Actor and producer Neal McDonough has often portrayed the villain in movies due to his staunch commitment to avoid kissing and sex scenes with costars. His commitment to his faith—and to his wife—has often benched or typecasted the actor. But, as McDonough has climbed his way back to a robust and successful acting career, he’s seen a significant shift in Hollywood to seek out faith-based content.
McDonough praises many producers “going out on a limb and telling stories of faith so the whole family can go to a theater.”
Neal McDonough Says Hollywood Is Now ‘Very Interested’ in Faith-Based Content
McDonough joined Glenn Beck for an interview and discussed his faith, family, and career in Hollywood. With dozens of roles on TV and in movies, McDonough has received a few awards for his work on the screen.
“There is definitely a need for films that talk about faith—talk about family, talk about the what-ifs of life,” said McDonough. “Going out and buying tickets to films like this—that’s the message you’re directly sending to Los Angeles.”
The two discussed a shift that’s taking place in Hollywood. Family-friendly and faith-based films are now recognized as successful—whereas once, they were mediocre at best. Wholesome films often had sub-par storylines, budgets, actors, and production.
But, that’s changed, says McDonough, “whether it’s Angel Studios, whether it’s the amazing Irwin Brothers, whether it’s Dallas Jenkins, whether it’s the Kendricks, whoever it is who’s going out on a limb and telling stories of faith so the whole family can go to a theater.”
He spoke of his own family’s experience after watching a wholesome film together. The storyline sparks a meaningful discussion among the “8-year-old or 80-year-old.”
“Never, ever, ever have I seen before four or five [studios] saying, ‘Oh by the way, if you have something of faith, we’re very interested this year,’” McDonough continued. “Something’s changed.”
McDonough is shocked to see the questionable content that’s allowed in movies. While he is a man of faith, McDonough said his company produces films that are not just Christian faith-based, but also moral for all walks of faith.
Beck spoke of something both he and McDonough have in common—alcoholism. Both are recovering alcoholics who are grateful to both God and their wives for their own transformation.
“Fame and fortune are battery acid to the soul,” exclaimed Beck. McDonough heartily agreed, recalling much of what the movie industry offers and promotes.
“I’ve been blessed because I’ve had a person who’s alongside there with me pushing me and helping me get to be the best version of myself possible,” McDonough said of his wife. “There’s my relationship with God—the closer I get to God or the closer any of us get to God the more humbling it becomes.”
