By Kayla DeKraker
Actor and producer Neal McDonough knows what it’s like to give everything up for God, facing hardships in Hollywood because he stood up for God and his family values.
“Everyone knows about 10, 12 years ago I did a project where I got fired because I wouldn’t do an intimate scene. It’s in my contracts: I won’t kiss another woman on screen,” the actor said on a recent episode of the “Undaunted Life” podcast.
Because of this decision, McDonough lost his job, his house — everything. For two years, he fell into depression and alcoholism.
He explained, “I finally got through when I asked God ‘why have you forgotten about me?’ And as soon as those words came out of my mouth, I realized I made everything about me, and I didn’t make anything about servicing God and doing his work or giving him glory.”
When McDonough focused on glorifying God, he found success making family-friendly and faith-based content. Most recently, he produced THE LAST RODEO, which just released last weekend.
“Our favorite one of all that comes out…THE LAST RODE that I wrote and produced alongside my wife Ruvé. I got to star in it and have my dream team,” he explained.
He added, “These are all things that are gifts completely from God, and I know that, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to understand that it’s not me. These are just gifts that God gave me, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure I make the most entertaining projects that I can possibly can for everybody.”
The actor also offered encouragement for those struggling to fully surrender to God: “If you can figure out that God loves you more than you could ever possibly imagine…He is always here for us waiting with His open arms, ready to give you all the love and everything you need in life, what is stopping you?”
THE LAST RODEO from Angel Studios is in theaters now. A synopsis of the film reads, “A retired rodeo legend risks it all to save his grandson. Facing his own painful past and the fears of his family, he enters a high-stakes bull-riding competition as the oldest contestant ever. Along the way, he reconciles old wounds with his estranged daughter and proves that true courage is found in the fight for family.”
“I’m more proud of this film that anything I’ve ever done,” McDonough said of the film on Instagram. He added, “For me, the best part is I get to kiss a woman for the first time on screen, and that woman is my wife Ruvé.”
McDonough’s story is a reminder that even when things are hard, following God and honoring your family is always worth it.
Read Next: Neal McDonough-Led THE LAST RODEO Spotlights an All-American Sport
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