Yellowstone” star Neal McDonough celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with his darling wife by going down on one knee.
The actor shared how he was fired and left without a house, car, and all possessions after he declined to kiss other women on-screen.
Today, 57-year-old Neal considers himself fortunate to have his wife, children, and faith.
Neal McDonough is an American actor known for his roles in “Band of Brothers,” “Boomtown,” “Tin Man,” and “Desperate Housewives.” He’s been married to his wife, Ruve McDonough, since December 2003 and takes great pride in being a family man.
To celebrate an early 20th wedding anniversary with his loving wife, Neal turned to social media and posted a heartwarming update for all his fans.
The “Boon” actor looked dapper as he went down on one knee and proposed to his soulmate to mark the special occasion. Holding a ring and his wife’s hand, Neal beamed joyfully, gazing at Ruve, who appeared pleasantly surprised by her husband’s grand display of affection.
Neal refused [to kiss women on the show], leading to his dismissal.
“She said… YES! YES! And YES again!!! Almost 20 years of marriage, & 23 years together.The best decision I ever made in my life asking Ruve to be my life partner and soulmate, ” the “Minority Report” alum captioned the June 21 post.
In 2000, Neal met his future wife, then Ruve Robertson, during the filming of “Brothers” in London. It was Saint Paddy’s Day, and he had consumed a few pints when he accidentally bumped into Ruve, a six-foot-three former bikini model from South Africa.
Instantly smitten, Neal remarked on her height. Despite realizing his less-than-optimal state, he flinched and attempted to leave. However, Ruve quickly mentioned that he was American, catching his attention.
They tied the knot three years later, enjoying a seven-week honeymoon visiting various locations such as Cape Cod, Oahu’s North Shore, London, South Africa, and Santa Barbara.
The “Apex” actor explained how he and his wife did everything together, with Ruve taking charge of his production matters and being more involved with his managers, publicists, and agents. The pair also looked forward to having kids, as Neal hailed from a large family.
He expressed his desire for a “bunch of kids,” influenced by being the youngest of six siblings, his father having 11 siblings, and his grandfather having 21.
In terms of his career, the “Greater” star entrusted it to a higher power, hoping to stay in the industry for several years, work on a television series, and return home every night to his affectionate spouse. And once the series concluded, Neal envisioned returning to Cape Cod with their children, exploring opportunities in theater and movies.
Neal and his wife fulfilled their dream of a large, happy family when they welcomed their fifth child, a son named James Hamilton. Born on March 31, when Neal was 48 years old, James weighed 9 lbs 9 oz and measured 22 inches long. He joined his four siblings: Clover Elizabeth, London Jane, Catherine Maggie, and Morgan Patrick.
The McDonough family was said to have felt complete with their handful of children, with the older siblings warmly embracing their then-new-brother, smothering him with hugs and kisses.
Although the gender balance in the family became more even with James’ arrival, the doting dad expressed in 2011 that he would have been equally delighted to have another daughter. He humorously referred to his household as the “McDonough House of Estrogen” and expressed his happiness with their growing family.
Neal shared his story in a touching video in 2019, shedding light on a personal experience that tested him deeply. He recounted being fired from a TV show because he refused to perform kissing and sex scenes, despite the producers’ insistence that it was necessary for ratings.
The award-winning actor had previously clarified that he was uncomfortable doing explicit scenes and avoided signing up for shows like “Desperate Housewives” and “Boomtown.”
He mentioned a conversation where Mark Sherry wanted him to be on “Desperate Housewives” and play Nicolette Sheridan’s husband. Neal agreed to take the role but clarified that he wouldn’t participate in a kissing or sex scene.
While Sheridan expressed surprise, stating that it was “Desperate Housewives,” Sherry understood and promised to write smarter to accommodate Neal’s request.
A similar situation occurred on another show where Neal played a sexual deviant. He conveyed his concerns to Steven Spielberg, who responded positively, stating that they would write smarter and shoot the scenes better. Despite portraying a character labeled as a pig by viewers, Neal managed to avoid kissing any women on the show.
However, in the particular TV show that led to his firing, the producers were adamant that he had to perform the scene or face termination. Neal refused, leading to his dismissal. This decision had severe consequences, as he found himself blackballed in the industry for two years.
He lost his luxurious home, his expensive car, and his confidence. Neal expressed that he was not a religious zealot but rather someone who believed it wasn’t the right thing to do and who deeply loved his wife. He emphasized that his lips were meant for only one woman — his spouse, Ruve.
Thinking God had forgotten him, Neal turned to self-pity and drinking to cope with his loss. He hit rock bottom and felt abandoned, questioning God’s will. The “Falcon Rising” actor lost his connection with God, admitting he had prioritized himself as a successful Hollywood figure rather than becoming the man he desired to be.
During his challenging period, Neal recounted reading a poem called “Footprints” on his wife’s recommendation. Soon after, in a moment of realization and desperation, he fell to his knees, cried, and begged God’s forgiveness. He expressed how God carried him through that tough period, filling his heart with gratitude and joy.
The “Forever Strong” alum recalled how, in 2016, he realized he couldn’t set a good example for his children and lead a fulfilling life while consuming alcohol. Despite the temptations in Hollywood, he decided to give up drinking for the sake of his family and career.
Neal expressed his commitment to being present for his children and maintaining a solid relationship with his wife. He also mentioned his success as an actor, portraying lead characters on multiple TV shows across different networks.
The father of five emphasized that he achieved this without compromising his values and refusing to engage in intimate scenes with other women. He said being a villain suited him because he could portray violence on screen without actually indulging in it but avoided romantic encounters because they were inappropriate for his family and faith.
Neal, 57, encouraged people to keep their faith, stay on the right path, and trust that God’s favor would come their way. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing family and putting God first, highlighting the golden rule of “Family first, me second, God first, me second” as a guiding principle to avoid trouble.
