News Neal McDonough won’t kiss any co-stars in movies or TV shows because ‘his lips are meant for one woman’

Neal McDonough has disclosed his firm stance against participating in intimate scenes on-screen, stating that he will only kiss his wife.

The 58-year-old actor, renowned for his performances in Band of Brothers and Desperate Housewives, has expressed his steadfast dedication to his spouse, Ruve Robertson, who is also the mother of their five children.

While many actors view romantic scenes, including kisses, as a standard aspect of their profession, McDonough maintains that his lips are reserved solely for one woman.

In an interview with Closer Weekly, he articulated his position, asserting, “I won’t kiss any other woman because these lips are meant for one woman.”

The star of Homestead has adhered to personal principles that have led him to decline roles necessitating romantic interactions, resulting in significant career challenges, including the loss of substantial opportunities.

As reported by Page Six, McDonough recounted a particular incident in 2010 when he forfeited an estimated $1 million role on the set of ABC’s Scoundrels due to his unwillingness to engage in intimate scenes with actress Virginia Madsen. He described the aftermath as “horrible,” noting, “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.”

However, he remained resolute, stating, “But I was not going to lose the fight. And it worked. My career has been phenomenal.”

Despite the obstacles, McDonough’s career has flourished, allowing him to accept various roles that resonate with his values. When cast as Nicollette Sheridan’s character’s husband on Desperate Housewives, he engaged in a candid discussion with the show’s creator, Marc Cherry.
He expressed to Cherry, “I am certain you are aware, but I will not be kissing anyone.” Instead of resisting, Cherry accepted the challenge: “Very well, I will simply have to improve my writing,” leading to a fruitful professional collaboration between them.

Neal and Ruve with their five children. Credit: Paul Archuleta / Getty

Outside of Hollywood, McDonough’s commitment to his wife remains equally steadfast. He has been married to Robertson, a former bikini model from South Africa, since 2003.

Their romantic journey commenced on St. Patrick’s Day in 2001 when they fortuitously collided on a street in London.

“We literally bumped into each other on the street, locked eyes, and that was it,” McDonough reminisced. “The following morning, I contacted the woman I was dating at the time and said, ‘I apologize, but this is not going to work out—I have just met the woman I intend to marry.'”

In another part of the interview, McDonough disclosed that there was a moment when he nearly departed from Hollywood entirely.

The Boomtown actor recounted that prior to securing a role in Band of Brothers, he was on the verge of quitting acting to assist at his parents’ motel—until an unexpected phone call transformed his trajectory.

“I was about to leave Hollywood when I received a call from Steven Spielberg. He wanted to meet with me for Band of Brothers, and that set everything in motion,” he shared.

Since that pivotal moment, McDonough has established a successful career on his own terms.