Neal McDonough emphasizes the importance of faith and family, balancing acting with cherished time at home.
Actor Neal McDonough, known for his leading role in THE LAST RODEO, opened up about the guiding rule that has allowed him to strike a balance between his demanding career and his devotion to his family. Discussing the topic on the We Who Dad podcast, McDonough emphasized how prioritizing his loved ones and his beliefs remains at the heart of his daily life, offering a candid look into the realities of navigating Hollywood while upholding his core values and living the Neal McDonough faith and family balance.
Family Support and the Challenges of an Actor’s Schedule
During his conversation with Jeremy Carroll and Robby Baehr from Movieguide®, McDonough described the unpredictable nature of his profession, which constantly demands travel and flexibility. He acknowledged that such a lifestyle presents unique challenges for staying closely knit with his family. He explained,
“It’s difficult as an actor because you don’t know when and where you’re going next,
—Neal McDonough, Actor. Despite these hurdles, McDonough credits his wife Ruve for her exceptional ability to keep their family organized and united.
But we just make it work. I’m blessed because I have my wife, and she’s incredible at organizing all kinds of amazing things. So when I’m away, I’m away. But there’s a lot of FaceTime. After a few days, the kids get tired of it. That’s why I have a rule of one week max. I have to come back after a week or else I start to get cranky.”
—Neal McDonough, Actor.
The actor admitted that frequent separations create a longing for daily family routines, stating,
“I miss the chaos of the family,
—Neal McDonough, Actor. He reflected on what he values most about being home, adding,
I miss just seeing [wife] Ruve every day and the kids and driving to school or seeing their practice or going to their games and all the stuff that we dads love to do.”
—Neal McDonough, Actor.
Finding Fulfillment in Everyday Moments
McDonough shared that one of his favorite experiences is dedicating weekends to watching and coaching his children in their various activities. This hands-on approach keeps him grounded and present, even amidst the chaos of a large, active family. As he put it,
“Spending a whole weekend in a gym for several different games for a bunch of different kids is pretty awesome. Sometimes I’m coaching, sometimes I’m just watching, and I love that. That’s my favorite part about my life.”
—Neal McDonough, Actor.
Faith as the Foundation of Family Priorities
Despite his passion for acting, McDonough places it after his family and his relationship with God. He candidly declared,
Image of: Neal McDonough
“I love acting — I love it to death. It’s the greatest job. It’s the only job I’ve ever had and I love it, but it’s a deep second place compared to family and God,
—Neal McDonough, Actor. He set forth the guiding principles he lives by, stating,
Family first, me second. God first, me second. Those are the tenets we live by.”
—Neal McDonough, Actor.
Integrating Faith and Family into Work
The importance of these values is mirrored in McDonough’s latest project, THE LAST RODEO, which centers on the themes of faith and family unity. As both he and his wife Ruve shared in a heartfelt message,
THE LAST RODEO has been in the theatres for two weeks…friends if you haven’t seen it yet…find a theatre near you,
—Neal McDonough and Ruve, Filmmakers. They continued, expressing pride in their shared creative journey,
“We are so extremely proud, after 25 years together, to have finally written our own film, produce it, cast it, star in it together, and cameos for all 5 of our kids, with the best cast and crew.”
Reflecting on the impact of their movie and family-driven endeavor, McDonough and Ruve wrote,
Those smiles on our faces are permanent, we just feel so truly blessed to have made this passion project and see it being so well received. A feel-good family film,
—Neal McDonough and Ruve, Filmmakers.
Storytelling Centered on Family’s Enduring Strength
THE LAST RODEO tells the story of a retired rodeo legend—played by McDonough—who must reconnect with his estranged daughter and face his deepest fears to help his grandson. The official summary details,
risks it all to save his grandson. Facing his own painful past and the fears of his family, he enters a high-stakes bull-riding competition as the oldest contestant ever. Along the way, he reconciles old wounds with his estranged daughter and proves that true courage is found in the fight for family,
—Official Film Logline. The narrative aligns closely with McDonough’s own commitment to family above all else, showcasing how personal conviction can inform and strengthen creative work.
The Lasting Impact of Placing Family and Faith First
Throughout his career and personal life, Neal McDonough’s choices reflect a consistent dedication to his family and his spiritual beliefs. By establishing boundaries such as his “one week max” rule and remaining actively involved in his children’s everyday lives, he sets an example for navigating a busy profession with intention and integrity. This approach not only shapes his roles on screen but continues to inspire those who face similar challenges balancing career with personal convictions.
With THE LAST RODEO now in theaters, McDonough’s portrayal of perseverance and the importance of reconciliation resonates with audiences seeking stories rooted in familial bonds and faith. His journey demonstrates that adherence to meaningful principles—both at home and in the spotlight—can lead to fulfillment and lasting joy.
