Entertainment
This 'Arrow' And 'Desperate Housewives' Star Refuses To Kiss Actresses On Screen
By Suzy Kerr
Jan 10, 2019 8:04 PM
Source: The CW
Between starring on shows like Arrow, Band of Brothers and Desperate Housewives, there is little that Neal McDonough won’t do. But ask him to kiss an actress in front of the cameras and you’ll get a firm no.
The actor recently revealed that he refuses to kiss on screen because of religious beliefs – and out of respect for his gorgeous wife, Ruve Robertson. His refusal to smooch co-stars has cost him roles in the past. But McDonough doesn’t mind taking a hit in the wallet if it means standing up for what he believes.
“I won’t kiss any other woman because these lips are meant for one woman,” McDonough shared.
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There is no telling how many roles McDonough passed because of his no-kiss clause, but he did miss a chance to star on the hit show, Scoundrels. Skipping out on the role cost the actor around $1 million.
According to Page Six, the actor left the series shortly after production started because producers wanted him to do a few sex scenes with Virginia Madsen.
McDonough was on set filming for three days when he was asked to kiss Madsen for a scene. He refused, and producers were forced to give him the boot.
“After that, I couldn’t get a job because everybody thought I was this religious zealot,” he explained.
The Desperate Housewives star added that he considers himself a very religious man and that it was hard saying no to roles because of his beliefs. Despite the battles, McDonough has no regrets about choosing religion and family over work. Given his successful career in Hollywood, sticking to his guns clearly paid off.
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Apart from Band of Brothers, McDonough is well-known for playing Damien Darhk on Arrow and for playing Nicollette Sheridan’s husband on Desperate Housewives, a part that required significant modification to prevent any on-screen smooching.
McDonough met his wife, a former model hailing from South Africa, in 2001. The pair dated for two years before tying the knot in 2003.
Neal McDonough’s next project is a role in the new History Channel show, Project Blue Book.