An actor has discussed why they choose not to kiss anyone in films or TV shows, and how this decision has influenced their career.
There are many famous kissing scenes in movies and TV, such as Kirsten Dunst kissing Tobey Maguire while he dangles upside down as Spider-Man in the 2002 classic, or the passionate moments between Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.
However, one actor you won’t find getting intimate on screen is a star of Yellowstone, who has now explained their reasons.
You likely know Neal McDonough from popular shows like Band of Brothers, Desperate Housewives, or Suits.
Interestingly, in all his roles, even as the partner or love interest of another character, McDonough has never been seen kissing anyone on screen.
From the start of his career, McDonough made a decision never to kiss another actor.
But why did he make this choice?
He told Closer Weekly: “I won’t kiss any other woman because these lips are only for one woman.”
McDonough believes that, based on his religious values, even kissing someone else in a film would be a form of infidelity.
McDonough and his wife, Ruvé, first met on the set of Band of Brothers in 2000, and for McDonough, it was love at first sight.
They married in December 2003, three years after their first meeting, and they now have five children together.
Yet, his decision to avoid intimate scenes has sometimes hindered his career.
He recounted to Closer Weekly how he was fired from the ABC series Scoundrels due to his stance.
He said: “I was [surprised], and it was a horrible situation for me.
After that, I couldn’t get a job because everybody thought I was this religious zealot.
“I am very religious. I put God and family first, and me second. That’s what I live by. It was hard for a few years.”
These days, McDonough ensures to clarify his position early on to avoid any misunderstandings.
When he was cast in Desperate Housewives, he recalled: “When Marc Cherry signed me, I told him, ’You probably already know this, but I won’t kiss anyone.’
“‘But this is Desperate Housewives!’ Cherry said. I told him, ’I know.’ He waited for a few seconds and then responded, ’Okay, I’ll just have to write better.’”
McDonough expresses gratitude for his happy family life.
He said: “I’m the luckiest guy I know to have her as my partner in everything after five kids and a great life.”