Neal McDonough's Family & Faith Helped Him Get Back on Track after Firing, Losing House, Car & All His Stuff

Neal McDonough is among the few Hollywood stars oblivious to the industry's standards. This steel-blue-eyed actor from patriotic films like "Flags of Our Fathers" filters his roles. Yet, despite falling under the claws of cancel culture because of his no-kiss rule, he has remained devoted to his family.

A disciplined Catholic, Neal McDonough faced the dangers of not having a career and being forgotten, but that did not trigger him to change his mind. Instead, the "Band of Brothers" star has steadfastly committed to family and faith.

It all became glaring as soon as he married Ruve Robertson, a 6 ft 3 former South African model. The duo met in 2000 on the streets of London when the actor visited Europe to shoot the series that skyrocketed him to fame.

McDonough was partially drunk when he saw the fine wine, yet he noticed her striking beauty. The "Justified" star passed a seemingly unattractive comment, noting her height, and in response, the model quipped, "you're American."

Funnily enough, it was more than a compliment to the actor; he knew instantly that they were soulmates. The next day, the "Walking Tall" star broke up with his ex-lover.

A few years later, they were married. A seven-week honeymoon of the newlyweds touring different world cities, including Cape Cod, London, South Africa, Oahu's North Shore, and Santa Barbara followed.

Since then, the couple has stuck together like two peas in a pod. While describing their bond, McDonough claimed they had always worked as a team. In addition, Robertson was involved in her husband's business—acting as a spokesperson to agents on production matters.

The most interesting part is that they thought alike and envisioned a big family. But, of course, the actor was not new to such an arrangement as his grandfather had twenty-one siblings, his dad eleven, while he was among a large brood.

However, his wife was born into a small family; she was one of two kids. They reached an agreement, ending up with five kids, Catherine, Morgan, London, James, and Clover.

Shortly after their wedding, McDonough publicly declared his devotion to his family and faith in God for his future as an actor and family man. He said:

"I leave it in the hands of the Big Guy Upstairs. I'd love to stay here for five or six years, do a television series and go home every night to Ruve."

McDonough Stuck to His Principles despite Getting Fired

Throughout his career, McDonough exercised faith in God and loyalty to his wife and developed strict rules. However, the principled actor considered kissing another woman on the screen and using God's name inappropriately as the two greatest sins.

Despite his profound sadness, the "Yellowstone" star prayed to God. But his words were filled with questions. In the end, he acknowledged the little blessings, and a few minutes after the prayer, he was called to play the villain in "Justified."

He once mentioned that acting would never drive him to such errors. Truly, it never did. However, the movie star was blacklisted for some time following his refusal to bend his rules.

The word from the "Desperate Housewives" star was that he was relieved from being a cast member on "Scoundrels." However, the producers of the ABC show did not buy his convictions, as they needed him to play the part to boost their ratings.

Even though the actor stood firm, it ushered in a challenging episode at the time. For two years, he was unemployed and lost his car and a heavenly Los Angeles mansion. McDonough shared:

"There was a time I wasn't working. I couldn't get a job because people thought I was this crazy religious guy. But that wasn't the case. I love my wife, but I love my acting too. I was hopeful that someone would give me a chance again.

Despite his profound sadness, the "Yellowstone" star prayed to God. But his words were filled with questions. In the end, he acknowledged the little blessings, and a few minutes after the prayer, he was called to play the villain in "Justified."

This did not mean that the devoted catholic relaxed his rules. On the contrary, he polished his acting and had a phenomenal career!

While speaking at the Orange Catholic's Foundation Annual Conference on Business and Ethics, the celebrity revealed he maintained his stance. In the end, scripts started coming in. This time, producers were conscious of his rules and wrote creatively to suit the role onscreen.

The "Captain America: The First Avengers" actor challenged other Catholics to stick to their beliefs no matter the situation they are faced with. McDonough claimed he needed to establish these rules to inspire his family. He added:

"If I'm in bed with another woman, guess what I'm actually doing, I'm kissing another woman. I don't want my kids to see that, I don't want my family to see that. I really don't want God to see that…these lips are made for one woman."

McDonough Is Going Stronger While Enjoying Family

At 56, the "Project Blue Book" cast member is blessed with a family that understands and appreciates his efforts. In return, the Hollywood star credits Robertson for being by his side all these years. According to him:

"Five kids and just one heck of an awesome life later, to have her as my partner in everything… That's why I go to church every day and say thank you to God for everything he's given me. And most importantly, thank you for giving me Ruvé, because without her, I most certainly would not be talking with you right now."

Their marriage is bliss due to their efforts to keep the fire burning. Amid proclaiming his undying love for the former model via interviews, McDonough enjoys sharing their moments as a couple, including anniversaries, online.

In June, the couple visited Monte Carlo, their first vacation site, to mark the twentieth anniversary of their first trip as lovers. A few months before broadcasting the trip, the doting husband celebrated St. Patrick's Day and 23 years since their first meeting.

He uploaded a photo of his stunning wife captioned with sweet words reassuring her of his eternal love. Robertson is not the only beneficiary of this affectionate gesture, as her husband is an all-rounder, celebrating their kids, proving that he is a proud father and contented family man.