identity as an actor. However, McDonough’s decision to give up drinking was a turning point in his life, allowing him to rediscover his purpose and self-worth.
McDonough emphasized that his commitment to his wife was the reason behind his no-kissing rule, which he continues to uphold.
In a recent interview, McDonough shared his experience breaking his no-kissing rule for his film “The Last Rodeo,” expressing his satisfaction with being able to kiss the girl in the end. The actor also discussed the challenges of persuading his wife to appear in the film and participate in romantic scenes.
Directed by Jon Avnet, the on-screen kiss in “The Last Rodeo” held deeper significance for McDonough, symbolizing years of faith and dedication to his marriage amidst the pressures of Hollywood.
