Actor Neal McDonough recalls a very painful thought that literally brought him to a halt years ago. Per Taste Of Country, he was making a film called The Warrant when he suddenly had an awful notion. McDonough wondered, "What would ever happen to me if something happened to (wife) Ruvé?" Musing about that idea must have felt like he was being struck by lightning. In fact, a bunch of horses came galloping by near McDonough at that moment, fortunately distracting him and jarring him out of his panic.
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But it also led to a major inspiration. "And this thought came into my head, which I know came from above: Write a film about Rocky on a bull for an old dude whose grandson is dying of brain cancer."
Overall, things are looking pretty good for the actor right now. The Yellowstone alum has a new flick coming out, The Last Rodeo. It was born from that flash of inspiration he had and hits theaters on May 23.
What Got Neal McDonough Booted Off A TV Show
He has also divulged the gallant rule he adheres to that once got him kicked off a TV show. McDonough would not plant a smooch on any other female except his dear missus! He won't have to turn the other cheek in his upcoming film, though. The woman is played by - you guessed it - Ruve McDonough.
He Fell On Tough Times A While Back
He acknowledges that he once had a really rough patch of bad luck and hard times, personally and professionally, per the outlet via Taste Of Country's Dutton Rules podcast. "For two years, I just didn't work. I didn't have anything.They took my house away, cars away, everything. And at that time, I drank myself kind of silly just to kind of push everybody away and, and wallow in my own self pity."
Times are changing for him, however. He has that new film to look forward to. In The Last Rodeo, McDonough plays widower and ex-rodeo champ Joe Wainwright. He has some big challenges facing him. There's tension between himself, his daughter, and his grandson, who is found to have brain cancer. That causes Wainwright to go back to riding bulls to raise money for his grandson's costly medical treatment, It also brings him closer to God.
The movie has a great director in Jon Avent. He also helmed Black Swan, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Risky Business.
He Credits His Wife Ruve With Helping To Rejuvenate Him
"If it weren't for my wife, Ruvé, you know, I wouldn't be here today. She got me through the problems that I went through all those years ago...She got me to stop drinking and focus on what was important in life. And that was on God."
