Neal McDonough breaks no-kissing rule for wife in The Last Rodeo, marking a rare and personal exception to his longstanding principle against on-screen intimacy with women other than his spouse. The actor’s choice shines a spotlight both on his professional ethics and on his recent film, co-starring his wife, Ruvé McDonough, and directed by Jon Avnet, now showing across Hollywood theaters.
How Neal McDonough’s No-Kissing Rule Shaped His Career
Christian actor Neal McDonough has long been recognized for his unwavering policy of refusing to kiss anyone but his wife on screen, an approach that has substantially influenced his place in the entertainment industry. This devotion to his beliefs has not been without sacrifice, as McDonough has openly shared how he has lost roles and found it challenging at times to sustain his position in Hollywood as a result.
Speaking about his past experiences, McDonough addressed his unique career journey and the roles he’s accepted. The impact of this no-kissing principle on his work has been significant, with the actor stating that he has missed out on opportunities but refused to compromise:
“I won’t kiss any other woman because these lips are meant for one woman,”
— Neal McDonough, Actor.
Persuading His Wife Ruvé to Join the Cast
The Last Rodeo presented an opportunity for McDonough to not only adhere to his principle but also to make a longstanding dream a reality. He urged his wife, Ruvé, to take a leading role in the film so that, in a rare exception to his rule, the film’s climactic romantic moment could be shared truthfully.
Recalling the conversation that brought his wife on board, McDonough explained:
“I convinced my wife, Ruvé. I said, ‘Honey, you have to be in the film because I have to kiss the girl in the end.’ She’s like, ‘I don’t know how to act.’ I’m like, ‘Well, you do now,’”
— Neal McDonough, Actor.
This approach allowed him to portray a character’s romantic side on screen while remaining true to the core values that define both his personal life and professional identity.
A New Experience Behind the Scenes
Despite being accustomed to roles that didn’t cast him as the lead romantic hero, McDonough embraced the challenge of delivering an ending where he finally “gets the girl.” Reflecting on his experience, he remarked:
“I’ve been riding horses my whole life, so to jump into this saddle is different because I’ve never really been in this type of saddle before,”
— Neal McDonough, Actor.
He continued, discussing the landmark scene and the chance to finally take on a leading romantic role:
“I’ve not been the hero of the movie. I’ve never been in the position where I get to kiss the girl in the end because, as everyone knows, I won’t kiss another woman on screen,”
— Neal McDonough, Actor.
By including his wife as his on-screen partner, McDonough was able to authentically fulfill this role for the first time in his lengthy career.
Family On Set: A Memorable Moment for the McDonoughs
The significance of the film’s romantic moment was heightened by the presence of the McDonoughs’ daughter, London, on set. As filming of the kiss required several retakes, the reality of the family dynamic shone through, with daughter London experiencing her parents‘ on-screen romance firsthand. McDonough shared the behind-the-scenes exchange in detail:
“Our daughter London was there, and she was like, ‘Dad, can you stop? Because I’m famous for one, maybe two takes — eight or nine takes through. I’m like, ‘Jon, I need one more. I didn’t get that right.’ And there we are, mackin’ again. And there’s London, ‘Oh dad, you’re grossing me out.’”
— Neal McDonough, Actor.
This candid moment offered insight into both the playful and meaningful atmosphere surrounding the production of The Last Rodeo.
Celebrating Love, Faithfulness, and Professional Integrity
For McDonough, the decision to bring his wife into the film was not just a solution to his no-kissing rule, but also an expression of deep personal values centered on fidelity and love. He described this scene with heartfelt satisfaction:
“Watching me love the thing that I love more than anything on this planet…for me, it was the crowning achievement of everything I’ve done in my life,”
— Neal McDonough, Actor.
Elaborating on what the moment and the film meant to him, he expressed gratitude for those who stood by him in Hollywood and in life:
“Ups and downs, the hard times I went through because of choices I’ve made, now are all in the rearview mirror. And I couldn’t be happier because all of it was directed by one of my greatest friends, my mentor, my big brother, John Avnet, and I wouldn’t be here without you.”
— Neal McDonough, Actor.
This personal achievement for McDonough is also representative of his commitment to upholding his values despite industry challenges, and it has earned admiration from peers and family alike.
Critical Reception and Christian Themes in The Last Rodeo
The Last Rodeo has received attention not only for its unique casting decision involving the McDonoughs, but also for its Christian worldview and portrayal of faith. Movieguide® awarded the film a +2 rating, highlighting the narrative’s strong spiritual focus and emphasis on reconciliation, miraculous overcoming, and references to God. The review noted:
“THE LAST RODEO is a powerful, exciting movie with wonderful acting and powerful reconciliations as well as many wonderful, heartfelt scenes of reconciliation and miraculous overcoming. Best of all, THE LAST RODEO has a strong Christian, biblical worldview. It has multiple references to God the Father, with characters talking about Him openly. There are also multiple instances of reading the Bible and accepting God’s grace. However, THE LAST RODEO has violent bull riding scenes, a fight in a bar, three very light obscenities. So, MOVIEGUIDE® commends THE LAST RODEO with a light caution.”
— Movieguide® Review
Audiences drawn to stories that highlight Christian faith, family unity, and redemption are likely to find The Last Rodeo particularly impactful. The portrayal of real-life marriage at the heart of the film lends authenticity to its depiction of love and dedication.
The Last Rodeo’s Nationwide Release and Industry Impact
Now showing in theaters across the United States, The Last Rodeo not only showcases a unique partnership between Neal and Ruvé McDonough but also stands as a testament to the values that some Hollywood actors carry into their work. The positive critical reception and the attention to heartfelt themes help distinguish the film in a crowded market.
With direction from Jon Avnet and the involvement of the McDonough family, the movie points toward a growing audience for faith-inspired entertainment. Neal McDonough’s stance, and his rare exception in this film, foster discussions about personal conviction and authenticity in the entertainment world.
Looking Ahead: What McDonough’s Decision Means for Hollywood
Neal McDonough breaking his no-kissing rule for wife in The Last Rodeo highlights the intersection of personal beliefs and professional obligations in Hollywood. His experience reflects broader themes of adherence to faith and the desire to prioritize family, resonating with audiences and other actors who value integrity.
As the film continues to reach viewers in theaters, McDonough’s approach and the story behind The Last Rodeo may inspire further conversations about balancing one’s core values with the demands of a creative career. For now, the movie marks an important chapter both in the actor’s journey and in the growth of Christian-themed cinema.
