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Christian Actor Fired for Reportedly Refusing to Be in Sex Scenes

Photo courtesy of Neal McDonough via Instagram

Christian Actor Fired for Reportedly Refusing to Be in Sex Scenes

By Tess Farrand, Staff Writer

52-year-old actor Neal McDonough (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS) is getting some attention for something that should be praised. According to an interview with McDonough, when he was set to star in the ABC series SCOUNDRELS years ago, he refused to be in sex scenes with his female co-star.

Three days into filming the series, McDonough, a devout Catholic, was replaced with David James Elliott, something ABC referred to as a “casting change.”  Closer Weekly recently spoke to McDonough about the ordeal that occurred in 2010 and brought the public’s attention to the debacle. The actor 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.”

McDonough met his wife of 16 years, Ruvé McDonough, while shooting BAND OF BROTHERS. The couple has five children together and McDonough won’t kiss another woman due to his beliefs, stating, “these lips are for one woman.”

The devotion to his wife was not a new thing for the actor when he took the SCOUNDRELS role. Before that he had a one-year run on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES in 2008. McDonough openly proclaimed to the series showrunner that he wouldn’t kiss another woman. “I said, ‘I’m sure you know, but I won’t kiss anybody.’ He was like, ‘But this is DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES!’ I said, ‘I know.’ He paused for about five seconds and said, ‘All right, I’m just going to have to write better.’ And, we had a great time.”

Unshakeable resolve for standing up for your marriage and Christian beliefs might mean taking a hit professionally, but God rewards those who seek to obey Him. McDonough echoes this sentiment, “God gave me this talent of being an actor, and I’m not going to waste it. That’s just who I am. I love working, and with five kids and a fantastic wife, I want to make sure I’m taking care of everyone.”

McDonough’s continued, “If you had told me back then that I would be in 100 movies, I would’ve just laughed. It’s remarkable all the people I’ve gotten to work with and all the places I’ve gotten to travel to. And believe me, I appreciate every second of it.”

McDonough’s latest work on PROJECT BLUE BOOK aired on the History Channel this past week.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.