Neal McDonough has a rule that sets him apart in Hollywood: no kissing on camera. For the Band of Brothers and Yellowstone star, that boundary isn’t negotiable—even when it costs him roles.
His commitment to his wife, Ruve Robertson, has led to both admiration and controversy. In 2010, he was dropped from Scoundrels for refusing intimate scenes, a decision that left him unemployed for a time. “Hollywood thought I was too rigid,” he said. “But I’d rather lose a job than betray my marriage.”
Surprisingly, his stance hasn’t held him back. When Desperate Housewives cast him as Nicollette Sheridan’s husband, the writers adjusted the script to exclude kissing—and the show didn’t suffer for it. “Good writing doesn’t need physical scenes to create chemistry,” McDonough noted.
His real-life love story is just as compelling. After meeting Ruve in London, he ended a previous relationship within days, certain she was his future wife. Now, 20 years and five kids later, their bond remains unshakable.
McDonough’s career proves that integrity and success aren’t mutually exclusive. From blockbuster films to hit TV shows, he’s thrived without compromising—and Hollywood has learned to respect his choices.
