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Neal McDonough is a marvelous actor who elevates every role he plays, whether it’s in Band of Brothers or Desperate Housewives. So when he was suddenly replaced with David James Elliott 3 days into the filming on ABC’s new series Scoundrels earlier this week, there had to be a story behind the story. The move was officially explained as a casting change. But, in fact, McDonough was sacked because of his refusal to do some heated love scenes with babelicious star (and Botox pitchwoman) Virginia Madsen. The reason? He’s a family man and a Catholic, and he’s always made it clear that he won’t do sex scenes. And ABC knew that. Because he also didn’t get into action with Nicolette Sheridan on the network’s Desperate Housewives when he played her psycho husband during Season 5. And he also didn’t do love scenes with his on-air girlfriend in his previous series, NBC’s Boomtown, or that network’s Medical Investigation. ”It has cost him jobs, but the man is sticking to his principles,” a source explained to me. You can’t help but admire McDonough for sticking to his beliefs, even if he’s poised to lose as much as $1 million in paydays for Scoundrels, which is based on the New Zealand series Outrageous Fortune centering on the matriarch (Madsen) of a family of criminals who decides it’s time for her brood to go straight after her husband (McDonough, now Elliott) is sentenced to a long prison term. (“I thought these things only happened to women in LA!,” a source mused.)
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It’s good to see an actor in Hollywood who puts his family before his career. Kudos, Neal!
This sounds like a cover story. Somehow he didn’t mind starring in that trashy farrago I KNOW WHO KILLED ME.
the difference is he actually has to be intimate with an actress to perform a sex scene. there’s still contact even though it’s acting. he doesn’t actually kill anyone when he plays a killer.
hey Bud..got news for you..theres nothing intimate about doing love scenes on camera….not any more than there’s anything violent about killing someone on camera…its a job…they are both highly technical and orchestrated events….
Well said!!!!! I was gonna say something to that guy, but I already got into a heated discussion today and don’t want another any time soon.
This is horse shit, intimate scenes on camera are always intimate. Always.
–the obvious diffeerence is that playing a psycho is make-believe but a sex scene is a real person touching another real person in order to titillate the audience–and each other in order to make the scene “real”
Hence why there are so many divorces and problems in Hollywood marriages. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are an example. Once connected in that love scene, the next thing you know they run off together. It’s God’s way for a man and a women when being intimate (prayerfully after marriage) to make that bond, that life long connection. I love that Neal is standing up against sin. God Bless him and his family, abundantly!!!
Amen for standing up for your beliefs Neal!!
He is doing what is right according to his religious beliefs, and if they kick him out for that, then they are discriminating against him for his religion. I hope that he will sue for religious discrimination, and set a precedent for Hollywood to stop forcing actors to do sex scenes or risk losing their job!
Wait – you’re standing up against sin and you read this blog?
Kudos to McDonough……
What principles…………..
Perhaps he should run for political office !
# Cheers for him.
There’s a definite difference between a trashy Movie and a movie with sex scenes that may be intended a cover for real sex.
Peoiople have their morals and theitr Faith.
You know, he probably doesn’t have to get naked with his co-stars when playing a psycho killer. And by the way, he’s not necessarily promoting psycho-killers by portraying one. Believe it or not they do exist in our society, and should be played by actors in order to show that they are bad. Please don’t try to denigrate this guy for practicing his profession. Rather, he deserves to be applauded for not doing sex scenes which are all too rampant in film and TV.
It’s not that he won’t play a bad person in a movie.
But that he won’t offend his morals to play a role in a movie.
If he believe he shouldn’t kill, and in a movie he kills someone…it was all make believe at the end of the day.
If he believe he shouldn’t kiss, touch, or see any woman naked but his wife…and he does these things on screen, although they were part of this job, at the end of the day he did in fact kiss, touch, or see a woman naked.
I can’t believe how silly some people are that they don’t see the difference.
Being in a series and not participating in SEX scenes are not the same thing. He has a right to decide where his line is NOT you.
Maybe because trhey didn’t ask him to do a sex scene? Ya think?
P.S. Most Hollywood movies are trashy, they’ve even learned to slip trash into cartoons like Shrek.
Why is sex so much worse for our society then murder and violence in general? Where did we go so damn wrong?
What’s the difference between a whore on the corner and an actor/actress doing a sex scene? About $999,980.
^^Agreed!!
Others have already commented on the fact you actually have to be in intimate contact with a nearly nekkid woman to do the scenes, but there is another important difference in the “he does a murderer but not sex scenes” issue.
Those who criticize him on this issue (mostly on the left) seem to think he is making a public statement about what to endorse. They also thing sex is better than violence (well yeah…I kinda like it better). But the point is they see his actions as making a public statement.
The reality is he is not making a public statement, but merely adhering to behavioral values in his own life. He did not convene a press conference and try to make a political point. This was not about a message to the kids or society or anything else. Just a personal commitment to handle relations with his wife in a certain way.
Final point. Even if this were a public statement, the logic of the critics seems to be that having some morals is worse than having no morals. No sex but violence is somehow worse than sex AND violence???? Get a clue folks on the left, even if it is hypocritical, hypocrisy is certainly less harmful than complete moral licentiousness.
He did not convene a press conference and try to make a political point.
–
And yet twice in your post (which was well-written), you make it political by blaming the left. It has nothing to do with left/right, and everything to do with Neal wanting to honor his wife. Nothing more…and nothing less.
I agree! I can’t kiss another woman on screen but I can play sadistic killers and murderers that blow people away? Give me a
break! I agree with you..there is more to the story.
So…he’ll play psycho deranged murderers but not do sex scenes. Hmm.
Uh, yeah. Because in one he only *pretends* to kill people, whereas in the other he *really* rolls around with a naked woman he’s not married to.
Exactly the point! Exactly! You nailed it. As a wife, it would be a lot easier for me to watch my husband act like he’s killing people than go flesh to flesh with another woman.
Good job pointing out the obvious difference! I worry for future generations.
Yes – but he’s only PRETENDING to have sex – This story is ridiculous and the guy, if he is complaining about this is a hypocrite – I’ll titillate the audience with murder and psychopaths but not physical intimacy – LOL
Dude, he is not doing for personal reasons and not to prove a point to audience…………
Bohemond is right……….While doing scenes, he didn’t “hurt” anybody forget “kill” when acting as a serial killer, but now he has to be “intimate” only “intercourse” is missing……………….
HURT=INTIMACY
KILL=INTERCOURSE
I hope you understand now…
Wow, you really a very stupid fellow. Playing a psychopath and killing people on screen may not be the best way to spend your career but…..forget you are obviously too stupid to know the difference. Go drive a taxi.
Why should he not have a choice in his career path? You’re pro choice aren’t you Les…?
In a sex scene, the actor is really nude or partially nude and actually touches another actor in a provocative way. In a murder scene, the actor does not actually murder another actor. I hope that helps you with your “hmmm” problem.
Thank you. Took the words right out of my keypad. Sometimes you need to explain EVERYTHING to people.
ROFL~! ..Re: Nathan Lee Lewis comment “hope that helps with your hmmm problem”… way to go~!
Thank you Neal – obviously one in a million who is willing to STAND on what they believe EVEN THOUGH it opposes what is acceptable to society and the popular “opinion”. It is highly respectable & I am
Proud of you.
OMG! He had to actually touch another human being… Yikes! Penance!
A sex scene is at least just as much pretending as a murder scene. Perhaps a public statement is not intended – but one is made. Through his own actions, McDonough endorses the depiction of lethal violence as less of a sin, or no sin at all, than the depiction of sexual intercourse with a fictional wife or fictional love interest.
Fact of the matter would be that both actions, murder and sex, would be depicted as to have actually occurred. As far as a reasonable audience is concerned, the movie or TV show is a work of fiction. Therefore the actions depicted would be understood not to have actually taken place. There’s no conflict of fiction and reality as far as a reasonable audience is concerned.
A handshake or caressing a breast are both real actions – but if they both take place in a fictional context, then the heartiness of the handshake and the tenderness of the caress are merely emphasized in order to appear more realistic, even though both gestures are actually gestures of fiction devoid of any real/true meaning. Suspension of disbelief is the goal, after all.
At any rate, actors should be the ones to determine what they will and will not do on camera. One shouldn’t even have to make that statement. However, being agreeable to portraying a murdering psychopath and not being agreeable to portraying a more common and desirable human intimacy is inconsistent. Certainly a touch of cognitive dissonance going on with McDonough, with respect to religion and/or moral standards.
Consider the opposite perspective: A serial killer who happens to be an actor who refuses to portray a homicidal maniac onscreen. It’s just as absurd — but it is the actor’s right to refuse.
Just another absurd *true-life* Hollywood story.
Forget kill, they don’t even have to hurt their co-actors……………….But only intercourse will be missing in love scenes on Film
The ability to discriminate crucial differences seems to be lost on you.
If he is sticking to marriage vows, which some people consider a priority over pretty much everything else, what does that have to do with bad movies, violent movies etc. Other actors have pledged to their wives not to kiss another woman, actress or not.
Some folks are just not happy unless others are willing to debase themselves as much as they would for the $$$$. This actor has class. That disturbs some folks.:>)
Hey, at least he has SOME principle, which is MUCH more than can be said about most of Hollywood and Pop Culture in the United States.
You are right Jason…good man.
Why is sex so much worse for our society then murder and violence in general? Where did we go so damn wrong?
last I checked, our society didn’t think sex is worse than murder or violence. which society are you living in?
When people like you lost their morals.
There’s nothing at all wrong with sex. But watching sex portrayed in the entertainment world is voyeurism. For those in the audience who understand the activities involved, seeing it on screen is unnecessary, and fade-outs allow innocent viewers to watch. TV and movies are, not unknowingly, training manuals and all too many audience members are avid fans of the information. What is missing, though, is the most important: the beauty of a loving expression, an intimate connection that is impossible with witnesses.
The same actually applies to violence, too. The true suffering caused by violent behavior is rarely shown; violent offenders are usually the focus, while the victims are casualties who are either forgotten or resume normal life in short order with no residual effects, a false premise in actuality.
We have not gone “so d— wrong.” Sex and violence are part of the human condition. That’s why glamorizing and seducing audiences with both are controversial. Codes, laws, and standards, have been established for the protection of everyone in society. This actor’s stance reflects a moral code most of us understand, and many admire.
Who said sex was worse than violence? Red herring much.
In light of the recent events that have put two well know celebs into rehab for sexual addiction, you should be able to answer that question.
You may want to proof your next note than rather than then, understand?
What a spin. Sex is not worse than violence. McDonough has a commitment to his wife. You should be praising him for remaining true to his vows. If he thinks getting naked and getting in bed with a woman other than his wife and touching her intimately is something he cannot do, good for him. It is nice to see a man with principles and commitment to his wife. It is about time. Everyone has the right to refuse to do a “job” that in contrary to their beliefs. As a nurse, I won’t assist with abortions.
Wow, I read this and thought I can’t wait to get to the comment sections to read how having pricipals will be slandered by, well let’s just say “the enlightned ones”. Thanks for delivering on cue. I got to know though what type of fish do they feed you for barking on cue?
To anyone who does not understand the difference between the voluntary immorality involved in a sex scene and the use of special effects used in a violent scene in the life of an actor there is no explanation. There is nothing desirable in a violent scene…would you feel the same if the “sex” scene was a realistic rape? or does the nature of the thing change?
The issue here isn’t about which is worse. You are focused on what’s being displayed when really this is a personal issue for McDonough. Pretending to kill someone isn’t anything new, hell we do that as kids, but pretending to have sex is different cause you have to look at the nakedness of a woman other than your wife and kiss another woman other than your wife. For guys that’s temptation right there, and being Catholic myself we are taught to avoid temptation as much as possible. I respect Mr. McDonough for living by his values in spite of adversity. If only we could have more Hollywood actors like him.
Perhaps when we decided it was appropriate to use offensive language just because we have no respect or consideration for anyone else?
He’s married… and whether it is acting or not, when you’re married you promise to ‘forsake all others’ (even pretend-others, I’m sure!). I don’t know any married man who would be able to keep pure thoughts while “acting” out a love scene!
I don’t know any man who is able to keep pure thoughts walking down the street.
I don’t think he objects to playing, say, a pimp or pervert or whatever, so long as he doesn’t have to do anything during filming that would be inappropriate. It’d not the issue of the type of character he’s playing but of what he’s personally doing in the process of making the film. And who can blame him? If I was married to the guy, I wouldn’t want him making out with other women, on-screen or off.
An actor/actress wouldn’t really be murdering someone when it’s all an act, but as far as I can figure, an actor would actually have to “make out” in order to make a love scene look real. So, there really is a big difference between the two scenes.
Lee said: “So…he’ll play psycho deranged murderers but not do sex scenes. Hmm”
Well, people play democrats on movies and t.v. shows it is the same as playing a “PSYCHO” or “MURDERER”.
AMEN!
He is an actor. He does not become the character he is playing, and he isn’t endorsing the behavior of the character either.
What if the role required him to eat feces? Should he do that, too? Even actors should have the right not to violate the sanctity of their own marriage vows.
Idiot.
Amen.
You must be one of those “no death penalty” for convicted murderers but “free abortions for all!” types.
When you do sex scenes, you send to your kids and other kids the view that free sex is acceptable. No one, not your kids nor others, believes that being a “psycho deranged murderer” is acceptable.
So you’re saying that kids/children inherently know that murder is wrong but have to be taught that free sex is? All societal “norms” are or should be instilled in us by our parents and not by the movies we see. This recent crusade against sex or violence in movies or on cable is an excuse by negligent parents. If you are having conversations with your children about proper moral behavior it shouldn’t matter what they are “exposed” to. Of course, if you aren’t spending time with them and just plop them in front of the t.v. you might end up having confused kids with uncomfortable questions.
Ummm… All I can say is in my family we watch sports, Disney, HGTV or TLC. When I turn on new regular sitcoms I am APPALLED by the casual sex and violence. When I’ve watched older sitcoms, they do not have that same level of sexuality. When did our culture become so vulgar and when did “it takes a village to raise a child” become “you’re on your own” if you try to protect the innocence of your child? BTW, the sex ed in schools makes it impossible to retain the innocence. You are forced to discuss homosexuality, promiscuity and other perversions at increasingly young ages.
I respect this actor for living his faith and only wish viewers lived their faith and didn’t watch this garbage.
So….. you got a problem with “morality”, Les? Everything is sex sex sex with you people isn’t it. It’s all sex and violence, anyway, but the violence is make believe, and you know that. But a man and woman doing some hot rubbing up against each others sweaty, half naked, heaving bodies is “real” action — and I don’t care what floats your personal boat. It’s a moral issue for Neal. Give him some respect.
Believe it or not there IS a difference dear Les. If he plays a killer he doen’t actually kill anybody but if he acts in a sex scene he actually does that…get the picture?
Idiots! He doesn’t have an objection to sex scenes. He has an objection with doing sex scenes with women other than his wife!
I would be willing to be the “stunt man” for him in his sex scenes.
Thank You! I’m glad someone is sticking to the point. I swear people always have to turn to political reasoning for something stupid as this. People… He’s just an actor with morals. Yes it’s weird to put actors and morals in the same sentence but that all it is nothing more, nothing less. All this condoning murder talk and psycho this and that is just stupid. It’s acting. He chooses not to be, play or act intimate with another person. Wake up people wow!
asd:
Where does the article say he has no problem doing sex scenes (that is, for other people to pay to watch) with his wife? Do you think he would be just fine with his kids watching him perform sex with ANYONE?
Go to the back of the class!
As a Christian, he probably doesn’t want to play scenes that would put him in genuine conflict with struggles of “the flesh”. In other words, he probably is completely comfortable playing ” a psychopathic murderer” because he knows that is not something he would ever be tempted to do. On the other hand, as a man, playing a scene wherein he has to kiss and pretend to make love to a woman who isn’t his wife would most definitely create those struggles, not to mention be very uncomfortable for his spouse to watch. I would never want my wife to play a role which required her to do love scenes. That’s just me.
Well, Les, I guess if he actually had to kill someone in the role of a psycho deranged murderer, he would probably object.
No, you completely miss the point here. The part of the killer – it was just that – a dramatic portrayal – not a real murderer. Did the script justify and honor actual murder or was it a “part in a scene”? Did the part justify and glorify murder? Or maybe a real script should only have good guys doing good things to other people – with no dynamic to develop a plot?
The sex scene was just that – the real deal…, doing the deed. My hat is off to a man who actually shows principle in the face of others who willfully confuse the facts.
So…. You think sex and murder are the same thing?
Portraying a murderer is a pretend thing genius. The sex scene(you have probally never had sex) is more personal. Stick with a topic that you know something about like eating donuts.
Good point, Les. On our side of the camera, it looks like a rather arbitrary line. Begs question of public impression and what he’s willing to portray (promote?) to the public.
But that being said, the two actions are very different on his side of the camera.
He pretends to be psycho and pretends to kill, but none of that actually happens–it’s stop/start action with film gimmickry. OTOH, the skin-to-skin, lips-to-body-parts actually happens. The only thing he can “pretend” is that he didn’t enjoy it or it wasn’t “real” — whatever THAT means.
Personally, I think the sex scenes in tv/movies is what makes it so easy for actors and actresses to jump from bed-to-bed in their off-screen lives.
You are stupid! Filming sex scenes involves kissing, you moron. If you were hoping to make some idiot anti-religion comment, you only showed that you are not capable of any sort of intellectual thought.
I don’t think his issue is with doing sex scenes, it’s with “making out” with women that aren’t his wife, even when it’s just “acting”.
Neal playing a murderer on-screen didn’t involve hurting anyone in real life. Neal doing sex scenes would involve kissing and touching someone he’s not married to in a sexual way in real life. See the difference?
Uh, the actors don’t actually kill other actors. Sex scenes go as far as what you see.
Why do you think there is so much divorce in hollywood? Start having pretend, love scenes with your co-worker, one that you find attractive, see how long your marriage lasts.
Doing a violent scene doesn’t trigger hormones in your body, or cause you to have to wrestle with normal desires. Getting hot n heavy with a beautiful actress though does. Not including the fact that many actors children have displayed much confusion about their parent getting it on with someone other than their parent.
Hey Les the answer is in your post… He will “play” deranged murders but wont “do” a love scene.. make me go hmm about you.
The kissing fonding etc is real anyway you look at it. The murders etc. arnt– get it?
What an idiotic comment – his decision has nothing to do with the morality of a sex scene (or a psycho) vis a vis the public, rather his personal morality that he would be cheating on his wife in his mind and is uncomforatble with it. Acting or not, most people would not care to see their husband or wife locking lips with another man/woman. Totally different than what you assume.
Well Les, in case you didn’t know the difference: in sex scene, the lips, bodies ACTUALLY have to meet. Sexual activity ACTUALLY has to take place. In death scenes, it’s all fake. No death REALLY takes place. I hope you understand, now.
Yeppers, absolutely no difference between hate and love, sex and murder, etc.
By playing a murderer, he didn’t have to ACUTALLY KILL anyone – moron!
In a movie you don’t actually physically kill someone as an actor, but you do physically have sexual contact with someone who is not your wife.
Exactly when did this automatic correlation between sex and violent murder take place? I don’t know if you realize this, but one has nothing to do with the other (unless, of course, you happen to like beating up and killing your sex partners and can’t enjoy one without the other). If anyone, regardless of their occupation, decides that some aspect of their work runs counter to their conscience, I believe they certainly have the right (if not the duty) to let their employer know their feelings and stick by their beliefs. The employer then has the right to work around the employee’s problems (if he thinks the employee is worth it), or find someone else to do the work. That’s what freedom is. And it used to be part of the American fabric. Maybe it can be again (someday).
You don’t have to be in bed half-clothed with someone to “kill” them on screen… big distinction there.
Right, because he’s not really killing that guy, but he is actually kissing that woman who isn’t his wife. See? Not so complicated.
What a stupid comment. Obviously, when you are acting in a violent scene, it’s fake. They aren’t really killing people!…when you do a love scene, you really have to kiss someone, etc., maybe the emotion is fake, but you can’t fake the action.
Um, when he plays a murderer, he doesn’t actually MURDER anybody. When you do sex scenes, you get naked. Is that more clear?
There is no inconsistency about his position. He refuses to do the sex scenes, because doing so would be an insult to his marriage. Doing schlocky, carve-em-up B-movies does not in any way implicate his faithfulness to his vow to “forsake all others” in favor of his wife. I guess the Hollywood mind set doesn’t compute taking a vow seriously, much less a vow of self-restraint based on devotion to family. I mean … how very bourgeoise. It is, however, very honorable. It makes it so his wife and kids can watch whathever it is he is starring in without having cringe or go to the bathroom rather than watch hubby/dad making out with another woman in the sack. Never mind that the sex scenes are utterly unnecessary, and that he is a top-flight acting talent. For shame, studios, for shame.
Eh. There’s a million different things you can stand up for. But I would have to say it is impossible to stand up for everything. People pick and choose their battles. You are no different than him. And you’ll see that some families have no problem with their children watching violence but not sex…or vise versa. Let him stand for what he chooses to stand for.
Moron …
Playing a murderer is complete make-believe. “Playing” sex is hands on, and has led to countless affairs and destroyed families.
Next time, ask your mother to screen your comments before you come online and embarrass yourself.
One outa 2 ain’t bad these days. It’s too bad many folks like you cannot understand.
Yea…that’s right you idiot! He acts out parts as killers and psychos, but that is acting out a part; other than a real sex scene, kissing, slobbering and drueling on a naked woman for real (even though you call it acting, it’s the real deal). How would you like it if your wife had to watch you kissing a naked woman on the set, or to have your kid see you doing it. Your moral values are in the gutter pal! Playing a part as a killer is not the same as really fondling a woman in a scene. Most shows don’t have to put these sex scenes in, but do it because jackasses like you like to see them. Go take a hike in the Grand Canyon and get lost!
There is a marked difference. The difference is in your own words… he’ll “play” (i.e. ACT) as a psycho… but he won’t “do” (i.e. use his naked body for gratuitousness) sex scenes. There is a difference here. And I say kudos (but, dude!! she’s so HOTTT TT TTT!) to him!
Big difference between acting a part and doing a particular scene that goes against one’s principles. Actors always play roles that are contrary to their real person, but that does not mean that they have to be forced to do things on camera that violate their principles. Good actors will let you know that their characters had sex without us having to actually see them have sex.
It’s not about PLAYING a psycho versus PLAYING a sex scene. You can “play” a psycho murderer without actually engaging in murder. Not so much with “steamy” sex scenes.
Playing a deranged Psycho killer doesn’t mean you actually kill anybody. When it comes to sex scenes you are engaging in actual acts of intimacy.
that’s kind of a non sequitur, isn’t it? Kinda like saying if someone is against pot, then they have no business drinking alcohol.
Les – I love your sarcastic “Hmm” as if this is a double standard. Yes – he will act like a psycho killer because he is an actor. However, he will stand by his prioncipals to not get partially naked with another woman and act like he is engaging in sex with her because the fact that both are scantily clad and actually kissing (often open mouthed on network TV) goes a bit beyond acting for him – and pushes the bounds of his marriage commitment. Kudos Mr. McDonough. Les, you are a douchbag for equating the two and giving us your pompous “Hmm”.
Murder scenes are acting.. There is no actual murder. Sex scenes(making out with and groping women other than your wife) are actual acts. Real acts. Though directed.
Really sad to see people that haven’t gotten through to the absurdity of the idea that sex scenes and violence in film are equivalently immoral. They are NOT. Sex out of wedlock can be and mostly is damaging to all concerned. Violence is many times not only moral, but necessary. An example that should be easily understood by all: The 911 hijackers v. the passengers who violently foiled the hijackers plans. I’ll leave it to you to decide which group was moral. Sex in cinema is never necessary, but violence can be, depending on subject matter. Slasher flicks? No…
BIG difference Les! He’s not actually murdering anyone…but he would be actually making out with someone when he’s married. Some people have morals.
As a woman and a wife I would not have a problem with my husband acting like a psycho but I would have a big problem with him laying on top of a naked actress! That’s how so many hollywood divorces start out.
This may come as some surprise to you, but the blood isn’t real. The kissing and groping is.
One is acting the other is doing. How do you not see the difference. The equivalent would be if he were actually killing people while filming. If he agrees to do that then you may call him a hypocrite. Until then I can call you a moron.
Maybe he feels no temptation to be a murderer but could see himself tempted to stray from his wife? Therefore a “taste” of the one as an actor is okay but a taste of the other isn’t. Makes sense, if you ask me.
Some ask how can he have no problem playing a murderer but have a problem with sex scenes? Simple, in playing a murderer, he never really killed anyone, so he never committed any sin. In playing a sex scene, he would be committing a sin according to his religion.
How many actors and actresses have “made it” with their “on screen” partners and abandoned their families after doing “steamy” sex scenes on camera (Just one of many examples: Pitt & Jolie) compared to how many have become deranged murderers after portraying one on screen? I defy you to identify one!
His decision is about respect for himself, his wife, his children and the person with whom he is acting. This involves his Faith and his representation of that Faith. This is not about being the perfect guy…it’s about having a certain principle he lives by and having the courage to live up to it. Morals over money!
What a concept!
Playing a “deranged murderer” does not involve degrading yourself in unnecessary nude scenes that are thrown in movies to appeal to sex starved individuals.
The morally bankrupt always try to shed their own personal shame by ridiculing others!
The difference is he’s not ACTUALLY killing someone. In a sex scene, he would at least be partially nude with a woman who is not his wife no matter how you edit it.
So, you equate violence with sex. Hmmmmm…
I don’t think it has to do with playing the character. He probably consideres making out with a naked or semi-naked woman to be cheating on his wife, and frankly he’s right.
Thank you. Perhaps he has other issues & uses his religion as a cover…wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened.
It’s not real when he plays a murderer, but when he does a steamy sex scene, it is real to an extent, God forbid anyone in hollywood having any morals, right ?
I would say the reason why he won’t do sexually charged love scenes is out of respect for his wife & his marriage… he probably doesn’t have a problem with the scenes & making love. That would be why he can act out a deranged murderer…that won’t disrespect his vows.
There’s a huge difference in simply acting as a “psycho deranged murderer” than stripping down and simulating sex scenes which 98% of the time add nothing to a story line other than apparently attracting viewers such as yourself. I applaud his stand.
Hum all you want. He’s honoring a relationship. Maybe that’s what’s confusing you.
He doesn’t actually have to kill people when he plays murderers. Sex scenes do involve nudity in front of other people and some pretty inappropriate touching.
There is a difference between the two. Murders are portrayed, not actual (you don’t actually have to kill someone to portray killing someone). Love scenes require actual (but obviously limited) physical contact. I don’t see any duplicity here.
Playing a deranged psycho doesn’t make him a killer. He’s not really killing someone. A love scene is different. He doesn’t really hit someone or put an axe in their skull, but he really kisses, gropes and such when doing a sex scene.
There is a BIG difference for someone who stands strictly by their wedding vows.
So, Les, you really don’t understand why this actor doesn’t want to shove his tongue into a woman’s mouth and fondle her body parts in an act of simulated sex? Playing a deranged murderer is a ROLE, and it doesn’t require actually committing acts of violence. But a sex scene isn’t a role, it’s just gratuitous fodder thrown in to titillate viewers. How sad that you think there’s something sinister in men who choose to honor God and their marriage by not groping other women for the lowly purpose of play-acting.
There is a big difference between acting like a deranged killer but not actually killing anyone and slithering around under the sheets naked with a woman who is not your wife.
If you can’t understand that you have a problem.
In response to Les’s statement… “So…he’ll play psycho deranged murderers but not do sex scenes. Hmm.”
When Neil plays a psycho deranged murderer he is not murdering anyone, but sex scenes are actual physical contact and is considered an act of sex.
That’s the wonderful magic of movies. When he plays a psychopath, he doesn’t actually have to kill anyone. It’s all make-believe!
There is a difference in playing a psycho murderer and doing sex scenes. When you play a murderer you don’t actually kill someone. When you do a sex scene you are actually kissing and being ‘hands on’ with another person.
(granted- you don’t actually have sex with the person but there is a lot of other things going on)
It seems some people know the difference between real and fake. This guys certainly does.
If you kill a thousand people in a violent scene, when the scene is over NOBODY IS DEAD.
If you expose you’re body in a sex scene, when the scene is over you’re body has been exposed.
See, not real, real. Hmm
So What. What if it was the other way around? Your morals don’t trump his. He has interpreted his Catholic values in a way that he believes that he shouldn’t do sex scenes without forcing his opinion on anybody else.
Yeah because you aren’t really murdering anyone in a movie, but you are actually kissing and touching eachother in a love scene, even if it is “acting”. He respects his wife–you obviously lack it.
Too bad there aren’t more people like him.
When you portray a violent character, you are not actually committing violence. When you do a heated sex scene, you are doing precisely what the camera captures you doing – being intimate with someone other than your spouse. There are still some of us out here who believe that’s wrong because it’s a form of infidelity, and because it leaves thoughts or desires in your mind that are difficult to erase. McDonough is being faithful, prudent, and principled, and deserves praise, not absurd accusations that he condones violence but is squeamish about sex.
Presumably, he does play characters who have sex lives, so there is a failure of parallelism in your analogy. The right analogy would be: “So…he’ll do gory murder scenes but not naked love scenes.” Does he? I am not that familiar with his work.
Anyway, I admire his sticking up for his principles, even though they are not my principles.
The man is a Catholic. There is a difference between playing a sex scene and playing a violent role. If you knew anything about the religion you’d understand that as a married man he has taken vows which preclude doing certain things with other women but somehow I don’t think you care what the distinction is anyhow.
Playing a killer or a psycho is probably not an act that can put him in a situation that puts his relationship with his wife into question. Obviously his religion and respect for his wife keeps him from wanting to do certain scenes. Good for him.
Playing the roll of a psychopath, burglar, or terrorist, or even a philanthropist, US President, or musician, involve developing your skills and honing your craft as an actor. Many sex scenes – which involve putting your lips on another woman’s, and caressing and fondling her body – are often gratuitous displays of physical contact that require no acting chops whatsoever.
If Mr. McDonough chooses to focus his talents on developing deep characters, rather than playing grab-ass on film, more power to him.
There is a difference between pretending to kill someone and actually kissing, hugging and touching someone who is unclothed. There may not be any real emotion involved in the act, but the fact is that he is actually going through most of the motions to have sex with someone. I’m sure that his wife and his God appreciate him for having such good character! I know I do!!
There’s a bit of a difference. When he’s playing a murderer, I assume that he’d also refuse if the director asked him to actually shoot someone (“you’re just going to wound him, but we’ll make it look like a kill shot.”) It’s not the appearance of sex that bothers him; it’s the reality of what he would have to do in filming the scenes. He should be applauded for having convictions and living up to them.
YES! And he happens to be RIGHT! Doing sex scenes puts thoughts in your head and requires you to use “acting” as an EXCUSE to climb into bed with someone you’re not married to, and it DOES temp you to actually physically cheat.
Portraying deranged killer does NOT tempt you to really kill someone in real life.
If you can’t see the difference, you have absolutely no moral compass at all.
lol. Probably cause you can act psycho without being it. But i’d imagine its hard not to do a sex scene without some arousal involved.
Still…..lol
I think when an actor portrays a psycho murderer, everyone is aware that he is an actor, simulating his actions. He is, therefore, merely pretending…not really hurting or murdering anyone, right? However, when two actors are naked, climbing all over each other, with their arms wrapped around each other, it’s pretty hard to deny the reality of the situation. Whether they accomplish the final act, or not, they are beyond the pretending stage. I think this actor reserves those scenes for his wife. At a cost. Admirable!
Playing a deranged murdered doesn’t mean he has to actually kill anyone. Fights on TV and in the movies are staged so folks aren’t actually hit (or aren’t supposed to be, accidents happen). “Love scenes” are staged too, but there’s usually no denying a lot of skin to skin contact. At some level, that crosses the line from acting to doing.
If he is playing a deranged psycho murderer, he isn’t actually killing anyone. If he is kissing or feeling up someone, he is actually kissing and feeling up someone. Huge difference between the two.
You guys do know that TV/Movie murders are all make believe. No one actually is killed while a sex scene is a sex scene. People do kiss and whatever else. I admire the guy for his conviction. I guess some in here are uncomfortable with a guy drawing a line in the sand and determining something is wrong according to his moral beliefs.
It is possible to play the role of a killer without actually killing or even hurting anyone. Not sure how you do a love scene without at least kissing another woman. I say good for him to put his wife before a job.
What does one have to do with the other dummy?
Does he actually physically kill anyone when he portrays the psycho killer? No. Does he have to physically engage in in the loves scenes (even if there’s no intercourse)? Yes. Bad analogy, no comparison.
You are only acting when you do murderer – whereas in sex scenes, the nudity is real. Pastor John Piper does a good explanation of watching fake violence vs sexual content in movies, and why the sexual content is worse.
yeah,because theyre the same thing right? Ugh the ignorance!
There is a difference. Playing a deranged murderer does not tempt you like being in bed with another woman.
Gee, aren’t actors supposed to ‘play” roles? So, I guess any actor ever to play a murderer role all the way back to Shakespear is a bad character. Sorry for the pun.
Sex scenes are more than just ‘acting.’ The man deserves respect because he lives by principles. More people should do so… the world would be a better place.
Dumb comparison. If a scene involves murder, I’m guessing the actorplaying the victim isn’t harmed. A sex scene does involve sexual touching etc in order to look like anything real.
It is ridiculous to hear the comparisons of killing vs. sex as a conflic of morals. To play a role where killing takes place does not promote killing, does not condone killing, but it is simply part of the story. Good God, does all the killing in the bible promote it? Does any movie with the crucifixion of Christ present a moral conflict? However, sex scenes are not done to enhace anything anything but viewership, don’t contribute to the story line, and DO promote sex. Worse, everyone that hires him knows his stance, and then tries to get him to break his position for some bucks.
I wish you Catholic bashers would actually study the church chatechism before you criticize it – at least then you might have a point.
You are exactly right. He will only PLAY a murderer as he IS an actor, but he will not DO sex scenes as that is more than just acting. If he’s not comfortable being skin on skin with someone that is not his wife even for money and fame, good for him. I respect him more.
Why do you say hmmm to someone who doesn’t mind acting (deranged serial killer) to physical intimacy on camera? It isn’t really a supposed hypocrisy you are questioning, it’s the fact that the guy has morals, which clearly upsets those without same.
If you are struggling with this one, then maybe you ought to go back to church too – a church that does not condone behavior which apparently you seem to condone.
There’s a huge difference between playing killers and doing steamy sex scenes. Doing steamy sex scenes reflects on your character and is thereforever for your wife and children and other family to see. Playing killers is not a lot difference than playing soldiers in war or gang bangers. We all know war and gangs are wrong but we also know it’s a role playing part of lifes reality. Stick to your guns Neal. We love you and just took the ABC button off the TV.
you obviously missed the point…hmm
The glass is half full, not half empty. Give the man some credit. If he only played roles that lined up uniformly with Christian morals and ideals, then he’d have no work. They only make 1 movie about Jesus every 20 years or so. It is challenging to be in the world and not of it.
So why does this offend or perplex people?He chose not to do love scenes AND correct me if I’m wrong but he did inform the producers of this fact.What does him choosing to play a murderer and not a ‘lover’ have to do with anything?besides…who in their right mind would get that close to one of these hollywood skanks?lol..
Perhaps, but when you murder someone on TV it’s not real. When you have sex with them it’s an entirely different story. I admire the man for sticking to his principals.
Perhaps I can help you understand your failed attempt at reason. Just as he doesn’t engage in actual sexual acts for money, it is likely that he doesn’t engage in actual acts of murder for money. He is consistent. I hope this helps. No need to thank me.
Yeah, that’s right, he won’t to a sex scene. When you play a psycho, nobody expects to actually be a psycho. Everybody knows you’re acting, and there really isn’t any temptation involved. Sex scenes are different, even if nobody is completely nude, it comes very close and the actions are often not really acting. Witness all the marriages broken up and steamy relations begun when actors and actresses are put into the love scene situations. Makes perfect sense to anybody who can actually think.
There is a huge difference in what your children and wife have to look at in regard to playing a crazed murderer and actually kissing and have sexually oriented actions of you and another woman viewed by both your children and your wife! Huge difference, one is make believe, kids do it all the time (hollywood) and the other is actual.
I think there is a little difference – being mostly nude and rubbing on another person is not the same as holding a knife coated in fake blood.
Yes. He would actually be kissing and fondling a woman he was acting with. On the other hand, playing a murderer, he never actually murders anyone. Totally different.
Temptation of the flesh is easy to fall into. Temptation to actually kill some one is not. So kudos to Mr. McDonough. His wife should be proud. We need more men like him.
playing a deranged murderer doesn’t compromise his real life commitment he’s made to his real life wife.
Perhaps he values his marriage vows too much. Just look at the joke called ‘Hollywood’ divorce rates and the number of times it is caused by the ‘bed’ scenes. I haven’t heard of one Hollywood actor turning into a serial killer, but I’ve heard of very few who manage to keep out of other people’s beds…
There have been villans in stories for thousands of years and bad guys in movies and TV for a hundred years, but do we need to see them have SEX? Did Darth Vader have SEX in Star Wars?
JO
Well, there is a little bit of a difference. A man can easily pretend to be a psycho killer and not stir up hatred. It is much more difficult for a man to do a sex scene without getting aroused. Also, there is the question of his wife’s perception of his acting. If he looks realistic on screen will his wife then think he is acting when he is in the marital bed? I totally understand this actor’s decision.
First of all you moron; he is honoring his wife and that means he stirs clear of any role that may cause some temptation. Men like him deserve our admiration for honoring his marraige and his faith.
Soloman Grundy, well said!!
What a refreshing story this is from the very UNHOLY Hollywood! Someone who is willing to stand up for his religious/moral beliefs, not cheat on his wife in any way, and walk away from big money on principle alone?? Sounds like the story line from an old-fashioned feel-good movie!
Solomon, get off your soap box. You wouldn’t know a Marxist policy if it bit you. How many of the millions of small business owners are you aware of, who have been driven into bankruptcy? Where do you come up with the facts concerning the 10′s of millions that are being driven below the poverty line. You really have to stop watching Glenn Beck, and believing every press release the RNC puts out. Stop being a talking sheep and think for yourself!
With the pivotal word being ‘play’. Good for him.
There is a huge difference…and I happily support him…even while you judge him.
100% agreement!!
Go Grundy! Well said.
Very well said indeed!!!!!! You are right on….
So, he did not really kills someone with a gun or knife. He acutally would have to kiss and touch and be “in to it” to make it good acting. I applaud the man if he does not want to do it. How sad it is when we deem him the bad guy for wanting to stand by his beliefs. Should we not critize the ones who have thrown the morals out the door and on the tv for our kids to embrace?
Uh, yeah, you’ve got it. I know, it’s hard to get the obvious, but this dude doesn’t do sex scenes. That’s that.
It is not likely that people can be motivated to kill from watching bloody murder scenes. It is different with sex scenes which have been known to encourage even violent sexual drive. There is nothing more desturctive to human morality than grafic sexual material.
Bob C.
Jason forgot to take his pills this morning…
Les makes one short comment and all the moral and upright people immediately jump down her throat foaming at the mouth insulting her and ranting about evils of society. Just like Jesus taught them I suppose.
Wow. Your reply is way off topic. You used this article about an actor’s morals as a launching ground to go off on your diatribe about politics, and in the process have made no sensible connection to the subject, or in a greater sense – reality itself. Do the world a favor and stop watching Fox news long enough to regain your senses. None of your talking points are true, no matter how upset you get about them. The Republican party (and it’s propaganda machine Fox news) are manipulating your fears and emotions in every twisted way possible to keep you under their control so they can retain their political power.
Interesting how you — presumably not Politically Correct — takes an issue as simple as an actor opting out of sex scenes and turns it into another pseudo-intellectual, anti-socialist rant.
Just saying…
One of the best articulations I have ever read.
The “hmmmmm” comment is just childish. But then that’s the mentality Hollywood depends on for ticket sales. It takes far more creativity to do a love scene in a suggestive rather than obvious way. Folks like the “Hmmmm” commenter need to be clubbed over the head with it in order to enjoy it. Lucky for you that you weren’t alive and in France during the Impressionist period of art. You wouldn’t have gotten it.
Really….lol
Well said!
What the hell are you talking about?
He said he wouldn’t do sex scenes. Why do you have a problem with that? There were TV shows that ran for decades without them.
Playing a psycho murderer, he is not actually killing someone, even if the role he is playing is morally violating someones prinicples or even his own. However, playing a sex scene is violating his relationship with his wife. She is directly, (as is he and the other actress) being violated personally.
You are an IDIOT!
Ok children pay attention, this is what we call a “derail”. Notice how the poster runs off on a tangent ranting about healthcare when the actual topic at hand is acting. And given his random references to communist leaders,if we’re lucky, he’ll eventually give us an example of Godwin’s Law to top it off thus demonstrating a classic Internet Hat Trick. Kudos!
Les, you ignorant rube! If you can’t understand the difference between a sex scene and “murder” scene, I’m surprised you even know how to type or operate a computer. Please, please take some type of remedial thinking class! My god, you’re an idiot.
I have to say right on to Neal McDonough. It is so refreshing to have somebody, anybody, man or woman, that is willing to stand by their principle’s, and morals. Then there are always the haters. Those’s that say things like, he played a murder or other bad guy roles. But you don’t really kill anyone when playing a murder. But in a sex scene, you do really kiss, rube bodies together, take your clothes off, touch etc. People should either agree or dis-agree,support him or don’t support him, but don’t make dumb arguments in an effort to make him look like a hypocrite. I’m a 63 yr old male with morals/principle’s the same as yours. So, Neal, you’ve got my support and I got your back. I encourage you to keep standing firm for what you believe in.
Daniel Lynem
Ditto what Danial said.
Hear, hear! Good for him!
Actually, on TV, you don’t really get naked to film those scenes. In fact, you’re not really having sex at all. I know that Drudgebots often lack the ability to differentiate between fictional television programs and reality, so I’m not surprised you wrote what you did.
Pete, you don’t know that they actually do get naked? Do you think all the flesh is CGI or something? So they don’t actually penetrate. This is like having actors really stab each other with knives as long as they don’t actually kill eachother. I would like to see you have your wife do one of these sex scenes while you watch. Then again, maybe that excites you.
I guess some people don’t understand the sanctity and purity of marriage vows. Kissing is a turn-on in and of itself. If he and his wife want to keep their marriage, he’s going the best route possible.
But of course, there are some (we’ll use your derrogatory word) Drudgebots that do tend understand and have a concept of morality. They also understand that TV influences young people and adults every day of their lives. A pity you don’t have the capacity to learn from them.
Guess you never saw NYPD Blue have you. You have to be a “dumb ass” to make a comment like that!
Your sir are an idiot of the highest order.
actually, pete, often they do. it depends on how real the scene needs to look. on HBO or Cinemax, they are usually completely naked and use a ‘sock’ like device to cover the barest parts. On an ABC show they are probably wearing quite a bit more, but the kissing is real and that’s enough for someone with vows to feel uncomfortable. Good for him. This world needs more people who do whats right
Fascinating comment Pete. You obviously have done a number of movies and/or tv shows. What might I have seen you in?
Obviously it was *naked* enough for him to feel uncomfortable and refuse to act the scene. So that makes your reality fictional and his choice a reality.
So, unless there is actual penetration, everything is a-okay? Is the kind of ideal you encourage your local school board to implement into the curriculum? Would you care if your significant other did this with anyone other than you? I doubt it and I wonder; why do people without a proper moral foundation only respond to anything and everything they dislike by twisting the truth (even just a little) and then resort to name calling? Is this the extent of their ‘enlightenment’? If so, we know who to blame for the current state of American society. Thanks for the ‘hope’.
Lol, and Les above you, an obvious Libtard, is proving you to be very wrong.
“Drudgebots”? Tee hee, that’s so cute! The way you tried to use that term to mock and denigrate people you don’t know; to show your contempt for what your own biases and prejudices tell you are their political positions, so that they’ll shut up and let you talk over them. It’s so much easier than thinking and then sharing an website comment board, isn’t it? But I have to say it’s so cute when those who are a little slower than the rest try to engage in online snarkery – I say, Bravo to you! Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re not as smart or as good as anyone else. You’re a champ in my book!
But let me tell you a little about the tv industry, because you seem to be a little confused, and it’s where I work, so here’s how those sex scenes are arranged. First, it’s patently obvious when actors (‘actor’ includes ‘actress’ today) are naked in a scene. Almost all are these days. Now, no one here really thinks Mr. Happy is literally getting to know Ms VayJayJay from the inside. Most times they’re not even meeting face to face, since most actors insist on something between their fun parts. (A few don’t, but they’re dogs and sluts who are just a few short months out of cable soft-core porn anyway.) Maybe they can arrange a strategically placed too-small-to-be-seen part of a sheet to be between their woowoos. Sometimes it takes some stick-on fabric, or even a Saran Wrap kind of plastic. TV today requires full-on naked asses and above-the-pubic-hair frontal nudity for both sexes. Some shows will have a completely nude man on top of a completely nude woman (meaning no sheets to camouflage anything), so that unless the actors are very good buddies, they have some of the stick-on stuff to give them the barest sliver of anatomical privacy. It is SUCH a different world than even 15 years ago, when NYPD Blue broke what until then had been a hard line, and showed ass, boob and nipple in primetime on national free-access network. So just imagine what goes on in cable.
Nobody is doing the hokey-pokey in the tv sex scenes, although they’re doing everything except that. But then no one thought they did…even those you tried to insult as “Drudgebots”. Let’s see if I can do it, too: so go tell your buds among the HuffyPuffyPosters, Koss-asses, PorkingPoints and MoveBoners to take a chill pill, Jack.
Dude, he didn’t say they were having sex. It has everything to do with being loyal to your spouse, no matter how physical it is. If you were wearing 5 layers of clothing, it’s still wrong to lay on top of another woman. Can’t even express how moronic your comment was.
“you don’t really get naked to film those scenes. In fact, you’re not really having sex at all.”
Pete, you’re not a sharp tool aren’t you? No body here’s saying that in movies actors and actresses have/had real sex.
But in many cases, the actor and actress were really kissing, making out, and both half naked … things that would have been considered cheating if you do it outside filming.
And Neal seems to believe that it’s wrong, even if you do it during filming.
Nobody thinks they actually have sex… Would you be cool with your wife making out with another man? I sure as hell wouldn’t.
Pete,
I don’t think she ever said they had sex. The physical touching/kissing is the issue. What??? They aren’t actually kissing??? Because they are acting so it was fake… The point is he if FAITHFUL to his wife, and will not kiss or rub on another woman. Don’t think that has anything to do with Drudge. So, why don’t all you libs go hug a tree or eachother and maybe believe that people really can think for themselves. I, and most people I know, don’t need to be dictated to or told how to run our lives…
Since you want to start making this a political thing.
Nice name-calling, Pete. Maybe some of us, including Neal, think that once we’ve taken our vows, we keep our lips and our hands off of women that aren’t our wives. It isn’t an inability to differentiate, it’s the ability to see that while the relationship between the two onscreen characters is fictional, the touching is not. My wife and I did a very little bit of community theater. Both of us would be very, very uncomfortable with the idea of either one of us getting a role that required even fictitious intimacy. We like each other and respect our relationship with each other too much. Fortunately for us, we don’t have careers on the line over that kind ethical stance.
I agree. It is refreshing to see a man that has some values and respect for his wife and family. And a man that respect the teachings of the Catholic church. Makes me proud!!
Actually Pete,
They wear a THIN nude colored “piece” over private areas. That usually goes for TV and some film (depending on the level of nudity required for a scene). So if not technically naked, just the act of rubbing against another person in a sexually charged scene can cause problems “to arise.” Kissing makes it even more intimate. So, I’m surprised you wrote what you did. Imbecile.
Good for him for standing up for what he believes in. I think that a well written scene doesn’t have to have sex scenes on public television. Cable and film are another matter when people pay for the service, but public is exactly that. Scenes can be sexual and romantic without showing people between the sheets. Look at the old films with classic actors and actresses.
The man has some morals and you atack him Classic….. I’ll bet your for single payer healthcare to…
Come on Pete. Drudgebot or not, people know the actors do not get naked to film those scenes and they are not really having sex. No one debates that. However, simulating sex is more likely to stimulate an actor to have sex, than simulating a murder will ever stimulate an actor to murder. How many actors among the tens of thousands since the dawn of the film age have murdered someone else? Ten? Twenty? Now how many actors have cheated on their spouses since the dawn of the film age? Hundreds? Thousands? I am not saying simulating a sex scene correlates to cheating on your spouse, but Neal McDonough apparently doesn’t want to take the chance. What is so wrong with that or the people on this board who support him?
Yes, but kissing and touching lead to other things, don’t they? You can do and feel a lot sexually with your clothes on, too. And besides, you know as well as the next guy that primetime network television is pushing the limits of what is acceptable and you know it. It’s not just the cable channels (which are practically in every home accessible at all times of day to young viewers) that push the envelope with sex scenes. Touching, caressing, kissing someone that is not a spouse/significant other opens up cans of worms that shouldn’t be opened. Cavalier attitudes about sex is one of the biggest problems in our society, I believe. I applaude any actor who will take a stand in areas such as this. Don’t get be started on the whole violence thing. . .
I agree and hats off to the both of you.
Excellent comment. That is such a good point. I too am tired of everyone acting like someone is a hypocrite for not doing certain things.
Mr. Lynem,
Thank you. I could not have said it better.
Well said. Neal….You are a true hero and role model.
Yay!!!! He is not drinking the Kool Aid like all other Hollywood trash. After all, most of Hollywood’s math formula is [$$$=losing your soul]
Well said, Daniel.
I agree with you Daniel. Big difference between love scenes and violence. I challenge any married man ask your wife is she would mind you shooting someone with a prop gun, or making out half naked in bed with an actress. Better yet, which would you men prefer? Your wife stabbing someone with a rubber knife or rolling around in bed with some hot young actor? No one gets harmed in acting until it becomes reality. If someone asks you if you’ve ever killed someone, you can still say NO. If someone asks you if you’ve ever kissed, caressed, made out with another woman besides your wife…
THIS is why marriages in Hollywood fail. You can’t take back the physical stuff or act like it didn’t happen. It leaves a scar whether you like it or not.
He’s an actor! He’s never seen people “rubbing their bodies together?” Give me a break.
Well said, Daniel! Morals and principles . . . how refreshing!
Excellent post! There is a big difference to his wife and kids between sex scenes, and violence I assure you. I agree with your defence of him.
Amen! Well put!
Excellant comment … i agree with you 100% Daniel.
Right on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daniel,
I can’t begin to tell you how much I agree with you. There are few actors out there that I respect, but this has definately put him on my list! I hope he sticks to his principles and never allows himself to be intimitated by the hollywood crowd.
Guess us “haters” find it funny how some folks find playing psycho rapist murderers is ok with their principles and morals but playing a role that requires a love scene is somehow immoral.
So, no, not really impressed with your self righteous stance on the rest of us who disagree with you. Might be a dumb argument to you but then you probably watch Fox and think it’s news.
You hit the nail on the head, Daniel! Way to cut to the heart of the issue! And a big KUDOS to Neal McDonough…he’s got a fan in me and my family. It’s so refreshing to see actors in HOllywood have standards these days, but if we the people didn’t watch this trash or try to justify it with lame excuses, there wouldn’t be this level of raunchiness in movies. I hope he and other actors who have been blacklisted in Hollywood for having standards (like Jim Caveziel and Eduardo Verástegui) get together and begin their own studio and produce better movies.
I agree Daniel. Most people would find it a lot easier to emulate the sex than the violence and murder, but your comments provided a very logical explanation of the huge differences. It’s very easy to make a knee jerk comment, but finding someone who thought through his comments is refreshing. As a Catholic, I was always taught to avoid the near occasion of sin. I have never been tempted by the violence.
I agree Daniel! Excellent point. When one plays the part of a murderer, a murder is not committed. But in a sex scene bodies are semi naked to completely naked and sex happens. Big difference. I hadn’t known that he had such principals and I greatly admire him. I will make a point to watch any tv show or movie that he appears in in the future.
I totally agree, Neil you are truly one in a million. I am also a Catholic and a member of the ACTS ministy and Neil you are truly an aposle of Christ.,Keep up the good work.
Well put, Daniel!
As for Neal, it’s satisfying to be inspired by a moral stand rather than scandalized by the commonplace – at least as pulicized in the MSM – moral collapses.
It’s really refreshing to read about someone in Hollywood with a sense of morality.
I third that, Daniel.
Awesome post!
I have to admit, that I admire him for his clear stand. Good for his family, good for him. On the other side, I am happy, not every male in Hollywood is doing the same. Otherwise the movies would look funny.
So thank you, you other actors for kissing, touching and rubbing on the female ones, pretending to love/making out/having sex. Because as a killer need a gun that shoots like a gun and not lifting his finger and shouting “Peng Peng”, a sexual attraction, emotional heat need some visual action. Ok. Not everytime, not explicit, but a kiss can say more then hundreds of words.
I applaud Neal McDonough for his stand. Maybe some of the other “stars” would have less volitile marriages if they took the same stand!! I don’t understand why Hollywood or TV believes that it takes HOT SEX scenes to make a movie or TV show good?! They take the idea that “sex sells” way too far these days. ENOUGH ALREADY!!
Good for him! It’s rare to see anyone with morals these days. Like Bishop Fulton Sheen once said, “If all Catholics lived their faith, everyone would be Catholic.”
I thought he was an actor. I have always liked the shows that I saw him in. Now we are told, I can kill people but I can’t have sex with them. Give me a break. IT IS ACTING. I find it ironic that someone who chooses acting as a profession can pick and choose between roles, which to me translates as jobs. Too bad the rest of us have to do what we are told at our jobs. EX. John is a plumber and his boss says, “go clean that sewer” and John says, “no I won’t do that.” Come on Neal man up. NO to Virginia Madsen, are you kidding me.
Duhh !
No Dennis apparently he is not kidding you!
I for one am proud that he is sticking to his principles.
If more well known figures in the public eye had morals AND stuck to said morals the country would be in much better shape (politically and economically)!
P.S.
and apparently he has MUCH more respect for himself and his fellow thespians than nearly all the other actors and actresses in Naughtywood combined!
Hey moron, setting boundaries to honor his wife by not doing sex scenes has nothing to do with acting talents.
Dennis, if your job is asking you to do something that you believe is wrong then maybe you should consider getting a different job. You have as much of a choice as he does, it just seems that you have no personal conviction of your own. If you are basing your negative reaction to this particular circumstance based solely on how attractive Virginia Madsen is you have missed the point entirely anyway.
You people kill me. This guy is saying that he wont do this because it makes he and his wife and family uncomfortable. He’s not standing around whining about how unfair it is that he lost his job. He is paying the price for his beliefs and not complaining like some whiney liberal about how unfair life is. And how they should accomodate him and or pay him anyway. He is taking his lumps and moving on. Its the network that are hypocrites, they knew from prior experience that this is how he does business and they hired him for the roll anyway. Neal you are a man of prinipal in a world full of moral relevetism, stay true to your belifs!
A real man has respect for women. They are not objects, they are people. A real man does not break their commitments. His vows are genuine. A real man is trustworthy. He is faithful to his wife and family. A real man shows conviction. He stands by his beliefs and his religion. A real man has morality, honesty, integrity, and decency. Neal McDonough has shown these inspiring traits by refusing to do inappropriate scenes. He has shown true character. With such strength, he will not only go far with his acting, but, more importantly, he will go far in his life. We should all learn from his example.
Beautifully said.
Dennis, you find it “ironic” that someone who chooses acting can pick and choose between roles? Actors always have the choice to accept roles or not. It is no different than any other job. If your boss told you to do something you thought was morally objectionable, you too could refuse to do as directed and risk being fired, or quit. That’s your choice. That was the decision he made. It’s called standing up for your principles. Got a problem with that?
P.S. Oh, and please look up “ironic” in the dictionary, Alanis.
“Now we are told, I can kill people but I can’t have sex with them.”
Who told you that?
It’s the other way around, it’s people like YOU who need man up and refuse any job that is against your principle!
Real people doing their daily work do get accomodations from their employers that show respect for their religious and moral beliefs. Medical professionals who do not believe in abortion do not have to perform abortion. Orthodox Jews who must honor the Sabbath are allowed to do so.
Furthermore, McDonough is a contract worker and has greater freedom than most workers because he can pick and choose the contracts he takes. If he was up front about his limitations (and I strongly believe he was) and they tried to change terms on him after signing, they are not only in the wrong; they may be subject to a lawsuit, as they are in breach of the contract.
In any event, kudos to Mr. McDonough for reminding us that moral truth is more important than scoring a hot moment with Virginia Madsen. Moments like that are a dime a dozen. No, really. Happiness comes from growing old with someone you love.
Dennis Foote: “NO to Virginia Madsen, are you kidding me.” obviously, you’re not married and if you are, it doesn’t sound like it’s for long.
Dennis Foote:
Do you really believe what you typed??? Who is telling whom what? The man has principles that he won’t violate to make a buck (or a million bucks for that matter). Hollywood actors are not employees. They are independent contractors, and they contract the terms for their services with the producers. Even employees have rights. Do you think any court in the land would uphold the right of an employer to force his employee to have sex with another employee if such acts were not included in the contract (assuming it would even be legal).
If I am a doctor and I am employed by a hospital, do I not have the right to refuse to help someone commit suicide or perform abortions?
You are a moron.
Man up???? Give me a break!! You choose your career because it is something you want to do right? You aren’t forced to be plumber, surgeon, accountant, or whatever you are are you!? I just quit my job of 18 months because I realized it wasn’t the job for me. I did “woman up” and was bold enough to actually quit! Why keep going to work when I you don’t want to do the work? And besides, did you ever watch one of his shows and wish he would do a sex scene? No! You never thought anything about it! You just said that you liked the shows you saw him in so it’s not like any of them were lacking anything!
Jesus! Are you related to Les from earlier? Do you people understand that when someone is “killed” on screen, they don’t actually die? Anyone who uses this argument for his not doing sex scenes should have their computer rights revoked. I am simply stunned that anyone would not understand this major difference.
I would also suggest that if you attended college, which can be very expensive, you should DEMAND a full refund of all tuition paid. The instructors obviously did not teach you a damn thing.
Congratulations and thank you for your courage, your commitment to your values and being able to express without fear that you really stand by what you believe.
God bless you and your family.
Happy Easter!
Mora
Despite all the sex and violence that the Entertainment industry spews out it is uplifting to know that there are some who refuse to knuckle-under even if it means it will cost them. Congratulations to Neal McDonough for having the moral courage and strength to “just say no”. I hope Mr. McDonough reads these posts that support his decision and that his family reads them too. Persecution for sticking to one’s beliefs and principles can be very painful and lonely. And I hope Mr. McDonough and his family get a full portion of strength and encouragement from reading how others feel about him and his standing-up for his beliefs.
I am glad to see a man with such commitment to his values!
He’s not the only one!
Jim Caveziel is the same way.
Congrats to both for saying no to Hollywood!
SUE THE BASTARDS FOR SEXUAL HARASMENT.
lol.. Perfect!
I an admire a man of principle. God bless him for his stand.
I completely agree. For those of you who don’t know the difference between a sex scene and a murder scene let me explain.
When you play a murderer role it’s make believe and impersonal, it’s simply an act and is not real. When you get naked and perform a sex scene with another person, regardless of whether a camera is rolling or not, it’s a very personal intimate act regardless. You can’t French Kiss someone without it being a French Kiss even if it’s during the making of a movie. On the flip side, you can pretend to murder someone without it being actual murder. There’s a big difference between the two.
Way to go, Neal! Now let the rest of us back up our words by refusing to watch SCOUNDRELS. We need to place action into the words we say. Let ABC suffer for promoting such a show.
Makes me a little prouder to be Catholic
Good for him. It’s refreshing to see a person who is true to his convictions, especially when it affects him monetarily.
Kudos to you, Neal.
I have a better appreciation for Neal now. I have tons of respect for a person who sticks by his guns. Great job!
Finally some moral character in Hollywood
Finally, a star who puts family and morals in his life. He is a real winner, not only because of his looks but for his stance on morality.
I agree! I think Hollywood is full of vice and people who would sell their souls for fame, money, etc. What a refreshing idea, sticking to one’s principles!
TIME TO TAKE A STAND!!!
Support Neal McDonough! Do not watch Scoudrels, do not purchase their sponsors products, contact ABC and the sponsors to say enough.
How more decadent and debached can Media go if we do nothing we are the problem folks. Time to stand up Americs!
It is so refreshing to see someone in Hollywood who has values and a back bone to stand up for them!!! Hollywood likes to tout all these “good citizen” socially responsible things that we should care about, like “being green” and caring about our fellowman, all good ideas but if we don’t care about our families and our children (it’s hard to even find family friendly commercials) we are doomed as a nation. We lift up the likes of Letterman but can’t wait to see the demise of a good hollywood marriage. Way to go Neil McDonough for having courage to let your action speak what is in your heart….I will be support anything you are in as you stand up for what is right!!!
I think it’s nice that he sticks to his principles; turning something down isn’t the same thing as having a tantrum on set or suing.
However, having kissed another actor myself on stage and for a television role (dressed in a sheet and a bikini bottom, it’s… really not sexy at all. There are not many things less arousing than trying to make a kiss or a love scene look realistic.
It seems to me not playing a character who murders or commits worse sins than sleeping with his own character’s wife would be a more nuanced approach to acting, but to each his or her own.
Someone to look up to for a change. He is promoting high morals by his actions. Maybe we still have hope of having decent people for our children to use as role models after all.
A man with morals in Hollywood, good for you!
Too bad more there don’t have higher standards!
There are a lot of sensitive issues in this culture today. Sex has to be one of the most character destructive acts there are when done out of the INTENDED CONTEXT of its INTENT. I am grateful for the commitment of NOT doing sex scenes. Him being a family man has him exercising the most precious and intimate acts with the ONE person it should be expressed with – his WIFE. That should be applauded – it probably won’t – but it should be. That in itself should tell you the CHARACTER of America as a whole.
Sex of ANY kind outside of marriage in dreadful, painful, and regretful. Thanks for your faithfulness to your wife.
Dear Neal McDonough,
Good morning. I endorse your refusal to engage in illicit sex act. I am also a Catholic. The mainstream media would like to see a devout Catholic like you do that; an illegal thing.
I endorse and welcome your refusal.
Thanks.
Your admirer,
Dr. Franc Njoku-Ebere
I think his refusal to do sex scenes is commendable. Thank God for actors of his caliber. Obviously I’ll not be watching Scoundrels any more.
Don’t know this actor now; but I will definitely look for him and remember what he stands for. Hollywood needs more actors like him–role models that we can all emulate and only then will Hollywood return to what it once was!
A man of character. A real man hero as a Hollywood role model.
Neal, may God bless you for having personal principles. I will ensure I search out and watch any shows you are in.
Good for him. It’s so refreshing to see a actor that not only has standards, but morals and values. I hope the public supports him in every way they can. Hollywood and their movies and ethics are a very large part of all the horrific problems we are experiencing today with our children and our country.
We can support him.
BOYCOTT “Scoundrels”.
It’s still a choice the Obama Nation allows.
Good for him. I thought there was no one left in Hollywood with standards. I hope he goes on to get many roles that the entire family can watch. All TV and movies used to be clean. Hollywood is a disgrace to our nation and our image overseas.
How refreshing to see someone in Hollywood who stands on his moral and religious principles, even when it costs him dearly. May McDonough be blessed ten-fold for his convictions. When will Hollwood realize that a good story does not require cheezy sex scenes anyway?
This man is RARE, and should be admired for his principles! Hooray for him! And God Bless him and his family. Our country can use some men like him IN POLITICS!!!!! We need to stand for something, or we will fall for anything! And too many are falling!
I AGREE!!!
I do not know how I got this email nor have I ever posted a reply to anything but this information cannot go out with my stating I am so proud of Neal ……….I have known & watched Neal grow from a wonderful son and brother to a Husband & family man who sets high standards and keeps them, in this day and age it nice to know gentleman still exist, Kitty would be so proud
Kudos to Neal McDonough — a guy who gets it; life is not about the paycheck, it’s about God and family. Well done, man.
Glad to see someone in Hollywood standing by their principles. We hardly watch network TV anymore because most writers have their heads behind their zippers.
It only takes one person to start calling this world on it’s madness, to start a real debate, and change moral baselines.
We have bought into a fantasy view of life.We are being sold our own vomit by Hollywood (and others) and it is evident all around us. The king is naked. Say it! We can’t go on down the path we are on and hope to survive. God is, and will continue to, Bless this man. You want the truth? Just watch and see what happens in this man’s life. He will be rewarded in ways most of us can’t imagine. I dare you to follow this story. It will be proven out.
FINALLY, A MAN WITH A REAL CONSCIENCE AND A PAIR OF BALLS TO GO WITH IT. BRAVO FOR HIM………..
Too bad we have film industries that don’t care about family and the relationships between couples. I tell my man that my body is for his eyes only and he says the same to me. It’s no wonder people are now being treated for sexual addition; they are being told via film that it’s okay to look and touch at any one you want.. it’s your right.
Neal your family and fans are behind you and your beliefs. Keep up the good work and may you be richly rewarded.
Way to go Neal! I have always apreciated his skills. Its not like he misled them, they knew who they were hiring.
May God grant him an even bigger role.
Way to go Neal!! Stick by your guns and I will support you by going to any movies you do make or watch programs you star in. GOOD FOR YOU!! A movie star with “MORALS” who would of thought!
Wait! Wait! I thought this was supposed to be the family friendly company called Disney! Oh, Mickey, Mickey! You continue to fall further into the depravity of your corporate bosses.
I’m proud of you, Neal!!! I’ll be looking for more of your shows in the future. I appreciate a man who lives by conviction. This is further proof to me why I avoid ABC for entertainment. Besides, I’ve always said ABC stands for- Another Bad Channel!!!
I really liked McConough in Boomtown; he can play a very cold blooded scoundrel; it’s good to see that he’s got a higher standard he operates with in real life. Good work Mc Conough!
Kudos to you, Mr. McDonough….
I am so thankful for someone who will say “no” to the madness gripping this country called “sex”. I get so sick of looking at nearly nude bodies and hearing filthy talk and watching men and women go from one bed to the next on television I coulf vomit. Anybody who needs pornography in a steady stream to be “entertained” is in bad shape. Sex is something for the bedroom, not the television and movie screen. God bless this man!!!!
This is a refreshing story and should be promoted. This is a class act move. In reference to a post below about “he will do violence but not sex??” – there is a big difference between acting like a murder and a sex scene. The big difference is you are not actually murdering someone – you are acting. But in a sex scene you are physically with another woman, touching and caressing, regardless if you are acting or not you are still physically involving your self with another woman. This is the stand he is taking. It is a commendable act and a very respectable act.
Neal McDonough just went way up in my book. What an admirable way for him to be. I’m a viewer that turns the channel when these type of scenes come on. I respect his position and think the network shouldn’t continually put him in this kind of situation. They should respect him. If he were Jewish would they insist he eat pork? Yet something even more important and they are trying to get him to violate his conscious. Mr. McDonough you will always be an excellent actor and I will look for your work.
Good for you Neal. Thank you for being a “real” man and setting a Christ-like example!!!
Great for him! Now if we could just get the networks to stop showing “Viagra” and “Cialis” ads during nightly news/dinner time. I dread having to explain what “an erection lasting more than 4 hours” means to my young children.
Nice to know that there are still men of principle and honor in the U.S.,especially in Hollywood!! In this instance honor trumps the almighty dollar.I tip my hat to Mr. McDonough.
I agree! There are so many in Hollywood who flaunt low moral standards and push liberal views that have an influence on children and weak minded individuals. It is wonderful to see someone stand on his principles. I encourage everyone who agrees to support people, like Mr. McDonough with your viewing choices.
What an honorable man…it is unfortunate that their are few men like this in the World.
GOOD FOR HIM! It’s about time people started sticking to their principals for whatever reason.
Finally a real man is on the scene in Hollywood. I will pay twice for every picture he’s in from now on.
good for him
Way to go Neal. Stick to your “Guns”, money isn’t everything! I admire you more for that.
I think this is great. I am so sick and tired of trash sex scenes in movies and TV that is kills me. Why can’t the movie industry do back to the way it was when I was a kid. You have some kissing and hugging and leave the rest for the imagination.
Good for you Neal McDonough I’m not a religious man but I’m 100% backing you on this! Hope to see you in more movies.
How refreshing to see anyone in Hollywood stand on principles.
This is excellent. Isn’t it alarming that people like this are an anomaly?
Engaging in violence on TV does not encourage violence, at least not in most folks. Love scenes on television, on the other hand, encourage all kinds of awful stuff. They affect you differently when you watch them.
Thank you for standing up for your values. Over the last few weeks we have seen too many people talk the talk, but at the end of the day, they can’t walk the walk.
Chip Houlihan – Vancleave, MS
Joe Tegerdine for Congress
Good for him! Though I am not morally opposed to them, I can’t think of a single naked love scene in a movie that I liked. Unless the film is outright pornography, I always have the feeling of “too much information.”
Way to go McDonough! My sons, 13 & 11 love his role in Band of Brothers and I am so happy that he can continue to be a role model for them and turn down these sex scenes even if it means losing a lot of money. Wake up Hollywood!! – We don’t want to see a sex scene in every show!!
Alyssa Harvey
I so totally agree with you. How often do the “stars” get involved with the person playing their girlfriend, wife, husband, boyfriend, or just hanging around the set. I can name a bunch of women who wished their husband would be like this guy, but the love of money and fame over powers all. (Jennifer)
Finally, a real man with real convictions. Someone who means what he says and acts on it. Good for him.
way to go neal,i applauded your convictions and i can see why the real buck compton likes you so much .outstanding young man
Outstanding! Honor is rare these days. I am proud to associate with you and your convictions!
With all the crap out there about Jesse James and the rest of the low morals of Hollywood its nice to here about someone who puts his wallet where his mouth is. I stand behind him 100 percent. At least he does not have to go home and explain to his kids why he got naked on TV or was in bed with someone other than Mom. Great and hats off to ya
I think the difference between playing a killer and sex scenes is that portraying a killer means he doesn’t actually kill anyone but sex scenes means he is kissing and making out with a real woman other than his wife. He is just being faithful to his wife. I think it’s admirable to show respect to the woman he loves.
I could not agree more..
Good on him. We no longer watch many tv series because they have become so raunchy. Nice to know we can look for a series starring Mr. NcDonough and know he sticks to his principles.
The detracting commentators below don’t get it.
I don’t see Neal making a general moralizing point. He might be making a very personal decision related to his relationship with his wife and God.
He may be simply avoiding acting situations that might cause his imagination unease or which might trouble his wife.
Getting close to another woman you don’t love wholly and completely is not a good thing to do for your wife, your marriage, your relationship with God. Even married people are called to live a chaste life (don’t confuse this with an abstinent life). All of our desires need to be focused on giving our loved one the love she deserves by being a daughter of God.
That might be his point vs. holding up some much larger morality candle. Or..he may be having a change of heart after that 2007 movie.
Cut him some slack for making a tough call!!
what a class act, sets a great example for his children
OK – NOW he has become My Fan! WAY to Go Neal – I look forward to following your success in this business – IT WILL HAPPEND even with your clothes on! The country is getting pretty tired of all the JUNK happening.
Praise God for people who stand for Catholic values.
how wonderful to see a respectable man stand up for his faith and family.i hope you get much deserved great movie offers.good luck to you and yours.
I am so happy that someone has the guts to go against the declining values in hollywood. Most people know that the filth that is portayed on television is not good for our nation especially our children. I am very happy that he stood up and hope that will encourage other actors to do the same.
he’s a hero!!!!
Kudos! Perhaps with people like Neal… Hollywood may have a chance (not really). Keep up the good work Neal!
Integrity!
Bravo Neal. You should go to politics. We need people like you there.
Movies today are so close to Porn, it’s disgusting. We’re humans, not animals, and eroticism is best when it’s implied, not exposed in a vulgar way.
I LOVE it!! Finally…someone who stands up for his values. Great example!!
Shows you that hollywood can no longer write meaningful or substantial shows, so they have to trash up every show. If you can’t write, then you go trashy!!!
Commendable
Good for him!! It’s about time some principled Actor’s started promoting the correct morals instead of this trash they seem to offload every chance they get!
he is richer than most of us will ever dream
this is religious grandstanding – period
he is not a professional and I suspect he will not be hired again
for sometime — well until Kirk Cameron produces the next Left Behind movie.
What a joke.
Sex my friends is not bad.
Religions that make people act like this tool are.
I’ve been disgusted by so many of the Hollyweird crowd who have stooped to unbelievable lows. I didn’t know many of them were such idiots, perverts, druggies and general scum, until they opened their mouths and we found out what they are really about.
Afterward, I could not watch one of their movies without wretching. Think: Sean Penn, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, etc.
I’m so glad to find someone who has his act together.
In a murder scene the actor isn’t actually killing anyone. In a sex scene the actor IS actually touching, kissing, fondling. Good for you Neal!
GOOD FOR YOU! I am impressed and grateful that there are people out there who care about morals. They are your beliefs and you don’t have to explain them to anyone. As far as being a murderer vs sleeping with someone…. pretending to sleep with another woman involves another woman, skin and all. Your wife must be so proud of you. Good luck to you.
This guy really loves his wife. How rare is that these days? He would rather quit a job than have to put her through seeing him on TV with another woman in even a “faux” sex act. I hope she really loves this guy! She has a lot more than any amount of money can buy.
Put Neal on the big screen. He has my support and admiration. I’ll see the movie and buy the DVD.
Good for him. I’m so tired of sex,sex, sex on TV minus any morals at all. I’ll be sure to look for him in anything he does.
I’ve never gotten the fascination that some people have with watching two people grind it out on a TV screen. It rarely adds anything to a TV show. I mean if that is something that you have to have there is always internet porn. That way you can see everything and not have to pretend. You can get whatever form sexual content you need on countless internet websites.
I think there have been plenty of wildly popular shows on TV that don’t have sexual content. Probably more money makers than those with strong sexual content.
This was Neal’s choice. There are probably 100 actors that have no problem with this to take his place. Give the guy a break already. Your moral equivalence arguements and hatred for anyone with morals does fascinate me though.
I admire his integrity. I wish more of Hollywood would share his conviction. It would force the writers to do a better job at writing and not use sex as a crutch!
Awesome! It’s so nice to know that there is at least one actor left who has morals. Screw the money, he’s got love..and you can’t put a price on that. I found this story to be very refreshing!
I admire your convictions.
So yeah,Neal, now I will look for you in the movies and go to any that you are acting.
So there.
Didn’t know much about Neal until I read this article. But now I may be more inclined to see everything he does! A family man (with some morals) in Hollywood? WOW! Nice going Neal – We support you!
God Bless Neal McDonough! Truth be known I absolutely hate sex scenes, maybe it’s because I love my wife of 24 years. Sex scenes don’t add to movies and shows, but are actually a needless distraction. The sex scene from Titanic was completely unnecessary and still creeps me out 10 years later. I much prefer the flowing curtains or fireworks. I never seen an actor with compromised virtues ever recover … go ask any of the tabloid actresses.
Finally, someone with some moral character stands up for what he believes, instead of caving to people of la la land.
WTG man, standing by your principles. Killing, shooting, etc. IS acting, sex scenes mean few clothes, intimate level of touching, etc. that can be fully misinterpreted. Death/killing scenes are for the informed and reality conscious folks which are NOT part of the TV love crowd….WTG for an actor who will stand by his/her principles!
Wow, Good for Niel. Shame on ABC. Too bad there isn’t a way to send him a word of encouragement. He did a great job in Band of Brothers.
We thank God for his high morals and backbone.
You go Buck, “band of brothers”, I applaud you for virtues…
Hollywood can learn from man and woman like this, it’s called principles. God is greater than money!!!
Where, oh where are all the Neals in the world????
Amazing… I have admired his work, and feel he is truly [Strasberg term] a ‘dangerous’ actor. But, let’s get real here: he’ll burn people alive, take a .357 mag to blast someone frontally, sociopathically lie, but won’t lie with a woman to further an author’s story??? As said in the film, AND JUSTICE FOR ALL, “Something is very very wrong here.” The guy has a definite problem and it has nothing to do with his religon. My best love scenes have been with Roman Catholic actors. Humm. mf
What’s not to love about that? I think this makes him all the more interesting, desirable, and attractive as an actor.
Finally i see an article that shows their is some values in celebrities.
My thoughts exactly: So good to see a man of character in the acting field. We need more to speak up…
I met Neal in New Orleans and was impressed by his unpretentiousnes, not knowing of his personal stand. This is a good thing and to those of you who don’t get it, there’s a good chance you never will…..
So proud of you! I’ll watch anything I see you in from here on out!!!
It takes a lot of conviction to turn down so much money. My hat’s off to him.
It’s good to see that someone in Hollywood have some morals and will stand up for them. Good for him!!! I wish we could see more like him on the screen.
Integrity, character, principles. Plus he starred in the best series of alltime ‘Band of Brothers’
This fellow just earned a lot of respect from me today! Good moral values will get you far in life, and that appears to have been lacking for a very long time. My hat is off to you sir! Well done.
You da man, Neal. I’m glad their are men with standards left in our society.
ABC and Hollywood doesn’t get it. A good script doesn’t need sex to get viewers to watch tv.
Neal and all of us need to answer to the man in the glass and the “Director” upstairs instead of the dollar sign.
ABC and the rest need to make shows with plots of character insted of shows with a lot of “characters”.
Neal, more too you for doing what you believe is right for you, family and viewers.
Many Easter Blessings to you and family,
Ralph Davis
Dunwoody, Georgia
Great to see.
He may not be trying to take a general moralizing stance. He may simply be doing what’s best for his marriage. It’s not good for a marriage to put oneself in these types of situations; he may be trying to control his imagination; he may be trying to help his wife.
The Church calls for even married people to live a chaste life (do not read this as an abstinent life); even married people need to make sure all their desires and thoughts are focused on loving one’s spouse, putting them first.
This is what is called self-donatation. It’s the highest form of love and it’s what all married couples (all people in fact) need to strive for. Complete self-giving….total kenosis.
Well done Neal.
For the majority of those who are clueless:
Not only is this a matter of personal ethics and character, it is a clear and actionable violation of a number of sexual harassment statutes if true. Imagine the consequences in any other profession or job where you would be terminated if you refused unwanted sexual advances or were compelled to perform sexually as a condition of your continued employment.
Isn’t this the same Hollywood that constantly lectures all of us as the benighted and unenlightened masses? So much for their legal theories on harassment!
Sex scenes don’t really add anything to a movie anyway.
Finally, someone with a backbone. Hollywood make unreality into a percieved reality, while reality is shunned. Stand tall.
One person helps us all to be strong as a group!
I ADMIRE THIS MAN FOR STICKING TO HIS BELIEF, THERE SHOULD BE MORE MEN AND WOMEN, WHO WON’T COMPROMISE THEIR MORALS, I’M TIRED OF SEEING SMUT ON TV, WHAT’S A MILLION DOLLARS COMPARED TO GOING TO HEAVEN, AND NOT HELL SOMEDAY! SO HIGH FIVE TO YOU BRO’
DESTINY
Good job Neal. Now you have made some people mad at you for sticking to your values and principles. Aren’t you upset about that? I say, oh well! Again, good job Neal. It’s about time good people stand up for what’s right. We need more people like you in this world.
Too bad there are not more actors like Neal in the entertainment business. Good for him.
This guy has just become my favorite actor–after Tom Hanks disappointed me so. . . .
the tin man has a heart
Bravo a hollywood person with moral character
BRAVO!
In an era where sex is a norm for daily entertainment as a stimulation, we wonder why husbands and wives find it so easy to stray and state it is because they have “fallen” out of love. It is refreshing to hear at least one man of a religeous conviction who is 100% committed to hold true to his word and his marriage thus becoming a role model to the rest of the world!
God bless Neal…the man with a strong moral compass. A true member of the band of brothers.
Neal: Im proud of you for your moral thinking.!!As a family man myself can not seeing this just for money.
PS: I sleep really well at night!!!
Stick to your believes, it will pay off in the long run am sure!!
opus
I find this so refreshing! Decent actors need to stand up for their rights! Hollywood has become way out of line and too powerful! Wrong is wrong no matter your religion. We need more decent actors that is for sure!
Good for you Neal! You’re a breath of fresh air in a smog-filled Hollywood.
Connecticut Catholics are celebrating you and thankful for your courage!!!
I’m glad to see that some people still have morals.
It is refreshing to read about a person who recognizes what is right from wrong.It is simply too bad that Hollywood is so caught up with sex and porn as a huge part of their work.It will not be so cool when the God that created them condemns them to hell for selling adultery which should be censored from the TV and movie screens.
Good for you Neal ditto!!! Time to stop being bullied by Hollywood liberals.
New Jersey Catholics are standing behind you!
Thank you for your courage.
I admire an actor with principles–because of this I will want to see any film he does.
Good for him. Its nice to see someone stand up for what he believes to be the right thing to do.Decency over money.
Congrats for standing up for what you believe!!
I totally agree….It is great to see someone in Hollywood that has some type of convictions……family and God before your job…..God bless you
finally——an actor with principals!!!
If more actors and actresses would stand up for what they believe in maybe there would be more G or PG movies or programs that the entire family could enjoy.
WAY TO GO!!!! We need more heroes like this! If others would stick to these values there might be something worth watching on the screen (tv or movies).
I went to High School with Neal, and I have to say that he has always been true to himself. He was always very family oriented, and never pretended to be something he was not, funny he became an actor, but there was never a more entertaining guy!!! Good for you Neal for sticking to your guns, I wouldn’t expect anything less!
Good for you, Neal, for respecting your wife and family!
Amen for standing up for your beliefs Neal!!
Continue holding your ground, honoring your values.
You’re an excellent actor. I’ve loved you in several shows.
You stated your boundries before you took the role. I hope you can sue the show for not honoring their contract!
Don’t give in! You have a majority in support of your values in our country!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Neal for honoring your values.
I appreciate the attention you’ve brought to this issue.
I hope it encourages other actors to stick to their boundries.
I hope the overwhelming support Americans are giving Neal signals tv executives, and movie executives that a great majority of Americans have Christian values and appreciate those who take a stand.
I applaud you Neal McDonough!!! Stay longsuffering for when the Hollywood crowd talks negative about this, count it righteous for God’s sake. You have more people standing up for you than you see here.
I am happy to hear that there are still people with principles and are willing to stand by them.
I wonder if there are others in this profession that have the backbone to take a stand for a pronciple even if it may cost them money or status or ridicule.
A Hollywood actor that I can admire? My jaw just hit the floor. Lurid sex scenes in the media are unnecessary in the telling of a great story. Thank you Mr. McDonough.
good for you neal – just heard about this article at the Cape with Teresa & Rita!
Finally, a man that adheres to his principles… Bully for Neal… He is much unlike the vipers that slither through Hollywood agreeing to anything as long as it prolongs their “careers” and adds to their bank account… Prostitutes will do anything for money, but men stick to their guns and realize that their children are the ultimate receptacles for their decisions…
Dear Mr. McDonough:
Kudos for turing down a “SEX ROLE” I too, am Catholic and I feel that
the movies and TV promote too much SEX..call me a PRUDE but I believe
like you in MY CATHOLIC FAITH!
I went 12 years to a CATHOLIC SCHOOL I guess that accounts for something right?
God BLESS YOU, Mr. McDonough!!
Sincerely Yours
Liz Devich
i think that he is a good man beacuse some of these men does not stick to their morals and their standerds i think that he did this to keep his family
Wow! A family man who sticks to his principles – and in this age of out of control sex maniacs – that is REFRESHING!!! Good for you Neal!
Yeah, wow…what integrity; he’ll play psychos, deranged killers and stuff, but appearing in a scene that expresses love and tenderness…no way! yeah, there’s some values for you!
They aren’t sex maniacs, they are sex “addicts”.
That means you have to feel sorry for them, not angry at them.
Of course, try telling that to the divorce court.
Well said and says it all!
May Neal McDonough prosper!
Good for him. Principals of any kink are a long lost concept in Hollywood and the major news media.
You are spot on, my friend and I heartily agree. Neal was fabulous in Band of Brothers and his standing up as a man of character in Hollywood earns my family’s respect. I have no doubt that he is doing the right thing, whether the liberal snipers like it or not. He and Kirk Cameron are behaving like honorable family men – showing real respect for their wife and family. Excellent. May their tribe increase!!
Wish this world today had more people like him, a good family man with values.
Its nice to see someone whose NOT afraid to admit he loves his family more than the money he could be making. Theres enough people who are willing to do sex scenes, so why criticize the few who want to remain loyal to their family? WAY TO GO NEAL. Thanks for reminding us we need to put family first.
Good for him! Integrity is a rare thing these days.
I believe there is a passage in the Bible, you can gain the whole and lose your soul, Neal, understands this passage. He is a great role model for his children teaching them to not only believe but to follow ones belief in difficult circumstances.
Yeah, wow…what integrity; he’ll play psychos, deranged killers and stuff, but appearing in a scene that expresses love and tenderness…no way! yeah, there’s some values for you!
Right on!
Fidelity is another old-fashioned word I would throw in there!! I am VERY impressed!
This makes me an even bigger fan of his. Amazing that someone would stick to his convictions like this (and will likely be lambasted for them, as well)!
Yeah! I like so few entertainers anymore, it will be a pleasure
to follow a decent person as Neal appears to be. Hope he makes
more money by having integrity and show those sickos who control our TV’s and movies that we like an honest person for a change.
Me too, I like this guy. If Hollywood had more like him, then maybe Hollywood wouldn’t be so much like, er… ah… Hollywood.
I have never heard of him before but you better believe I will be watching for his name in any show or movie he is in.
Losing jobs over principles? Neal may be the poster boy for that but it’s a big, cool poster!
YUP! you said it.
Good for him. He’s a great actor, hard worker and any show or production would be lucky to have him.
Character is all we have in this life. How exciting that an actor with character and a huge talent refuses to sell out his principles. He is definitely not alone. The press just hardly ever highlights the good guys.
A married Man in hollywood with Principals…..something is amiss….kudos to him
Good for him…..Morality in Hollywood is rare
right on!
Refreshing. “A man’s character is his fate” – Heraclitus
I think he’s a fine actor, but I find it interesting that his morals allow him to play a killer but not do a sex scene? Wow. I guess that the murder and all is ok for a Catholic and a family man, but not a sex scene (and it’s TV, so we’re not talking porn here!).
Years ago, William H. Macy said something in an interview about not ever playing a gay character with a love scene but then he made “Boogie Nights” and blew people’s brains out.
I thought that said a lot about how we treat (and accept) violence vs. our issues about sex and love. Wow.
I agree with your point — the tolerance of violence over sex (even romantic sex, not abusive sex) is a huge problem in our country.
With Mr. McDonough, though, I think it’s a more … personal thing. As an actor, you can pretend to kill someone. You can’t pretend to kiss, make-out, or roll around with someone. That’s real body parts touching each other, not fake blood.
I can see where he would have a personal problem being that intimate — even at the tv show level — with another woman (even Virginia Madsen! sigh!).
PS: I always thought Neal would be perfect for Captain America.
I always thought he’d be the perfect Captain America too. glad I wasn’t the only one. Cheers.
It not just catholics, its christains and any one with morals and a concious.
Well put rwr!!
I agree. You can pretend to kill, but you can’t pretend to kiss and touch. It’s a shame that he has no recourse in this situation seeing as how they hired him with the full knowledge of his principles. Also, I’m sure that the lack of torrid love scenes would not take away from the quality of the show…especially for those of us who prefer not to be voyeurs when it comes to the sexual habits of others. Why is it that in order to get work in Hollywood everyone has to throw away their morals and principles while the writers, producers, and directors seem to have none?
This is an easy one to grasp if you understand human nature. In a sex scene you are emotional involved weather you want to admit it or not. God made it so. Sex(even emotionally involved sex)carries a very real spiritual/mental attachment. This is why there is a caution against pornograpy and nudity in Christian teaching. God meant this attachment to only be between a man and woman for life in matrimony. Playing a murder is a DETACHMENT. That’s why it can be done vs a steamy sex scene. It’s nice to see a hollywood type who cherishes godly behavior on the issue of sex.
@rwr
You nailed it.
If McDonough agreed to this TV role, he’d be buck naked with a woman who is NOT his wife. In short, he’d an adulterer.
So, I applaud McDonough for respecting God and his wife for not tossing aside his principles for the sake of a paycheck. The world would be a much better place of more husbands inside and outside Hollywood had such strong integrity.
“(and it’s TV, so we’re not talking porn here!).” – Have you seen any TV lately?
Yes, I agree about it not being porn and also have to ask “have you seen TV lately?” and on prime time too when the children are still up.
Yes, and i’ve also seen porn lately, and though you disagree, TV is DEFINITELY not porn.
Still NOT porn.
“(and it’s TV, so we’re not talking porn here!).” – Have you seen any TV lately?
Comment by Burrrbank — Wednesday March 31, 2010 @ 12:54pm PDT
YES, I have seen TV lately.
TV is the place that the Bush-era FCC got all bent out of shape over when Janet Jackson briefly flashed some boob. Huge fines were passed down, and it all turned out to be a rather silly episode in right-wing domination.
PORN is the place where ALL the body parts are shown doing what they were meant to do, and ALL the words in the vocabulary are freely available for use. You don’t see anything approaching this on over-the-air TV. You rarely see it on basic cable unless it’s after midnight–and even then, it’s watered down.
Got a problem with what’s on YOUR television? Change the channel. Can’t control your own kids? Block the channel. Problem resolved.
I agree TV “love scenes” are to a point that I have to change the channel when our children come into the room…getting closer to porn every day.
On on the topic of playing a killer verses love scene…I agree with RWR – you may be “pretending” but there is still touch, kissing and HORMONES react whether you mean them to or not.
I applaud him for setting boundaries and taking a stand for the relationship he has with his wife. Good for HIM!
good point!!
My thoughts exactly!
Yes I have seen TV lately. If more actors refused to reinforce the image that indiscriminate sex is OK we might have TV that relies on good writing rather than sex to fill the dead air.
That would be a nice change.
Keep your faith Neal. They can’t beat you if you don’t give up.
My thoughts exactly! When I was 13, I managed to sneak into a theatre to see “Shampoo” with Warren Beatty. It was scandalous that there was a scene where he was having sex with someone (can’t remember which actress) on the floor and the fridge door swung open and you could “see” what they were doing!! These days, that kind of scene shows up on prime time regularly without even a batted eyelash. We’ve gotten used to it, but it doesn’t make it right.
I know right?? I say KUDOS to you Mr. McDonough. I have to agree with rwr too. Violence is overwhelming, but that is pretend you cannot pretend this stuff.
I know… FX has gotten out of control, even.
You’re not kidding. Our society has become so inoculated to on screne sex. 10 years ago this stuff would have never been tolerated. 30 years ago it was not even thought of for TV.
Greg, I don’t think the fact that he refuses to actually kiss someone on-screen but agrees to pretend to kill someone on screen shows a moral propensity to approve of violence and disapprove of sex. His stand, as I understand it, is that he won’t betray his partner or faith by actual acts of a sexual nature. I’m sure that if he was asked to actually kill someone on screen, his faith would preclude that too.
Pretty sure he killed some Germans in Band of Brothers. (Although he did seem a little shook up about it afterward.)
No, he didn’t kill anyone in Band of Brothers. He would have pretended to kill them, but not actually killed them. Clearly you aren’t paying attention to the discussion.
The fact that he is faithful to his wife and won’t even kiss someone for his job is admirable. He protects that relationship by not even allowing a chance for someone to say he’s not being faithful. I’m sure it gives his wife a feeling of security knowing her husband is that faithful to her.
wait, you think he actually KILLED them and didn’t get sent to prison?
He PRETENDED to kill Germans just as he PRENTENDED to kill the Borg in Star Trek. How do you PRETEND to kiss and roll around with another woman? That’s the problem with liberals. They are the ones that tend to group and equate everything and everyone.
I’m pretty sure no actual Germans were harmed in the making of Band of Brothers. I pray my sarcasm detector is broken and you were using said sarcasm.
Isn’t a movie not real? But a sex scene is pretty close to being real, while a battle scene still isn’t killing. I think we’d all admit there are some pretty disgusting, violent films that portray immoral violence, but was Band of Brothers one of them? Did the US fight that war unjustly?
And you seem equate war with murder. Is it in your mind?
Pretty sure he didn’t actually kill any real Germans…
Killing in war is a very different thing than murder, and playing a villain’s role–if he is depicted as evil–is a very different thing than, say, playing Dr. Kevorkian if he is depicted as a good guy. Context makes all the difference. I could do the former, but not the latter, on principle.
Playing a sex scene is always depicting what should either be a private matter, or simply not done–and its purpose is to arouse the viewer. It’s not a matter of moral equivalence with violence. It can stand or fall on its own (de)merits
I don’t recall hearing about any deaths during the filming of Band of Brothers.
He didn’t actually KILL anyone, you realize. And there are situations in which murder is morally acceptable — WWII was a clear one.
Its called “acting”. You can’t fake a kiss, you can’t fake taking your clothes off, you can’t fake rubbing your naked body against someone elses. You fake killings, even violence. That part is make believe. If you can’t see the difference, then I understand why Bill Mahr thinks you are stupid. I don’t agree, but I understand.
No, he pretended to kill them. Very different from actually being naked with another actual person that he isn’t married to – that is REAL, even if it is part of a scene.
It was a WWII show, what was he supposed to play, someone that yelled the Gerries? That was based on actual events. Cheating on a spouse in the name of “work” is not.
As people keep repeating here, he didn’t actually kill anyone in Band of Brothers. It was pretend. But a sex scene would force him to actually put himself in what we Catholics call “a near occasion of sin” by making out and rubbing his body against a nearly naked woman who isn’t his wife.
It’s amazing to see a actor have this kind of character. Good for him!
Pretty sure he did not actually kill anyone – you stupid, stupid idiot.
Soldiers who kill enemy soldiers in war, are not committing sins, according to the Bible. Nor is it sin when law enforcement is forced to kill a criminal to defend him/her self; nor is it sinful to kill in self-defense period, again, according to the Bible. There is no such instance were outside-of-marriage sex is permissible according to the Christian faith. Again, big difference between sex and violence. I didn’t make the rules, I merely try to follow them.
Pretending to kill or fight is all make believe…no one is dying. You CANNOT pretend to kiss, you CANNOT pretend to have flesh on flesh. This is his choice and people have a problem with that?? Are you kidding me? It is about time that actors and actresses stand up for something worthwhile. Kirk Cameron did it, now Neal. I think it is fabulous. ROCK ON!
I hope you’re being sarcastic.
Yes, he killed lots of Germans in Band of Brothers. But, as far as I can remember, he didn’t have sex with them either before or after he killed them. So, he’s a man true to his convictions. Refreshing to see in an actor despite my dull humor. Of course there are some actors who one would not want to see have sex on the silver screen and that you’d hope would just stick to the killing and violence. Sean Penn comes to mind.
Killing Germans in a series depicting an individuals perspective of an historic event … that actually happened during wartime should be seen as such. A good actor would be shook up as ALL soldiers during wartimes have been – all war is immoral and those with the stones to do what they wee asked should be reveled as heroes. Sleeping with another woman in a writers sleezy dream of a story can not be compared in the same context.
And what exactly was wrong with killing Nazi’s? Wow.
I’ll give you that…the “murder” is just pretend, but the kissing and touching is somewhat real even if 40 people are just off to the side watching you.
I guess I just don’t see it as betrayal when he’s signed up as an actor and this is being done in front of everyone and it’s part of the story. I think that’s what you sign up for as an artist — to take the human experience and share it with an audience.
Good for him — really, it’s his choice and if that’s what he wants to do, then so be it.
But, it’s interesting to me about the lines which are drawn. I’m not an actor so these aren’t choices I’ve ever had to make.
“I think that’s what you sign up for as an artist ”
No, any artist has every right to refuse any job for whatever reason. And people need to respect that kind of artists.
I think it takes guts to refuse doing anything that you believe is wrong.
“I think that’s what you sign up for as an artist — to take the human experience and share it with an audience.”
Sure, but I don’t think these movies are worthy to be called ‘human experience’. Most movies don’t deserve to be called that.
Most of them are just using sex to sell cheap entertainment.
I agree that pretending to kill someone in a scene is different than the sexual acts. There are so few today who can have those kind of moral values, especially when it comes to financial gain. I think this actor has grasped the truth the bible speaks of when it says: ” A good name is so much better to choose than great riches.” If we had more men with these convictions we wouldn’t have the marriage problems or the breakdown in our families that effect every segment of society. God bless him for his stand!
To Inigo
You’re an idiot
Duhhh, he is not really killing anybody but he his engaged with the sex scene…ohno it’s real
BINGO! Well said, Inigo! Fake violence vs. actual intimacy.
BTW, have you found the Six-Fingered Man, yet?
“pretend to kill” “actually kiss”
You can’t see the difference?
Didnt take long for Catholic bashing…
Its the craze these days!
Catholics and Christians both are the whipping post of our society these days. It’s sad that people who simply want to stand for purity and morals are attacked because they aren’t willing to compromise themselves the way others are. There was a day when people who took a stand for principle were respected and admired. But that day is long gone.
Haven’t you heard? It’s like the new pink….
Seriously though, who was bashing?
Catholic bashing must be “cool”. I admire the man for standing up for what he truly believes in. We need more like him in sleezy TV.
The church took decades to half-heartedly apologize for atrocities toward children, but the pope didn’t take even a week to “condemn the media, backed by Satan” when they spoke out against him. Yes, I’d say it’s Catholic-bashing season all right. Let’s arrest that piece of crap “pope” and put Mr. McD in his place. Maybe he could restore some dignity to this disgusting excuse for “house of God.”
Well, if you guys would quit giving us fodder…
I agree
It’s the craze in Hollywood to bash any Christian, not just Catholics. It makes me sick! Kuddos to this guy for saying that even an on screen kiss is wrong for him. Fake killings are one thing, but to actually kiss someone other than your spouse is a gross violation of many Christian faiths. He may lose this contract, but he’ll gain others.
I am a pagan and I also respect Neal McDonough’s right to draw a line he will not cross in his work. You don’t have to be Christian to have a moral compass. As a painter I refuse to paint anything that is porographic or anything involving naked children no matter how innocent because I don’t know where or with whom my work will end up after I have sold it. As for sex scenes in movies and tv, they do not move the story along, I treat them like a commercial and go and make myself a cup of tea. The interesting thing is I am an Australian and due to the zoning system I have not viewed even half of what Neal McDonough has been involved but even I know he doesn’t do sex scenes. So what rock have these people at the ABC been hiding under or was this just an excuse to replace him with someone else without having to pay him out.
I couldn’t presume to speak for Neil, but maybe he doesn’t do the love scenes because he feels that they are a violation of his marriage vows.
Regardless, I admire him for staying true to himself. That’s very rare in Hollywood.
He’s right: love scenes ARE a violation of his marriage vows.
Unfortunately, too many married actors yield to political correctness and have sexual foreplay with women who aren’t their wives.
You’re completely missing the point. You can pretend to be a killer. You can pretend to be driving a car while sitting on a green screen set. You can not pretend to kiss someone.
This ‘hypocrasy’ you’re trying to criticize him with is just showing how little you understand the world. Maybe if he abstained because of the moral teachings of Buhdda you’d be praising him but since he’s catholic you want to take the opportunity to bash yet another Christian.
Greg your an idiot. Great Job Neal!
Ok… This shouldn’t even NEED an explanation, but I’ll try and keep it as simple as it is. Doing sex scenes involves participation in not a few sexual acts like stroking, kissing, touching, gyrating, “dry thrusting”, etc. and one risks being aroused and sharing in those bodily experiences with someone other than one’s spouse. Playing a murderer involves using one’s imagination. Does that help, you cynic?
You are way off base here. Portraying a killer does not creat any physical harm, but getting in bed naked with someone who is not his wife is REAL contact. Think about it before you throw your hate out to someone with good values
I find it interesting that people still think that sex is love and being involved in it is not shameful when they’re not married. I guess we’ve come a long way baby! A moraless society.
Pretending to be a murderer is….pretending. Sex scenes are only pretending to a degree. He would still be almost naked making out with a woman who is not his wife. If nothing else, he may not want his wife and children to see that. Surely you are capable of seeing that distinction. Because it is a very big one.
The man showed some morals that is a rare thing for hollywood, I hope he sticks to his princibles, he is in good company with men like Jimmy Stewart.
its not a question of the morality of sex, its about a man who loves his wife no matter what.
Bravo to a fine actor with great moral values. We need a whole lot more like him. Jimmy Stewart, you bet! Congratulations to a fine actor and a great mentor to others.
Keep it up. We need more like him in Hollywood.
And thank you.
This goes deeper than just playing a role. Play-acting as a deranged killer is just that – play-acting. But getting intimate with another person, whether it is part of acting in a role or real-life, causes a physiological bond between the two people. This guy evidently recognizes that fact, and he wants to have that bond with nobody but his wife. I understand that some of the posts here see this as hypocritical, but the difference is very clear to anyone who truly understands this incidence of bonding. I applaud the guy.
Actually, it makes PERFERCT sense. I am an actor myself and I can tell you right now…you can pretend to murder someone, you can pretent to fly planes, race cars, etc, without ‘actually’ doing those things…but you can’t FAKE an open-mouth kiss. You can SAY you don’t really WANT it or LIKE it…but, in the end, if you see a sexy french kiss on screen….it’s a sexy french kiss…period. If you grab a woman’s butt cheaks on screen, you are really doing it. If you grind a woman’s croch on your thigh…it’s really there and you can feel it…everything…and your body reacts as such. He is smart enough and honest enough to admit that, to expect that others are smart enough to know that, and does not want to embarrass his family or himself. Way to go Neal.
Dude, acting like a murderer doesn’t require any actual murdering. Acting out a love scene requires kissing, touching. Yes it’s just “pretend”, but I bet if you where his wife it would be a hard thing to watch.
Think before you post.
What is the difference between “playing” a serial killer, or being part of a sex scene? Well, it’s quite simple. One is done by special effects and acting…the other is doing the actual act and “playing” like you’re not doing it in real life. If someone gets stabbed, blown up, gutted, hanged, or torn limb from limb, it’s truly fiction. It never happened. It was all part of a “scene” where the majority of it is done off camera in a special effects studio. The same two people can go off and get a bite to eat for lunch afterwards.
There is no special effects for a love scene. It’s just two people, body on body, skin on skin, engaging in a sexual act. There is none of this “The character did this”. Nope. In the reality, the man (or woman) did it.
He knows this. Anyone who trys to say otherwise is selling something. Blood and gore is easy to watch, because it’s not blood and gore. It’s a scene. It’s meant to give the impression of blood and gore. Red stuff is splashed around. We are not watching a person truly die. We’re watching a person’s best interpretation of a death scene. It’s all about drama.
Sex scenes are a completely different category. You kiss someone on camera, those are your lips. Those are their lips. You stroke their hair, you remove their clothes, that’s you doing it. And that can’t be “undone”. In fact…it’s often done many times to get the scene right.
I’m really proud that someone recognizes that there’s a line here between fiction and reality. Blood and gore is fiction. Sex scenes are reality under the guise of fiction.
I believe the whole issue is having to kiss and hold a woman who is not his wife.
Equating sex and violence isn’t wholly Biblical. In the Old Testament, God did order the Hebrews to go to war. That often times involved killing. God also created sex and established that it should be between one man and one woman.
Before you go down some road about you can’t believe that or something else along those lines, this is apparanently Neal’s beliefs and we’re discussing what Neal believes and his moral values, not the values of the world.
Fast forward to the New Testament and you find that sex is still to be between one man and one woman. Jesus took it a step further though and said that if you even LOOK at a woman lustfully, you have committed adultery in your heart. So, to even look lustfully at a woman would have caused Neal to sin. If Neal had to deal with performing in those sex scenes, he more than likely would have lusted… just a bit. I know I’m not strong enough not to.
Playing a murderer though is just pretend. Period. It’s something that is ingrained in us to be thought of as wrong. Sexual sins though, they’re deceptive. They feel good. They make us crave them. Even if we’d never do something like commit murder, most of us would at least lust after somebody else… at least once. In the end, these sins more than any other will bring your world crashing down. You try to hide it. You crave it and seek after it. It’s like a drug to you.
This is exactly what happened with King David when he slept with another man’s wife and then had her husband killed on the battlefield to cover his sin up… with another sin.
Just look at Tiger Woods. He may be able to survive it…somehow, but it hasn’t enhanced his lives one bit for the good and it has brought pain to everyone he said he loved. Tiger never killed anyone, but he sure managed to hurt just as many people as if he had.
Greg, your comment here misses a big point that I thought be obvious. To play a killer, u don’t have to kill. To to play love scene in these edgy TV series you have to make out for real. Tame to many, but nonetheless a no-no in many actors relationships. By your logic, a moral person could star in dramas depicting only moral acrs to maintain moral standards, which is obviously ludicrous. I think u might want to think through why you missed this obvious fact.
The difference in playing a murderer and acting in a sex scene in the physical contact involved. He does not actually kill the other actor but he DOES have to become physical with a woman who is not his wife in order to act in a sex scene. While intercourse is not involved, he would have to fondle and kiss a woman who is not his wife. That is where he is drawing the line.
Are you kidding me? IT’s TV and not porn???? It is almost impossible to set down with your young family to watch TV anymore. Why does everyone think we have to be hit over the head to guess what is going on behind a closed door? Romance is subtly! And I would prefer romance to humping anyday!
When you play a murderer, you don’t really shoot someone, and the person doesn’t really die…its acting. In a sex scene, there is professional detachment and distance, and you don’t actually have sex, but there is enough groping, kissing, and grinding that a person might feel it compromises their values.
Of course, Macy also eventually played a gay guy in a love scene….
Some of the morons posting here criticize him and other Catholics for being willing to play a murderer but not do a sex scene.
Will someone please explain to those bozos that playing a murder in the movies is “play-acting” and nobody really is killed.
But making out with a topless actress in a movie is very definitely not “play acting” in terms of physical contact and reactions.
You see the violence is fake. The sex scenes do involve him laying with a scantily clad or nude woman. Get it?
While I agree that perfection would include not supporting acts of murder or the glorification of acts of murder…who’s perfect? I know I’m not. I am religious and while I hate sex in movies I love action movies with violence; that’s something I have to work on in my journey through life. I think that last thing we should do when someone stands up to something because of principle or religious beliefs is immediately point out the areas of imperfection in his life instead of applauding what he is doing right. People who claim to be religious are not claiming to be perfect, and we all have our weaknesses and areas we need to improve.
Well, Greg: in case you didn’t know the difference: in sex scene, the lips, bodies ACTUALLY have to meet. Sexual activity ACTUALLY has to take place. In death scenes, it’s all fake. No death REALLY takes place. I hope you understand, now.
There is a difference between playing a killer and performing a love scene. An actor who portrays a killer is not interacting with his victim in an intimate way; so when the victim gets up after the take, the two are likely not going to repeat the process for real off the studio lot. Conversely, when a man is having a love scene, he is making out with another person; thus, there is a greater risk that both parties might like it so much that they might do it for real on their free time.
Put another way, during a love scene, its not the character that is getting aroused; the actor/actress is.
OH please. Just shut up with your anti-catholic crap.
Did you even see Boogie Nights? The only brains he blew out were his own over his cheating wife. And the stupidity of trying to draw an argument around playing a murderer versus hopping into bed with an actress on camera does not deserve comment. But what the heck, I’ll comment anyway. How many Hollywood marriages have been damaged or broken by on set affairs? Now ask yourself how many actors went out and started killing people after playing a murderer?
A sex scene involves a lot of actual physical contact with another woman, kissing, rubbing, etc., which probably makes him very uncomfortable. It’s different than pretending to kill someone while playing a part. I don’t see the contradiction.
You’re missing the point. He doesn’t actually have to murder anyone to play the part but he would have to act out the “love” scene. This is a stand-up type of guy and I admire him.
It is about his wife and children!! Not about the Ten Commandments!
The difference is that he has respect for himself, his wife, and his kids. Playing a killer didn’t involve getting naked and into bed with another woman. When your a killer, you’re acting and you don’t actually kill. When you’re naked with woman, you’re naked with a woman. You can’t pretend.
With all due respect, I think comments like these are not well thought out. I person can play the role of a psycho killer–or a liar or a thief or any other number of bad people or do bad things–and those things can be “faked” on screen. You can’t get nearly naked (i.e., immodestly clothed) and suck face with someone else without getting nearly naked and sucking face.
Good for him for not putting himself in such an awkward situation.
So Chucky played a murdurer. You want him to do a sex scene?
Some people just don’t understand high moral standards. Sexual immorality whether it’s acting or real is a sin.
Let me get this straight, you question him because he plays (pretends, AKA acts) as a killer, but he won’t do a love scene. you can’t see any difference between these two? how about when you portray a killer, you actually don’t kill anyone. but in a love scene you are pretending to have sex but there is actually the act of touching. I am assuming that is what he is against because of his Catholic faith and marriage. I am not Catholic but as a retired Marine I can appreciate his stance on his principles.
Most murderers on TV are either caught or killed. No one depicting a murderer is (usually) exalted, whereas the characters in sexy bedroom scenes are. I applaud any actor who knows how his work can influence and who refuses to glorify that which he believes is wrong!
I find it strange that you don’t see the difference in play acting a crime and doing a sex scene. In the world of morals there is a vast difference. I understand that obvious difference. Think a little more about it. A gun that is fake and a scene where you are physically rolling around with a nude or near nude human being. Pretty clear isn’t it?
When an actor play’s a killer everyone knows he’s not really killing anybody, but when he does a love scene he actually has to physically “DO” the love scene.
This is a silly argument. Because someone plays a criminal or murderer does not mean he is condoning or celebrating the acts of criminals and murderers. No wonder our society is doomed…
I agree. People are so screwed up. It’s amazing what is considered entertainment in this country. Murder, rape, all manner of violence is served up every night in this country and no one thinks twice about it. It’s as if it’s accepted as normal behavior. Unfortunately, most of the violence is directed against women. I’d rather watch two people have sex the way that God created it, than kill, beat, maim and torture each other. I have no respect for this man’s “morality” and “character” if he thinks it’s perfectly fine to portray a murderer.
The big difference is respect for his wife. Being an actor is just that. You can play the part of a serial killer because that is the story line but sex scenes require you to get up close and personal with someone other than your wife. It is a dangerous temptation to have that much contact with a well built, beautiful and sexy woman. I think it is wise of him to refrain and definitely good for his marriage.
Sex is something I would prefer to keep sacred, murder is not. People with mine’s and Neal’s outlook dont believe murder is more moral than sex, but less important.
Also, an actor cannot actually murder someone either. An actor can however commit adultry, lechery, or something close to it.
If you do not believe it is better to keep your sex life scarce i.e. between you and your partner, then you dont have to. Don’t be threatened by people who do choose to keep it scarce in the public square.
A killer??? Are you kidding? The men and women that served in WWII are heros.
There is a difference between playing a murderer ad playing a sex scene. In a murder scene you don’t actually kill anyone. In a sex scene you are kissing someone, fondling someone and in some cases actually having sex with someone. It may all be playing to the screen but you are actually doing it. Are you really going to tell me your spouse would be 100% OK with you doing a sex scene? This guy as charactor and he just got a new fan. Perhaps if there were more actors with this kind of stand up attitude then Hollywood would wake up and actually make movies worth seeing with real story lines instead of shock value films.
When you do a love scene, it’s pretty hard to not engage in intimate acts. Maybe he and his wife have an understanding and she’s uncomfortable with him making out and rubbing against other women.
Also, I think it sets a good example for his kids. If you play out a murder, you can explain that it’s a “pretend” murder. If you’re embracing and making out with a half-naked woman, are you going to call it a “pretend kiss”?
There is too much sex and violence on TV, period. I fail to find anything remotely entertaining in these things and find myself watching less and less TV. Good for standing up to your principles, Neil.
For those making a moral equivalence with violent scenes…As an actor I can tell you there is a difference between violent scenes and sexual scenes. It’s not an issue of the morality it portrays but a morality of the individual playing the role. Violence is often simulated or enhanced by special FX. Sex is not and depending on the director, it can force you into some fairly compromising personal positions very quickly. Especially because in order to create chemistry with another performer. And there’s a difference between a “love scene” and a “sex scene”. Directors are constantly pushing the limits of taste and what they will make actors endure. Good for him for standing up! It helps the rest of us make more courageous decisions.
As a former actor, I must disagree with the false conclusion that because the McD. WILL play a killer,
that means murder is fine for Catholics. There is a difference between portraying a killer and actively portraying a sex scene.
The portrayal of sexual activity in theatre, in film, on television, requires a certain amount of ACTUAL intimacy between ACTORS (AND ACTRESSES, if you want to use that term). For some actors, this physical intimacy puts their personal integrity on the line.
Such is not true in playing a killer, even if the act of killing is “portrayed” on the film and not just reported. There is no dimming of the line between the actor and the character in such a portrayal, although I confess there are certain murderous characters I would have refused to portray.
I admire this man for having the chutzpah to refuse to participate in such scenes. As the article says, the folks who cast him originally knew his acting history.
Well – consider the fact that he promised his wife to forsake all others. Where should he draw the line? Did he make a similar promise to anyone, regarding pretending to be a character? You can’t really pretend to get heated up with somebody… Good for him – and it’s not the same. And why do you want to trash his decisions or cast him as a hypocrite? interesting.
I think the difference is a subtle one. Let me make a weak attempt to explain it. When playing a murdering psycho, you are portraying an evil that everyone knows is ‘wrong’ and you don’t play it for sympathy, you play it to make it ugly and highlight the ‘ugliness’ of it.
When doing sex scenes, it is different in that human sexuality is sooo strong that it would be dangerous for him (as a man) to put himself (and his marriage) in jeopardy by performing sex scenes. Who know, he may be aware that he has a strong libido and needs to not ‘tempt the dragon’ by getting close with other women other than his wife.
I don’t think he is more liable to commit murder by playing a murderer. But he may be more inclined to an affair, by acting out sex scenes with females other than his wife. Make sense?
I boggles my mind that someone could come up with a criticism of his morals and make the comparisons post here. Does he portray the killer in a good light, advocating that others go out and kill?
He is a married man with religious convictions that prevent him from performing in those types of scenes.
Perhaps that it what the problem you really have with him. He has religious convictions and lives according to them. I suggest that your post speaks much more about your shortfalls then his.
You don’t actually kill people in the movies/TV shows. You DO make intimate contact when filming love scenes. Big difference Bucko. Porn or no porn, it’s inappropriate and he has my total respect for standing up and losing big time money.
Why is it that people will cheer Brad Pitt and his lover on in their immorality..”won’t marry until all people can marry” (support of Gay Rights)…but let someone say, “I won’t go that far and he’s out of touch with reality, a hypocrite. We are a pitifulo society when people cannot differentiate!
i love how some people are comparing a his role as a deranged murderer to his refusal to do sex scenes. this seems like a valid point on the surface, but think about it. How many kids are tempted to go out and murder someone versus how many are tempted to have sex. Prime time tv has a huge influence on the young and he realizes that sex is a more realistic influence.
Still an idiotic point, no matter how often you post it. Playing a murderer doesn’t actually involve killing anyone. If the married man isn’t comfortable groping and fondling another woman in front of a camera, you should certainly be able to see the difference.
Sometimes, your misguided effort to show everyone how trendy and progressive you are seems to cloud your judgment…
Sex scenes are NOT always necessary in a movie, however some roles, such as band of brothers DO require violence and murder, hence his moral right to refuse certain roles. Would you like to remove the violence and murder from Schindlers list or passion of the Christ to make it less violent for you?? Sex is not always needed, HOWEVER, violence can be needed for accuracy or historical validity. He is well within his moral values to accept or reject his rolls so look at your own moral compass first..
I applaud his choice and really respect him for it. I think the difference between violence and sex is a huge one. Not many of us are frequently tempted to violence in my experience but all I know have a significant sex drive so the effect is much more broad spread with sex on the screen than violence. I’m not supporting violence here but just saying there is a difference.
He is an actor. Almost without exception if someone is portrayed as being killed by whatever means in a television show or movie the victim does not really die. In a showing nudity or semi-nudity there is usually nudity or semi-nudity. One is pretend one is real he refuses to portray immorality that is genuine even when it is acting.
To Greg: I would assume that his convictions stem from his marriage vows. Have you heard of those? When he “pretends” to be a derranged killer, that’s all he’s doing, he’s pretending, he’s actually not killing anyone. When the scene calls for him being in bed with a scantly clad female rubbing up against her and kissing all over her, well, that is exactly what he will be doing and he has the moral character to say, I’m married and I won’t do that! It was nothing to do with society’s view of violence versus sex. Wake up!!!!!!!!!! There should be more people like him. I applaud him!
Good for you Neal sex is Gods gift and is to be used responsibly as in when married Im glad an actor realizes the importance of standing up for what is right
One thing to consider is that he is acting as a murderer and not literally committing a crime. Doing a love scene though requires physical intimacy with someone not his wife. I see a hint of seperation there that allows me appreciate his stance here.
You moron..when you play a deranged murderer in a movie you don’t actually kill people it’s called acting. When you are in sex scences in a movie it’s nearly real. It’s pretty hard to pretend to have your tongue down your partners throat.
You are missing the whole point. When he is acting like he is murdering someone, it is still acting. When he is having a sex scene with another person, it is still actual physical intimacy, not just acting!
Heh, the man is sticking to his principles. There is a difference between playing a killer and engage in an actual sex scene. Killing on scene is not REAL, the sex scenes are REAL except for penetration. Just leave the man alone.
That’s apples or oranges, not on same page.
There is a difference between playing a killer, in which no one is actually killed, and doing a sex scene, which at the very least requires you to actually “make out” with the actress.
Perhaps, as a family man, he considers that his wife might not be comfortable with him passionately embracing, kissing, and simulating sex with another woman.
A far cry from firing off a blank gun at another actor.
Smart people, Sex scenes are well, “SEX SCENES”. When an actor plays a Murderer he doesn’t actually kill anyone.
all you people who say, “oh he’ll be a killer but won’t do sex scenes”… are you kidding me?? ACTING like a killer is different than ACTING like you are kissing, and rubbing and simulating sex. Two totally different things… So you go and kiss on another person rub on them and then tell your spouse you were only acting…
Get over yourself…
Killing someone in a movie is much like killing someone in a video game, it’s all make believe. When you shoot a sex scene you really are engaging in sexual activity. It is easy to see why the man might have have stronger feelings about one the the latter.
Right on, Greg! And in “Desperate Housewives,” it would have been implied sex with his tv “wife.” Whatever!
You understand that if you play a murder, you don’t actually have to murder anyone, but if you film a sex scene you generally have to get naked with someone who isn’t your spouse. That’s a pretty important distinction, right?
‘Playing’ a murderer and COMMITTING murder are two different things.
You can’t ‘play’ at the love scene without actual touching/kissing, etc…
Big distinction.
You’re trying to equate him playin a killer with him refusing to do sex scenes??? REALLY??? SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CLUELESS!!!
Think about it. In a love scene, you are actually doing the act. When you play a murderer, you don’t really kill anyone. Hello?
“I think he’s a fine actor, but I find it interesting that his morals allow him to play a killer but not do a sex scene?”
Maybe it has more to do with honoring his wife and family by not participating in a love scene himself, than making a statement about all love scenes. It could be that, if he was single, he would not have an issue with it.
I applaud him for choosing to do what is right and honorable over the pressure to comply in Hollywood and the money he would earn if he went against his principles.
See “Edmond,” W H Macy film from 2005. His character ends up as a prison bitch.
The difference is sex scenes lead many viewers as well as the actors & actresses to sin, due to their lust. Most people who see a violent act: murder, assault: verbal and/or physical, in a movie don’t have a desire to commit the act they saw in a movie. Those of you who are not followers of Yeshua Hammashiach, probably don’t know it, but according to the Messiah’s Sermon on the Mount, to even think of a sinful act is considered sin, so Neil is merely not wishing to make money at the expense of tempting via the depictions of sexual acts, which, for the most part, aren’t necessary to the story lines point being conveyed. For the Most part, sexual scenes are included to incite the viewers lust, or in other words… to cause them to sin. Again, the many actors and actresses fall pray to lustful temptation as the result of their sex scenes in a movie/TV show they perform in together, having off screen affairs and ruining their and their family’s lives. Neil just happens to value his marriage and family more than money! So why bust his chops for thinking of his wife and family before his bank account!?!
One last point, many actors and actresses play bad guys/gals on the screen, but don’t do the violent acts that they act out on screen, when they are off the screen. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the sex scenes they do on screen. At least that is my humble opinion. Sorry some can’t see this.
Bravo, Neil McDonough!
To fault him for “playing a murderer” but refusing to do sex scenes? Are you serious? You don’t REALLY kill anyone on TV but when you do a “SEX SCENE” you do have to rub up and down on a nearly naked woman who is NOT your wife! PLEASE, use some common sense!
you sir, are an ass
So what you are saying is, you do not agree with his morals or values. It’s very simple: he does not do love scenes – period. That his choice, values and morals – not yours
is that a serious question you have? why he could PLAY a serial killer but not do sex scenes?
The reason, genius,.. is because when yo’re PLAYING a serial killer, you’re not really killing anyone. You’re pretendng to be nutty & psycho with fake blood and fake knives. – If you do Sex scenes. . you DO kiss, hug, spoon, caress, and whatever your co-star. Most of the time, you’re there nekked in an intimate setting, and that may not sit well with his wife. He’s a good enough actor, where he doesnt have to if he doesnt want to.
Instead of criticizing him for stating “morals” – which is the artiucles words, not his. Why not praise him for drawing a line. I say good for him.
I believe, if you check, the scriptures says thou shalt not commit adultery. Elsewhere it states if you even look on a woman with lust that you are guilty of adultery.
With though shalt not murder, which is the correct translation of that scripture, play acting at murder is not a sin.
However adultery is.
I say at 60 years of age and as a still functional virile male, good for him. At least he understands it. Wish more people did.
Wow, so you’re saying that any actor that plays a bad guy is evil? Even the G-rated “Wizard of Oz” had a wicked which that tried to kill people. Margaret Hamilton played her wonderfully — to the enjoyment and edification of billions around the world — I might add. You’re obviously way too judgmental in this regard. Wow, lighten up.
I think that his actions are commendable. The majority of people here posting about whether or not he is a good catholic or a good actor are totally missing the point. Your wife should come before your job; first of all because of your vows, and secondly, because sociological studies show a hands-down agreement that the best parenting comes from a spouse-first mentality (yes, even putting the relationship with one’s spouse before one’s kids.) People who put their career first are fools who will forever miss life’s meaning of true love.
ps. I’m so happy there are people like you out there, Neal!
You can fake a murder much easier than you can fake kissing.
You idiot! You can’t compare someone actually making love to someone who pretends to kill a person. Especially when everyone knows he is not really a killer. It scares me to death that some of you people actually vote and serve on juries. God help this nation.
For those that say “he will play a killer” but not do “sex scenes” there is a huge difference.
While playing a deranged killer, he actually doesn’t kill anyone. In a sex scene he is required to be partially nude with someone not his spouse, embrace, kiss, fondle ect.
It’s not even remotely comparable
Wow! Wow!! In acting like he’s hitting someone, he’s not really hitting him. In grabbing a woman’s breasts, he actually really is grabbing them, which will PO his wife and kids!! Woww! Woww!!
I admire him. I see that there are those who decry his willingness to play a murderer but not do a sex scene. In the realm of acting, he played a boyfriend, and he played a husband, and he played a murderer. The line was in actually engaging in behavior of an intimate sort. Sure the sex is simulated, but the hugs, kisses, touching, and otherwise very close proximity, are simply way too close of contact for a married person to be involved in. Have you never wondered why so many celeb marriages fail? Why subject ones self to even the slightest degree of temptation. My hat is off to this guy. Good job brother!
Dumb. In the shows they don’t always simulte sex or nudity. But they always simulate murder…wake up you sound stupid…embarrassing your family name.
Greg, there is a huge difference between the illusion of a killing and a sex scene which involves intimate touching/kissing/et cetera with someone other than one’s spouse which is simply not acceptable to some in the acting profession. The thing about this which garners the most respect from me is that Neil refuses to compromise instead of doing the sex scene and being uncomfortable in the process. Kudos to him, and you have a lot to learn….
you are an idiot. The whole point of his decision is to honor his wife and then his faith. When a man exposes himself in a sexual scenario even if its only acting, causes a mans mind to wander.There are many documented cases of men who just saw a sexy photo of a woman; and thought nothing of it. And then slowly he began to have lustful thoughts of other women . And he slowly progressed into a full blown sex addict.It started with a picture, to porn flicks and then to strip bars that led him to have numerous sexual affairs and then the wife found out, took his kids and left him alone. Playing the role of a fictional character who is a murderer has no potential impact in his mind, his marraige and faith.
good for him! it’s about time regular TV cleans up.
OMFG, how dare he force us to judge his talent based on his actual talent. I for one DEMAND all my entertainment be slathered in sex. It is after all the most important aspect of being a human, far above love, compassion and intelligence.
Meanwhile Erykah Badu resorts to stripping in front of anonymous children on the street. Shameless.
It wasn’t just “heated love scenes” – he wouldn’t do any kissing whatsoever, even though those scenes were clearly in the scripts he read before taking the role. He didn’t tell the producers that cast him on this show that he had any issues with this until shooting started. So unprofessional, and such a shame because he is a great talent.
How could Francie Calfo (EP) not know this? She is a former ABC network exec but admittedly terribly inexperienced as a producer. There must be something more to this story we aren’t getting. Neil Mc Donough is a great TV actor and will have another series soon enough.
She is not responsible for a lack of professionalism on the part of an actor. You can only say so many times “this is what’s in the story” and if they are determined to play you, like this actor seems to have done, because they figured they can get you to change your mind- there’s little you can do about that. This is based on trust to some degree. Having had an actor do that to me, I can relate. “Oh I am okay with that. Yes, don’t worry.” We got on the set, and a different story. Pisses me off.
See my comment below about casting directors, and next time, hire yourself a better informed one.
In most TV shows, the stories are written from week to week. Maybe a couple of weeks in advance but not more. Movies are a different story but they are a one time thing. Remember then the writers went on strike? They had to play repeats on TV because there were no new shows.
The network knew full well he wouldn’t do love scenes. I suspect they didn’t tell him he would be doing them until last minute. If a man would chose to lose his job over doing a sex scene, do you really think he would chose to take the role first had he known? Please, go get some common sense!
There is, to be blunt, precisely NO lack of professionalism on Mr. McDonough’s part. And if you’re so myopic that you are unable to perceive that “I won’t do that” means “I won’t do that,” more’s the pity. Aww, you had an actor misrepresent what was and wasn’t acceptable? Since this has nothing to do with the report in question, your lack of bladder control is a moot point.
Good on you, Neal.
The real enemy is the MEDIA/ABC. This actor made it known he did not do sex scenes. They hired him and then proceeded to pressure him into actions they knew he was opposed to from the start. ABC is a real pig for doing this to him and his family. Hurting his career and taking away his earning power. I say BRAVO to Neal McDonough! I am an adult and enjoy all types of shows, but I putting parental block on ABC so we don’t even have access to it in our house.
Scripts change constantly for shows, movies etc. If the scenes were not in the initial scripts that he was shown, I applaud him for sticking to his morals and doing what is right for him, not what is going to get him more $. However if he refused to do scenes once production had started that were in the initial scripts, he should have spoken up sooner. Or, another option is maybe the producer thought she could persuade him to do the scenes once shooting began so overlooked his protests.
Sorry akaison, but,
“…and he’s always made it clear that he won’t do sex scenes. And ABC knew that.”
If the producer would have done just a little research before casting, or approving the sex scenes for Mr. Mc Donough, the network could have kaboshed either.
Too bad if it pisses you off, esp if you’re a member of the hollywood “elite”! Put your anger where the son don’t shine.
Where in the article did it say he did that again? Now you are simply presuming. I also like how you refer to it as a lack of perfessionalism. When did the acting profession become prostitution. So for me to be a professional, I need to be willing to do anything you ask? No, thank you. Don’t you think it might be possible that THEY “figured they can get HIM to change HIS mind”? We’re not talking about some low level actor, as it seems you have dealt with in the past, who would agree to almost anything to get an “in” and then change their mind once the filming starts. It seems that they wanted him for the part and when they couldn’t convince him otherwise, they just broke ties. Who knows, but to sit there and say that HE was the liar just because you worked with people who have no ethics or morality or both, is both irresponsible and ignorant all at the same time. Also, this is not something that was just discovered. He is widely known for his stance on sexual contact outside of his marriage. You can’t lie about something that everyone knows about. Cause, you know, it wasn’t wierd that he never had any sexual contact with anyone on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. Not everyone’s conviction is fake.
Sounds like a personal problem you have there. Neal McDonough walks the talk — go pass judgement on someone more deserving.
Yea because producers never lie or rewrite scripts between the casting and filming process.
So you were there when this actor and this producer discussed what he would or wouldn’t do??? Apparently, everyone else knew what roles he would or wouldn’t do. Guess she and you didn’t get the memo, huh???
Go figure and go watch some porn
I can’t speak to film – I mainly do stage work – but if I had a buck for everytime a director promised me (or someone else in the cast) something and then said “Yeah, I know that’s what I said, but this is the way it is now.” I could retire. Very comfortably.
I don’t get what you mean. This guy isn’t some no-name new actor. He is well known. And well-known for his opposition to intimate scenes just like Jim Cavezil and Kirk Cameron. If the casting director didn’t know, they weren’t doing their job.
JT: Unprofessional? It is clearly stated in his bio and the producer KNEW he would not do sex scenes. She just didn’t believe that anyone could mean something that “square” in this sick time of EVERYONE CONTRACTING VENEREAL DISEASE! Ick, diseased nasty bits may not bother you, but some people are sickened by the thought of touching VD infused genitals (or mouths)!!!
I say, good for him, his wife does not have to worry about him dragging anything nasty home. He comes to their bed CLEAN!
Read the article again JT, “..he’s always made it clear that he won’t do sex scenes..” the network was aware. Why is it society only fights for the rights of non-Christian beliefs? If this article were about an athiest or non-Chriatian actor fired for refusing to play a ‘religious type character’ — people would scream about ‘freedom and tolerance’ and how he should be accomodated by removing any reference to God. The network would be sued to boot! Christians, especially Catholics, are so severly descriminated against now – and it is allowed.
he took the part. As I said, he knew what he was getting into, but because you like the part about him not being into sex scenes, you forgive the lying. It is sad, but not unexpected given what passes for morality these days that you and others would be okay with lying.
First of all, it’s not the first time he worked for ABC. He told him what he would not do (as in other series he was in) and they included it in the script anyway. He is not being unprofessional, ABC was. He is an amazing actor and I love that he stands up for what he believes in. How many of us do that in real life?
unprofessional? How do you know he new the script? He would have given them his guidelines…as if they didn’t already know!
Criticize morality…great.
FTA “The reason? He’s a family man and a Catholic, and he’s always made it clear that he won’t do sex scenes. And ABC knew that. ”
Did you read the article? Your refutation is based on what….? Fabrications? Prevarications? Just curious.
So you are privy to this information how? Have you actually talked to the producers to get this information?
Actors are not often told before hand what they will be asked to do. James Cameron is notorious for this. You don’t go into a job throwing up red flags for what might happen…only what you know will happen. If you haven’t been told, it isn’t fair. And it happens all the time.
How would YOU know what was in the scripts before shooting? If this is his well-known position, Hollywoood as always is just pushing the envelope to try to corrupt a decent person. If only more stars would stand up for sexual morals we would have better shows and not worry so much about what our children see. Nothing perverts the human spirit more than graphic sex scenes – God Bless
you Neal
Acting in sex scenes can’t always control how your body reacts. Rubbing bodies, grabbing breasts, and tongues down each other’s throat will cause more than the man’s pants to feel funny. Play killing is as old as child’s play; you know the person will get up and walk away. I’m sure the director wanted the sex scenes to be really steamy that went beyond the description in the script and the actor didn’t want to go that far so he walked away. That’s fine and should be respected. Actors and actresses have lost their jobs in movies for a lot like showing up on drugs or always late.
Disagree, completely. Producers absolutely check out actors before they hire them.
Since you are obviously more interested in pointlessly bashing someone for taking a moral stand than you are in reading the story and commenting factually on it, let me point out something you missed from the story:
“He’s a family man and a Catholic, and he’s always made it clear that he won’t do sex scenes. And ABC knew that. Because he also didn’t get into action with Nicolette Sheridan on the network’s Desperate Housewives when he played her psycho husband during Season 5. And he also didn’t do love scenes with his on-air girlfriend in his previous series, NBC’s Boomtown, or that network’s Medical Investigation.”
“The reason? He’s a family man and a Catholic, and he’s always made it clear that he won’t do sex scenes. And ABC knew that.”
It doesn’t say he refused to even do a ‘kissing scene’so I am wondering where YOU read that particular statement.
And you know this how, exactly? Have you read the final scripts? Do you have a copy of his contract? Have you been present at all pre-production meetings with the actor? In any case, the fact that it is in the scripts means NOTHING – there are any number of ways to film a kiss and any number of ways of faking it on film, including using a tight camera angle and a double.
JT — How do YOU know what he told or didn’t tell producers? It appears that Neal has long taken the principled stand against sex scenes, so that should have come as no surprise to them anyway. More likely, it would seem, is that they hoped (ironically) to “guilt” him into doing sex scenes by suggested it would be DIShonorable NOT to do them! Twisted logic, to be sure, but that’s what passes for reason these days. Finally, a word of encouragement to Neal from Mt. 5:11
And you know this,how? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
You presume to know alot about what this actor did or didn’t do before accepting a job. In my opinion, you’re jsut making it up.
The charge that he didn’t tell the producers of the show that he was opposed to doing sex scenes before he started the new show seems to be a spurious charge since in his previous work this has always been his stance. You can’t tell me that the people putting together this show didn’t know his prinicples before they hired him. My guess is that unprincipled people always think that others are just like them and will cave if they just offer them enough money or a part that increases their fame quotient. I liked him as an actor before this but in my mind, his stock has just gone up big time!
You go Neal!!!!! Listen up Hollywood! He’s available now. I for one would LOVE to see him in Captain America or Thor. I’m thrilled to see that there are some good guys left in Hollywwod.
The late Patrick McGoohan did the same. It is why he turned down James Bond.
You are very right about McGoohan – actors Jim Caveziel and Eduardo Verastegui have also refused to do certain scenes because of faith issues. We get that the Left Coast does not get this and tries to throw back the specious sex v violence argument – I think that if Neal was asked to actually kill someone he would also refuse.
Agreed. There is a lot that the Left Coast is not getting. For that matter, same goes for the East Coasters, too (Congress). They ain’t getting it.
I didn’t know that fact about Patrick McGoohan. He was one of my favorite actors. The Prisoner has never been equaled by Bond or anything else as far as I’m concerned. Thanks for the information.
He would get tons of work in Bollywood!!
Refreshing that he has principles, but as some other people have pointed out, kind of a hypocrite that he is ok with violence and killing but God forbid he should kiss someone. Nice of him that he can “pick” his principles. Who says religion is rigid!
When I was a baby I thought that the kissing on television was fake, just like the killing and violence.
But it really isn’t fake at all. And I think we’ve seen often enough, over and over, where actors and actresses get involved for real after the pretend involvement shooting a movie. The actor isn’t really killing anyone, isn’t really shooting that gun or having a fistfight. But the actor really is kissing and hugging and getting physical with a person other than their wife or husband.
Didn’t we just read about, I think it was Kate Winslet, who is separating from her husband over the sex scenes? Maybe they’re being really adult about it, but they are still breaking up over it.
I think that a lot of people really believe that it wouldn’t bother them. I think a lot of people lie to themselves.
Well Said Synova! As far as the Actor is concerned. If it’s true- You officially have a new fan. I admit I love the action blowing things up and all but again, if it’s true, Awesome!
Synova I wish I could have explained it as well as you did!
Exactly right!
most of the commentators who cried “hypocrite!” missed this obvious point. Apparently they cannot tell the difference between reality and make-believe. When an actor plays a role of a murderer, he isn’t actually killing anyone. There’s no pain, no wound, no blood, no emotion. It’s pretend.
But. When an actor plays the role of a lover, he really is kissing, really is caressing, really is nuzzling. True, the intention isn’t romantic, but the actions are identical. But with a violent scene, the intentions AND the actions are not identical to real violence.
Psychologically, our brains have a hard time telling the difference between “real” kissing and “pretend” kissing. That is why so many Hollywood relationships start on the set. That is also why marriage counselors tell you to fake it until it becomes real. If you kiss someone enough, it is virtually impossible to prevent romantic feelings from forming. But boxers and martial artists are perfectly able to avoid wanting to kill an opponent, no matter how many times they fight them.
Bottom line: a Catholic can pretend to harm someone, but not to kiss someone, especially someone attractive.
I agree with your comment 100%!! I have been married 30 years and the one thing you don’t do is tempt fate. I support Neal McDonough in his decision. By the way, who watches ABC anyway?
Exactly!
BRAVO! You’re absolutly right!
I admire Neal sticking to his princples and agree with the earlier poster who pointed out that the kissing is real, even if scripted, while killings are fake. That said, I am a religious studies major, and I need to point out that violence is often more accepted in the BIBLE than extra-marital sex.
Violence is not accepted in the Bible, anymore than adultery. However, God’s judgements are perfectly righteous and someone defending themself is within the law. Best to keep your comments concerning the Bible to yourself, since clearly you don’t understand what you’re studying.
One is simulated and one is actual. He doesn’t kill people on camera, but he does kiss someone. Some people actually consider contact with someone other that their spouse cheating.
I don’t know. Seems like Neal made the right common sense choice by conducting a simple risk assessment analysis. It’s far less risky for Neal to pretend to kill people on screen than it is to be killed by his wife and eyeballed in church for cavorting in bed with that Madsen woman. I think Neal McDonough made the right choice.
The grand majority of catholics believe different things. I know very few people that agree with every single thing the bible or church says. Respect it? yes. Believe it? no.
But it doesn’t really matter. The bible says you shouldn’t kill. In the movies, he doesn’t kill. But making out with another woman, there is no way to fake that.
wait you think the killing is REAL? well buddy the sex scenes ARE. It’s skin to skin. Ya think maybe his wife might not mind that?
Well, at least he has chosen one principle………most Hollywood actors and actresses don’t have principles of any kind……they will do, say, act, encourage, ANYTHING.
What do you think “forsaking all others” means in your wedding vows. This isn’t a statement about how evil sex is, this is a statement about the vows he made to his wife when they got married. I am sure that, should anyone ever ask him to, he would refuse to kill his wife on screen. Does that make you happy?
I think there is a difference between playing the part of a bad guy, and swapping spit with someone else. I’m sure his famliy and mine appreciate it, especially his wife.
Way to go Neal, the often too much sex on TV and the fall out with our youth because of it is getting sickening.
Decebal, did you not notice? He is sticking to HIS principles – not yours.
He is not being a hypocrite. A hypocrite says one thing and does another. He does not say anything about violence. He takes a stand on sex scenes.
From your comment – I assume that you would are also against any writing about violence as well as portraying it on screen. Good luck on your editing of history!
One final note – I see you have no problem with picking your principles. You have no problem with sex scenes, you do have problems with violence scenes, and you have no problem with being judgmental. Good for you.
Actors play act violence. They don’t actually hit each other and surely don’t kill each other.
“Love” scenes require REAL kissing, real touching skin to skin, sometimes real caressing of breasts or buttocks, and often REAL nudity.
There is NO hypocrisy in play-acting fake violence but refusing the real human interaction demanded in sex scenes.
You sir are an idiot. How many times must it be explained that kissing is for real, murder and violence is not,sheesh, what a moron!
his concern is to honor his wife and his personal faith thats why he says , No to Sex scenes. How the public percieves him in whatever character role he chooses to play does not concern him. The man has set his boundaries as an ACTOR,a Husband and a man of faith.
Everybody “picks” their principles whether you want to admit this or not.
Someone had better explain the meaning of “acting” to him.
Heh. There’s a difference between merely acting, and deep tongue kissing, rubbing up on, and grinding against Virginia Madsen while the two of them are only partially clothed.
To you, that’s acting. To me? Foreplay. Hot and heavy foreplay at that.
A thousand Amens to that!!
Then don’t become an actor.
You can’t “act” being naked with a gorgeous woman. You’re just naked.
I agree. Playing a sex scene is part of acting–as is being being able to speak with an accent or cry or laugh on cue. They’re all things that people naturally do, and should therefore be part of an actor’s repertoire.
I don’t see refusing to do it as being principled; I see it as being incapable.
The principle here is not about the sex scenes, its about honoring the woman he loves, his wife…A man’s uncompromising love for his wife and he chooses to honor the marraige by not doing any sex scenes.. MORON!!
….because everyone knows that once you begin acting, you cease being human and therefore nothing you do affects you, those around you, or your home life. I can only assume, since you don’t understand the basics of “principles”, that you must have none yourself, and are therefore “incapable” of understanding what the VAST majority of people (use the comments on this story as a reference) seems to understand. It’s something I like to call “common sense” – and you seem to be lacking it.
you don’t see or understand the difference? well next time your near a hot stove pretend it is not on and put your finger on it. you naturally will get burned. or maybe you are not of the human race.
Really? Come on. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Someone had better explain the meaning of character to you.
Someone had better explain the meaning of “morals” and “ethics” to you.
Someone had better explain the meaning of ” prinsiples ” to you.
Everyone is an actor and the world is his stage. There is integrity involved but most of you don’t seem to realize what that is.
Whether it is acting or not you are fondling and kissing a real person. I am so pleased to see someone in Hollywood setting an example for morals. It is quite a pleasant surprise!
Somebody had better explain the meaning of principles to Jon.
Jon, you are either an incredible fool, or you are just `acting’ like one.
That is the problem then isn’t it. One must be willing to act in a morally offensive scene in order to be considered a “legitimate” actor. That says more about the business and the audience than the actor.
Sounds like someone needs to explain the meaning of “pricinples” to you Jon.
Sound like someone had better explain the meaning of “having a cogent thought” to you…. bilious fool.
This is the second attempt for a US remake of Outrageous Fortune, which is a great show and a huge hit in NZ, and the Brits tried too.
I think the choices of Mr McDonough are admirable (oh, I’m not Catholic). And yes, Nikki, he’s a truly marvelous actor.
I love him as an actor, completely. But with this attitude, his days are numbered. As long as he’s financially and mentally prepared for that, I guess that’s his prerogative.
It’s the ridiculousness of it that makes it such a joke. As someone said above, no sex please, but as much violence and physical mayhem as you please. And all these congratulatory comments on his “principles.” If you call refusing to put on a benign performance, merely there for artistic or entertainment purposes, “principled,” I’m sorry to say you don’t quite know what principles are. Fire away.
You can distance yourself from the violence while acting. After all, you’re not really killing or maiming anyone.
It is physically impossible to distance yourself from deep kissing someone with tongue, and rubbing against them while both of you are pretty damn close to being in your birthday suits.
Ever notice the high divorce rate among stars? And how a good chunk of big time movie stars seem to end up hooking up for real with their co-stars (Brangelina, anyone?) especially after a movie with lots of hot n’ heavy action?
Stuff like that doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Only in Hollywood entertainment is murdering someone considered “distancing” one’s self from a performance. It is interesting the guy who played Harvey Milk’s killer in the movie Milk said something opposite recently. He said it is hard playing a killer, especially a historic one, because it is the taking of a life. He doesn’t want to think about that. Yet, in your mind, this is far easier an act to perform.
In the case of playing a killer and having to get into their head, it’s not the portrayal of the killing that makes the difference. The script could have that happen off-screen and the actor would have to try to think like a murderer. Writers often have the same sort of problem in that they have to write convincing villains and the pace of writing (like shooting a movie) takes far longer than just reading it. So you end up having to sort of wallow in the messed up head of the bad guy, or in the sadness of tragedy or anything else.
None of these things actually involve doing whatever bad act is being portrayed.
And I don’t think that anyone said that it wasn’t *easy* to get all lovey with someone on screen. It’s too easy.
We see actors marriages fall apart when they take up with co-stars all the time. Over and over.
Perhaps someone could point out the instances where taking a role as a murderer has lead to an actor committing murder.
But, that’s not Catholism as far as I understand the doctrines of the faith. The parsing people are doing here if are going to be serious here about the faith is not how it works.
The whole act versus thought distinction is not the doctrine. Nor is it true that murder requires non-touching. All of this is contrived distinctions by Americans who love their violence in their movies, but find sex just horrible.
Some of you are calling this guy unprofessional? Really? Have you seen his acting. Don’t do that. He hasn’t changed the parameter’s of what he can and can’t do. Nothing’s changed on his end.
And for you people who think sucking on another woman’s tit, slapping and grinding private’s, and her swallowing the tongue is equivalent to jabbing a collapsible knife at a stranger- you really aren’t thinking. And you aren’t fooling the audience either.
No job is worth it if it breaks your marriage. What are you then working for? A single’s only TV dinner and monthly alimony? What’s the point?
This guy made a commitment to his wife.
Why don’t you rag on Wil Smith, who wouldn’t kiss a man in a gay film because it disgusted him(understandable, but say so up front). He had no commitment to anyone. He still doesn’t- and he balked. That was out of the blue, because he’ll pretend to sleep with anything- just not that time. That’s unprofessional.
Neal isn’t unprofessional. You are looking for a whore. He’s an actor. From what I’ve seen of him, he hasn’t wavered his position. Don’t put this on him- or do- it doesn’t matter. He’ll get better work than your hookers.
You know, you and other commenters keep pointing out that the on-screen ‘killing’ isn’t actual killing (the stuntmen’s union would probably object to that), but on-screen ‘sexual activity’ IS actual sexual activity. And certain other people keep ignoring that, trying to make some sort of point that Mr. McDonough is a hypocrite if he will act out violence but not engage in sexual physical activity in a role. I don’t know – maybe someone will see this and be able to discern the difference.
Thanks for your comments, Synova.
I agree with your statement, but I did want to mention that after portraying the role of the Joker, Heath Ledger killed himself. I’m pretty sure it was premeditated.
Very good point Synova!
It frustrates me to no end when people point to other poor or behvior in general to justify/explain the rational for their choices. Or in this instance, many are asserting that Mr. Neal is a hypocrite because he won’t suck on some hot chick like Madsen.
Playing a psycho pretending to murder someone is a far cry then actually laying naked on another person locking lips. The guys has some principles for his wife and family.
Not many lining up to shoot holes in your powerful logic, Synova. Way to go, my friend. I’m proud of you. Thanks for standing up for decency in such a classy and convincing manner.
its because the role he plays does not identify to his character as a person in real life.
It hasn’t hurt James Caviezel, I think, in fact, quite the opposite, it’s helped his career. In Hollywood, any news story featuring an actor is a good news story for his career.
Make a list of the actors – I mean people who could act – who did not build their career on sex scenes. I’m talking the heavyweights of the 20th Century. Not the midgets of today. (no offence to midgets)
His days are numbered? Really? I don’t recall Arnold Schwarzenegger or Clint Eastwood’s careers suffer because they acted in movies containing violence, but not sex scenes featuring them. I don’t ever recall seeing Arnold or Clint making out with a female (or male!) co-star on screen. His objection to participating in sex scenes will be noted throughout the film and television production industry, just as if he was a diabetic and needed to have sources of nourishment kept close at hand on the set at all times, and the studios will just roll with it. In the meantime, his popularity amongst a HUGE segment of the population that has been overlooked and spat upon for decades will eagerly support practically any production in which he is starring. If the studios are smart — and they are — they’ll see how they can not just make money off of this, but LOTS of money off of this. Chances are that was the plan all along. They may have realized the new show was not developing the kind of momentum they hoped for, and plugged in a replacement in exchange for Neal agreeing to do something else (that doesn’t involve sex scenes). If that’s not what happened, we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled for a lawsuit by the studio against Neal for breach of contract. If no such law suit is filed, it signifies there was agreement at the highest level to let him out of the show and to do it in a way that caused a stir the studios coul capitalize on. Mark my words.
Ella, perhaps you are the one that doesn’t know what “principles” really are and I think you are fooling yourself to call this proposed scene a “benign” performance. In fact, you give away something of yourself with every interaction such as this. How can something so intimate be “benign”? I really respect this guy’s decision and his protective attitude toward his marriage. With the way marriage is falling apart these days, one has to be on guard constantly. And I’m happy to hear that NM’s principles aren’t for sale. Good for him!!
Wow, judge much? Who really cares what his principles are as long as he’s not hurting anyone except himself. Seriously.
If his principles are different than yours it’s totally ok to bash the guy? Whatever. This and some of these negative comments have more to do with a general dislike to his RELIGION than his “principles”.
Yes, I inferred as much. I judge too.
And Ella, I would say that you clearly don’t appreciate the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage and sexuality especially when it comes to the main points about theology of the body. In short, what we do with our body actually means something. If I was his spouse and watched him have sexual relations with another woman, even though scripted, it would disturb me deeply to know that he has shared such intimacy with another woman. You might argue that actions without feelings are meaningless, but just think of the women who have heard from adulterous spouses “it meant nothing to me, it was just physical.”
Hail maker of the universe for letting us know what principles are real and which ones are not. You can go create another universe now. I’m sure you have more important things to do than leave comments on-line about Hollywood actors.
Are you kidding me? Neal McDonough’s professional stock as an actor will zoom with this news. This is a net-plus for his career.
Neal, forget this jerk. I thought you were great in “Band of brother”. Now I admire you.
Sorry, Ella, but you are smoking crack on this one… FYI, principle is exactly what Neil is displaying here, and apparently what is either lacking or totally different and alien in you. As far as his days being ‘numbered’ go, I think you are totally in left field on this one.
Good for him for sticking to his principles. I met him once. He seemed like a really good, down to earth guy.
Spot on. This gentleman has stuck to his principles and should be acknowledged for doing so!
On the other hand, Virginia Madsen is quite the looker and my own principles are flxible in this case. Virgina…CALL ME!
I met with Neal several times on a film project. He is the real deal – down to Earth, loves his wife, gracious, open, present, great actor and a hell of a human being. This is the network’s loss.
It also means he is available for my stuff!
I think this is one of the best comments I have read so far!!
Good for you and Go get him! ;0)
I applaud you……..not much in the entertainment world do I applaud
It’s called ACTING!
Again, I’ll second that these same people that say they can’t make love have absolutely no problem making war. “My characters can’t kiss and make (simulated) love” but boy, they sure can shoot guns and murder. Jeez, puh-leaze.
It seems a dimension we are overlooking is Neal’s wife. To him, his relationship with her is obviously more important than his portraying a character in a tv show. I think if you ask women who are dating or who are married to actors to choose between their significant other portraying a character who kills someone versus a character who rubs up against some gorgeous bombshell, their answers would be fairly close to unanimous–kill, kill, kill. This however, isn’t saying that killing is less, or more important. They’d be saying their relationship with their significant other is more important than sex, or killing. I believe what Neal was about honoring and protecting his wife. It’s about relationship. Not sex versus killing.
Point very well made HW.
Preach on!
nyguy you’re a bigger idiot!!
nyguy: Da, it’s call principles. Gt it?
byguy – “My characters can’t kiss and make (simulated) love” but boy, they sure can shoot guns and murder”
Wow – since when do actors shoot real guns and actually murder people? LOL, do you really believe they actually kill people? OMG – people are so gullible!
@nyguy
Keep your lax morals to yourself please. You make no sense — the two things are apples and oranges, yet you see no difference in them. It must be swell in your world when you can rationalize nearly anything.
Again, what’s with these idiots, the lack of logic, and the asinine attempts at moral relativism.
Let’s assume most of the people complaining are straight males (and most likely horny net geek virgins who haven’t grasped sex, let alone love). So, let me ask you male complainers this…
Hypothetically speaking, I want to pay you to be an actor. I can either pay you $50 to walk onto a scene, say a few lines, then use a fake knife to stab someone in the chest, then walk off the scenes as fake blood gushes everywhere.
Or, instead of paying you $50 to pretend to murder someone, I could pay you $70 to strip down to your underwear, get in bed with another man in his underwear, cuddle closely with him, and “pretend” to french kiss him.
So, moronic straight males who have complained about McDonough…I’m assuming you’re take the $50 for fake murder instead of $70 for fake sex, right?
SEE THE DAMN DIFFERENCE YET? You don’t “kiss” with fake lips! But you do “murder” with fake weapons. How stupid are you people? Or are you just jealous that a man has found so much happiness with one woman that he can easily turn down steamy sex scenes with naked beautiful women?
That says more about your values or lack thereof, than his, doesn’t it? What kind of twisted and distorted thinking makes it OK to expect to witness one’s sexuality? Actually, the name for it is voyeurism. I think there is a 12 step program somewhere…
Right on. You need wings to stay above this bull&^%$. Say what you will but the old Hollywood studio Hebrews knew how to deal with sanctimonious goy low-life like this hypocrite: FIRE THE SOB, then BLACKLIST the jackoff, then when he runs out of cash let him and his family live off the charity of the local parish. AMEN!!!
RE: NyGuy
Give me a break. Stop comparing the two. We see actors marriages fall apart when they take up with co-stars all the time. Over and over. (ex: Brad Pitt)
Perhaps someone could point out the instances where taking a role as a army guy or murder has lead to an actor committing murder.
We are dumber for having read your post.
That’s next! Hollywood will now insist that actors run around buck naked and kill people. Or kill their sex partners.
I think it’s Hollywood who has the problem, not Neal McDonough.
As a Christian, I commend Neal McDonough for his Faith-based decision and I Pray for the people posting comments here attacking Neal as “unprofessional” and “murder and all is ok for a Catholic.”
And I Pray that you and Neal figure out what Acting is.
You really do need to be prayed for. People are tired of sex scenes on t.v.. morality is lost in this country. It is refreshing for an actor to stand for principles, don’t worry Neal you can always go to the Christian networks where fans enjoy great movies and appreicate great actors. Keep up the good work and contiue to stand by your principles. Oh by the way, I enjoyed the Band of Brothers!
tell ya what, sport. when you can post a resume’ with a TENTH of the major acting roles on it that Neal has, maybe we’ll listen to your opinion as to what is or isn’t acting
I pray that you figure out that kissing someone other than your wife is unacceptable, no matter how much you’re being paid for it.
c4x: so is porn acting?
Yeah. It’s waiting tables at Campanile until you’re 35 years old, still receiving support checks in the mail from your mom and dad so you can afford to buy headshots, and being told you’re too old to portray the guy who is just crazy about Sprite or Mountain Dew for a 30-second spot on Animal Planet. Good luck with your career.
And perhaps some day you will understand what moral principles are.
If he is an actor does that mean he should be willing to portray any character in any type of situation? Perhaps Hitler as a kind and loving person? Head of the KKK as a really great guy?
Has he been portraying murderers in a positive light? I don’t believe so. He is married, obviously believes that kissing women other then his wife is wrong, and refuses to do so although it obviously costs him a great deal of money.
Wow, someone who is willing to lose allot of money over principle. Obviously some kind of hypocrite. Everyone would never consider making such a sacrifice, morals over money, should real tear into this guy.
You mean like you “acting” like you are intelligent?
Get a life.
Having acted, I can assure you, you can act out a murder without going into a true murderous rage or committing a murder, either while shooting the scene or after the fact. But when you start kissing and grinding while only partially dressed, those hormones get going and the next thing you know, you’re hardly acting, you’re into it, and only the presence of cameras keeps you from taking it further.
But yes, I think that even those who have been commenting on the fact I’ve just given, and are thereby congratulating him for standing on principle, wouldn’t say that murder is therefore OK or even the level of violence portrayed on TV and in Movies.
Sadly, all the sex and violence shown by our media are creating an environment where we, as a culture, are less offended by these things and more prone to both sex and violence.
Personally, I gave up watching violent films years ago and I also stopped watching Desperate Housewives because of the trashy values portrayed there. I’d like to see the profits and ratings on these things go down to the point that they’re no longer made, but I don’t suppose that will happen in my lifetime.
If he’s so damned principled, why didn’t he (a) read the script or (b) have his agent put a no sex scene clause in his contract. Sounds to me like he wasted everybody’s time. Totally unprofessional. Grow up.
Did you even read the article? The producers in charge of this show KNEW that he wouldn’t do sex scenes but hired him anyway…then tried to get him to do sex scenes.
Just like Hollywood producers to strong arm an actor, who is in their employ, to bend to their will. People are tired of sex scenes in movies and on t.v. They don’t add anything to the story. How many “old” movies have we seen that give the illusion of an “occurrence” between two people without screening the action “in your face”! I also remember that Fred Astaire had it written into his contracts that there were no kissing scenes with his co-stars.
Am I the only one here to actually read the story and comprehend it? It clearly says that ABC knew he did not do sex scenes due to his previous work with the network. Everyone saying he is trying to pull a fast one are just wrong.
And serials do not have a season’s worth of scripts written in advance so give me a break with the “should have read the script” crap. They are writing and re-writing scripts straight up to shooting. Most of the times the actors have know idea what their character will be up to each week and in many cases have no clue what is going on in the show because they are only involved in shooting their owns scenes. What a stupid comment.
This decision of his is very well known, the producers didn’t do proper vetting.
Let’s see… he was on Desperate Housewives before and that was ABC as well. I would HOPE that ABC would have realized his convictions prior to even offering him this contract. Don’t throw this all on him.
It says in the story ‘he’s always made it clear that he won’t do sex scenes. And ABC knew that.’
If you’re so damned principled why didn’t you read the article before commenting? Why are you so upset that the guy doesn’t want to do sex scenes?
he IS grown up – and he made a grown-up decision.
Is reading comprehension so bad these days? The article states quite clearly that the network knew well beforehand that the actor wouldn’t do sex scenes. Perhaps the actor was under the impression the script would be changed.
Did you not read the article? He made it clear he wouldn’t participate in that, and they cast him anyway. Read first, then comment.
Colinsmith1962…
If you’re so damned smart, why didn’t you (a) read the story (where it CLEARLY says ABC was well aware of McDonough’s refusal to do sex scenes) or (b) save your comments until you actually read the story. Sounds to me like you wasted everybody’s time. Totally immature. Grow up.
@Colinsmith1962,
Why don’t you read the story? It states explicity that he has always made it clear he will not do sex scenes and ABC knew it. Clue up, dude.
colin, the article clearly states that he made his refusal well known and that `And ABC knew that.’. But hey, make up whatever `script’ for the article you want…artistic license, baybee!
If by “growing up” you mean “get naked before I like you…” then I think you have growing up confused with hedonism.
There is a no sex-scene clause in his contract, the studio tried to pressure him into one anyway, so he cited breach of contract and quit. What’s unprofessional is hiring someone who you KNOW doesn’t fit for a role, and then trying to make them compromise their principles instead of just hiring the correct actor.
How do you know he didn’t? Are you under some illusion that producers and directors are all little George Washingtons who never tell a lie?
Explicit sex scenes typically add no artistic value to a dramatic piece or to an actor’s skill range. How many such scenes appear in the top-rated movies of all time? Film scripts have moved in that direction simply to satisfy the growing prurient appetites of the public and to boost box office revenue. So now individuals, without any apparent acting credentials of their own, such as those commenting here on McDonough’s lack of “professionalism” and lack of knowledge about “acting,” believe they’re being cheated if a movie lacks hot sex scenes.
If he was up front about it and was hired for the job, the only rational conclusion is that it wasn’t in the script before or the producers didn’t care what he thought. It’s not the actor that’s the stinker here, it’s the director/producer. BTW, what do you call someone who does sex “professionally”?
Yay, Neal! Congrats for confusing acting with having an actual affair! That’s hard to do. But I’m sure you can find something in the Bible that kinda implies that simulating sex with someone who’s not your wife is almost the exact same thing as actual sex with someone who’s not your wife.
But isn’t this the kind of thing that the Taliban goes for?
Wait a minute, do crazy Christians and crazy Talibans have something in common?! No way!
Boy, Jon, are you ever filled with hate.
youre an idiot, no pun intended!
That statement is completely illogical. Do you compare PETA activists to Hitler because of shared vegitarian diets?
I don’t, but Drudgebot idiots like yourself sure like to make that comparison.
you married?? tell ya what; you go out with your wife tomorrow to a strip club, and make out with one of the dancers. afterward, tell her you were just acting out a scene from a movie. see how she takes it.
You are being ridiculous. The Taliban forces people to follow their moral codes with violence. This man chose a personal code and willingly suffered the consequences of being fired. He hasn’t complained, someone else wrote about it. It’s called Liberty and it seems many have forgotten what it looks like.
Jon has some serious issues. What a tool.
Your comments didn’t make any commen sense. Try using the logical part of your brain that God gave you next time.
Jon-boy, you are way out of line here, I mean way out. There is a monumental difference between establishing standards for one’s self that one will no violate, and ruthlessly beating/maiming/executing people for sometimes nothing more than having different beliefs, dressing differently,and so on. By your comments, you have really defined yourself… and it is a poor definition indeed. Good thing you can’t sue yourself for ‘definition of character’. Boob.
Crazy Christians and Crazy Talibans are exactly the same. They both want to force their religion down your throat. Christians are just a blood thirsty as Muslims, even more so, look at the Crusades. More blood is shed in the name of Christ then for any other.
oh, you are so far off-base with your thought that i don’t even know where to begin. . . . . .
Maybe he doesn’t want to make out with over the hill women who look like cougars on meth? That would explain not wanting to kiss both Virginia Madsen and Nicolette Sheridan.
Also, I am sure the producers were aware they just either forgot or thought they could convince him to change his mind. Good luck with David Elliot though… he was great in JAG and his multitude of Lifetime MOW’s.
Virginia Madsen is smokin hot!
He’s free to walk or do whatever. He was freaking brilliant in Band of Brothers.
Absolutely agree. Very convincing performance.
it seems like a crock to me. if you are going to follow the rules of the catholic church…don’t pick and chose your rules……there are 10 of those things….seems like he would have eliminated a lot of work….talented or not……the guy sounds like a tool.
…and your lack of respect for someone else’s principles makes you a tool’s tool.
Poppakap, calling suit a tool isn’t technically correct. Tools actually serve some function…
If I remember correctly, Jimmy Stewart was a fantastic family man and a devout Catholic and I don’t ever remember him having a problem kissing Kim Novak or “acting” like a husband or romantic lead during his several decade career.
You do not remember correctly.
That’s a rather silly comparison. What goes for one person doesn’t mean it has to go for everyone else. Just because Jimmy Stewart didn’t have a problem doesn’t mean anything. That’s the beauty of principles….they’re an individual choice.
Do we all forget that the “kiss” that Jimmy Stewart “acted” was world’s away from the “sex” scenes demanded today???
Bravo to this fine actor for saying “NO way!” Congratulations to him and to his family.
Maybe, just maybe…the guy doesn’t want to be tempted. Why put yourself in that situation if you don’t have to? Agree with other posters that the casting folks should’ve known this about him before they put him in the show, though.
Kissing and acting as a spouse or romantic interest are different than playing a sex scene. And it’s an individual boundary, anyways. If I’m not mistaken, Jim Caviezel has played a sex scene, and he is a devout Catholic, as well. It’s what you are comfortable with, and it must be a decision between real-life spouses or partners.
Stewart wasn’t Catholic; he was Episcopalian. The Episcopal Church’s standards for sexual behavior are, um, shall we say somewhat more relaxed than those of the Catholic Church.
Another point worth considering is that at the time Stewart was kissing Kim Novak, even in movies love scenes were far more about romance than simply erotic. And Hollywood marriages fell over like dominoes even back then, for the same reasons they do today.
It is total stupid to bring up Jimmy Stewart. Back during his career a steamy sex sceen was a quick kiss inside the bedroom door and then “door closes, zoom out of closed door”.
Now a sex sceen is bumping and griding make it look like both are naked. just make sure that you don’t so more skim the sensor allow.
Major differance here. I doubt he would have a problem with Jimmy Stewart type films
He wasn’t 95% naked with Kim Novak and rubbing up against her naked breasts. I doubt he would do that. I just love the attacks from the morally numb on Catholics in these comments. You bash Catholics who live up to their faith and you bash the ones who don’t. What you really have a problem with is Catholics.
Hmmmm, Jimmy Stewart did indeed kiss in some of his films, but I don’t ever recall him hopping in the sack and simulating sexual intercourse with any of the leading ladies. Hmmmm. And I don’t believe for a second that Mr. Stewart would do so even if he was in his prime acting years during this present era of Hollywood.
You can criticize Neal for not “kissing” etc if you want, but he has the respect of his wife and his children. And that matters tons more than any of the opinions being voiced here, including mine. I’m guessing that’s what motivates his decision and not the voyeuristic appetites of many movie and television viewers.
I don’t remember Jimmy Stewart getting all hot and sweaty with any of those women either. Do try to keep things in perspective pinhead.
Comparing kissing scenes from Jimmy Stewart films to the undergarment clad slobberfests on primetime TV these days? Really???
Besides, Jimmy didn’t get married til he was 41. He’d played most of his romantic leads by that time.
Jimmy Stewart also didn’t kiss Kim Novak, or Grace Kelly, or any of the others in his skivvies, either. There’s a big difference between love scenes of the past, and what happens now. When “From Here to Eternity” was made, it was a huge deal because it showed the actor and actress actually lying down in swimsuits. Now, even on TV, if they’re wearing lingerie you’re lucky. So I have to say, your analogy is way off base on this one.
I have to admire the guy – and I agree with the others – acting out a murder is far different from acting out sex – with the sex, you really have to kiss and touch that other person. Whether or not you have feelings for them, you are still performing sexual acts. You don’t really kill someone when acting out a murder.
In those days, kissing was ONLY kissing with their clothes on.
I don’t recall Jimmy Stewart taking his clothes off in those scenes. They were quite tame compared to what you see on TV now.
Umm…you avoided everything that is the point: his problem is with a simulated sex scene. James Stewart never did a sex scene.
So? Stewart ain’t McDonough. What’s your point?
How many movies have you seen where Jimmy Stewart was naked rolling around in bed with women? Remember “It’s a Wonderful Life”? In the scene when George comes homes after getting married and canceling the honeymoon trip due to the run on the bank the camera pans across a bed, George does a double take, cut to Bert the Cop and Ernie the cabbie singing “I Love You Truly”.
Stuff that is on TV today would not have been allowed in any kind of mainstream cinema 50 years ago. Your point is without merit.
I am a Christian, I would have no problem “acting” as a killer. That doesn’t mean I endorse killing. It may even be a way of condemning it. On the other hand, I would not be comfortable portraying graphic sex scenes with a woman, or anyone else for that matter.
How about a little respect for this man’s convictions, even if they are not your own.
And that was Jimmy Stewart’s choice. This is Neil’s choice. Respect it.
Your point? And Jimmy Stewart was Presbyterian, BTW.
Good for Jimmy Stewart. When Jimmy Stewart’s morals are questioned in the comments section of an article, we’ll get right back to you, m-kay?
@nyguy,
From the term “sex scene” one can infer that a lot more was involved than a kiss on the cheek. A lot has changed since Jimmy Stewart was a leading man…
First of all, just because another person is willing to compromise what they believe does not make it right.
Second, not all who call themselves Christians have a relationship with Christ.
Finally, Neal McDonough had no problem “acting” as a husband on Desperate Housewives, he just had a problem with kissing and sex scenes.
For all those who are saying he had not problem playing the role of a murderer, he also had no problem playing the role of a husband. Doing something fake (pretending to kill someone) and doing something real (kissing a woman who is not your wife) are two completely different things.
I think the disconnect here is that there are quite a few people on this board who believe that kissing another person (even in playing a role on TV) is not adultery. I hate to break it to you, it is. Just as much as having sex with another woman is adultery, even if you are a swinger. Just because your spouse may be ok with it does not make it right. It is still adultery.
Not your call. And Jimmy Stewart movies did not involve scanty clothing and tonsil swabbing on camera.
lol..and what was the last movie you saw with Jimmy Stewart rolling around or dry humping a co-star?You know damn well in today’s media a kiss is NOT just a kiss…don’t you?
Scenes in his day were far more modest and classier
And if Jimmy Stewart had been asked to do half of what goes on in TV shows today, we woud have said “Shove it”. The films for which Jimmy Stewart is best known were all made before the 60′s – a time during which Lucy and Desi, though married both onscreen and off, had to have twin beds and keep one foot on the floor at all times! Or does your knowledge of film start with “Deep Throat”?
When Jimmy Stewart was making movies, he wasn’t nude and didn’t even do open mouth kissing. Even network television is racier than the steamiest Stewart love scene. Not to dis Jimmy, it was just the standard of the day.
But even Stewart would balk at engaging in sexual foreplay with someone who is not his wife.
You haven’t looked at a Jimmy Stewart-Kim Novak movie in a few decades. Their kisses bear NO resemblance to the soft porn bumping and squirming portrayed on even the most “family-time” tv show.
After all, a recent movie showed a sex scene in a shower for which the producers hired porn actors. If it’s so easy to just “act,” as some dissenters allege, why not have all actors engage in any kind of sexual situation? After all, it is only ACTING.
Jimmy Stewart wasn’t asked to have simulated sex on screen.
And does anyone really believe that the producers didn’t know about his ground rules? If they didn’t they should be fired for incompetence.
Is this really anyone’s business – a personal decision about his job?
So much for liberal tolerance and respect for diversity.
True and the romantic roles Jimmy Stewart had did not have the sex and the nudity of today’s Hollywood. Would be willing to bet he wouldn’t do them either were he alive today and a who;e lot younger.
LMAO
nyguy: I pretty much made a similar point in my previous post, but I will make it again. Who cares what Jimmy Stewart did or did not do? Neal McDonough is not Jimmy Stewart. This man chose his values over money, and he should be respected for that. They may not be your values or Jimmy Stewart’s values, but he has hurt no one and suffered the consequences by losing his job. What more do you want? Should we throw him in jail or maybe ban him from all future acting jobs because he refused to film a sex scene?
Jimmy Stewart was never asked to act out the degree of steaminess that ABC tries to pump into everything now. Standards at ABC/Disney, and sadly on other networks as well, have gone straight down into the sewer.
No way you can compare love scenes in Jimmy Stewarts day to loves scenes in this day and age. Get a grip.
Jimmy Stewart kissing? You call that a kiss? Hollywood went beyond “kissing” years ago. It’s more kin to porn now than Jimmy Stewart kissing. Hang in there, Neal McDonough. You are on the right side of this food fight.
There is a distinct difference between Jimmy Stewart kissing someone on screen in the movies he did and the kind of love scenes in movies and TV today. The kind of kissing Jimmy Stewart did did not involve tongues nor did the love scenes involve simulated sex, actual making out, or any amount of nudity. If love scenes today were as tame as love scenes were in the ’40′s and 50′s, Neal might not have had an objection. Closed-mouth kissing and fully-clothed hugging are a LOT less likely to result in physical arousal than the kind of things that go on in love scenes now.
He never said anything about not doing it because he is Catholic, that was a statement made by the author of the article , and it was clear to see that the two did not speak regarding this article.
Yeah, Why follow any rules? Lets kill, screw, and rob everyone! God forbid we draw any lines in the sand.
At least he’s a sharper tool than you.
takes tool to know a tool.
hey asshole, its not about picking and choosing church rules. It is simply a man who is uncompromising when it comes to loving his wife. He chooses to honor her by not doing sex scenes. He loves his wife so deeply that honoring her is more important to him than all the money in the world.