Neal McDonough Says Refusing 1 On-Screen Kiss Got Him Fired and Blackballed
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 23
Neal McDonough Says Refusing 1 On-Screen Kiss Got Him Fired and Blackballed
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 23
Neal McDonough, 60, said Hollywood fired him from a show and then stopped hiring him after he refused to kiss a co-star, a stance he says came from loyalty to his wife.
That fallout spiraled into alcoholism and financial collapse: McDonough said he lost his house, cars and sense of worth while trying to cope with the career freeze.
Luke Perry gave McDonough and his family a place to stay, and his wife Ruve—whom he has been married to for 25 years—ultimately pushed him to quit drinking with an ultimatum.
McDonough said he is now in a "fantastic place," producing films with Ruve and promoting "Jimmy," the Jimmy Stewart biopic due for release on November 6.
Does McDonough's comeback signal a true shift in Hollywood values or just the growing power of a niche market?
When an actor’s values clash with a role, where does professional duty end and personal conviction begin?
How can Hollywood reform vague 'morals clauses' to fairly protect both studios and actors' personal convictions?