Actor Neal McDonough: ‘God Has Given Me So Much’
By Movieguide® Contributor
YELLOWSTONE star Neal McDonough recently talked about his latest project, a movie titled LEFT BEHIND: RISE OF THE ANTICHRIST.
The movie, directed by Kevin Sorbo, tells the story of what life might look like after the biblical rapture.
McDonough plays Jonathan Stonagal, a wealthy and influential man, and said it was a “blessing” to be part of the cast.
“It’s nice to tap into people who are the big decision makers on this planet, and how these people get to power, and how they, at times, use their power for good,” he continued. “And, at times, some of them use their power for obviously malicious intent and … their own betterment.”
He also explained how putting characters like Jonathan in the spotlight can serve as a warning to those who are leading their lives “just for themselves.”
“I think these kinds of tales are so well received by so many people, because it talks about real life,” McDonough shared. “You know, there’s the obvious massive scale that this film touches upon but, for me, it’s always the minutiae of the characters. And the characters in this piece are really well-crafted.”
The actor also talked about his long and successful career in Hollywood, as well as all the happiness he has found in his life.
“God has given me so much and has blessed me with so much that it’s nice to play characters like this that take me out of me for a moment and [I] realize, ‘Holy cow. I’m so fortunate to be the person that I am,’” McDonough shared. “And surrounded by the people that God has surrounded me with.”
Movieguide® previously reported on how faith has played an important role in McDonough’s career:
Veteran actor Neal McDonough, known for roles in iconic TV series like BAND OF BROTHERS and movies like THE MINORITY REPORT and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, recently shared the role his faith played after Hollywood blacklisted him.
In 2010, production fired McDonough from the ABC series SCOUNDRELS because he refused to do on-screen sex scenes.
“There was a time when I wasn’t working,” McDonough told Fox News Digital. “I couldn’t get a job because people thought I was this crazy religious guy. But that wasn’t the case. I love my wife, but I love my acting too. I was hopeful that, at some point, someone would give me a chance again.”
McDonough is open about his faith, which he won’t compromise on for the sake of a role.
“I won’t kiss any other woman because these lips are meant for one woman,” he said after pressure to perform on-screen kisses.
In a separate interview, he added from 2020: “I won’t mention the Lord’s name in vain, and then I won’t kiss another woman,” McDonough said. “Sex scenes aren’t in it for me. And I think, gosh, there’s enough sex scenes out there, and me being in my 50s, I’m not sure if anyone wants to see me doing that stuff anyway, but it’s a comfort level.”
Despite not working in the industry that he loved, McDonough said he relied on his faith in God.
“I remember falling to my knees and saying, ‘God, why have you forgotten about me? Why am I being punished so much?’” McDonough said. “And as soon as those words came out of my mouth, I realized what self-absorbed questions those were. God has given me so much. We all experience challenges in our lives. I should be grateful – and thankful – for all the blessings I’m given.
“I came out of it on the other side,” McDonough continued. “I’ve been working so much in the last several years, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I thank God every day for all the blessings I’m given, even during challenging times. Everyone always says, ‘Why do you work so much?’ My response is always, ‘They keep asking me, so I’m not going to stop.’”
McDonough’s second chance came after his role on 2012’s JUSTIFIED.
“God gave me this gift of being an actor, and I’m not going to waste it,” he said. “I’m now in a position to produce movies with my wife. I’m able to co-create projects. And I get to continue pursuing my craft. I couldn’t be in a better place in my career. Every step I’ve had along the way, every challenge I’ve faced, has built this moment. And this is a moment I’m really cherishing. I’m proud of my work and what I can accomplish.”
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