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Standing for Principle in the Spotlight
It is not easy to stand alone, especially in the entertainment industry, where fame and fortune so often require compromise. Neal McDonough, known for his roles in Yellowstone and Band of Brothers, found this out the hard way. He made it a rule never to kiss or engage in intimate scenes with anyone but his wife. For Hollywood, this was too much. For Latter-day Saints, his story rings familiar.
“I always had in my contracts that I wouldn’t kiss another woman on screen. My wife didn’t have any problem with it. It was me, really, who had a problem. I don’t want to put you through it… and I don’t want to put my kids through it.”
When McDonough refused to back down, Hollywood “turned on” him. He lost work, faced financial hardship, and was even sued. Yet he remained true to his beliefs.
“They wouldn’t let me be part of the show anymore. And for two years, I couldn’t get a job, and I lost everything you could possibly imagine. Not just houses and material things, but your swagger, your cool, who you are, your identity, everything. I knew I did the right thing for my marriage. I knew I did the right thing for [God]. And I knew I did the right thing for me.”
Chastity, Fidelity, and Faith: A Latter-day Saint Standard
For Latter-day Saints, chastity and fidelity are not just guidelines, but sacred covenants. McDonough’s refusal to compromise on these standards is a rare act of moral courage in an industry that often celebrates the opposite. His example mirrors the teachings found throughout scripture and the words of modern prophets.
“Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.” (Mosiah 18:9)
This courage inspires us to remember that sometimes the right path is not the easiest, and standing for truth may mean standing alone.
Faithfulness Brings Real Rewards
Even after losing everything, McDonough did not back down. When his new film called for romantic scenes, he solved the problem by casting his wife, ensuring his on-screen actions honored their vows.
His journey is a powerful reminder that living Latter-day Saint values in entertainment is possible, even when it costs us. The peace that comes from choosing faithfulness over compromise is worth far more than any career or earthly acclaim.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you… for my sake.” (Matthew 5:11)
To learn more about Neal McDonough’s journey and his inspiring example, visit EW’s article on his Hollywood ordeal.
