Neal McDonough: From Canceled to Constant Film, TV Gigs

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The joke in Hollywood is that Pedro Pascal is in every third movie.

He’s not exactly overstating it, but he is close. This month, he has roles in no less than two films – “Eddington” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Similarly, just like Neal McDonough, the talented actor known for his roles in “Band of Brothers,” “Justified,” and numerous other productions, also demonstrates great versatility.

Over the past few months, the 59-year-old celebrity can be seen in “The Shift,” “Skillhouse,” “The Last Rodeo,” “Tulsa King,” “Homestead,” and the recently released mystery-thriller “Guns & Moses.

And he couldn’t be happier about the work flow.

In a chat with HiT, McDonough shares, “I’m not skilled at hammering nails or telling jokes, but I can really act. If this is my natural gift, I plan to utilize it to the fullest extent to amuse others. The fact that we’re now producing our own films just makes it all the more incredible.

McDonough may not have created “Guns & Moses,” but such a project certainly sparks his imaginative enthusiasm. This movie tells the story of Rabbi Mo, played by Mark Feuerstein, a peaceful guide who learns weaponry skills following an assault on his place of worship.

The primary individual under investigation is Jackson A. Dunn, who is known to be a local supporter of white supremacy, but Rabbi Mo remains unconvinced. In his quest to identify the perpetrator, Rabbi Mo takes on the role of an amateur detective, which places him in potentially dangerous situations.

His enemies should know he’s far from a soft target. He’s ready to shoot back.

It’s important for me to be in movies that stimulate thought, if given the chance. While I appreciate big studio productions, I’m an actor who thrives on developing complex characters, whether they are heroes or villains. And ‘Guns & Moses’ certainly provokes a lot of contemplation.

The movie currently showing in cinemas was initially planned and filmed prior to October 7th. Recent events have made self-protection a pressing concern for Jewish communities throughout the United States. However, McDonough points out that these fears were present well before Hamas’ horrific acts of violence.

For millennia, these issues have persisted… People have attempted to eliminate Judaism from existence, and if we neglect this history, it’s a disgrace upon us, he asserts.

The film presents numerous conflicting concepts, but by the end, you’ll realize that choosing hatred is not the solution. Instead, empathy and kindness are the answers. Yes, it’s a suspenseful thriller. Yes, it also carries elements of modern western genre, which I specialize in. My children often tease me, ‘Dad, don’t you own anything other than blue jeans?’

The movie ‘Guns & Moses’ blends numerous genres together… It’s more about learning forgiveness and understanding than it is about harboring hatred,” he notes.

I don’t typically witness McDonough using public platforms for political grandstanding, unlike some of his contemporaries. Instead, he articulates his religious beliefs in a manner that feels inviting and compassionate.

That faith also cost him dearly behind the scenes in Hollywood.

As a devoted cinematic aficionado, I can share that McDonough firmly stands by not locking lips with another woman on-screen unless it’s with his real-life partner, the captivating Ruvé Robertson. This commitment cost him an opportunity on ABC’s “Scoundrels,” and as McDonough himself expressed, it momentarily earned him a Hollywood cold shoulder.

In a 2019 interview, the actor remembered a time when work offers (gigs) became scarce. However, it was during this period that Graham Yost, a producer for “Band of Brothers,” offered him a role as a villain in the FX series “Justified.

And nobody plays a baddie quite like McDonough. After that, he was back at work, busier than ever.

In “The Last Rodeo,” the latest movie by Angel Studios, McDonough’s role was produced under his newly established banner. The story revolves around an actor portraying a former bronco rider who is compelled to return to the arena due to his grandson’s unexpected illness.

The play brought in $15 million from American cinemas and is doing well on video-on-demand services. It aligns with producer McDonough’s strategy to create stories that inspire rather than cause conflict or belittle.

He admits it may seem cheesy, but that’s just his personality. He aims to create movies that contribute positively to society,” he explains.

Listen to the entire interview, where McDonough discusses his collaboration with the living legend Sylvester Stallone on “Tulsa King,” on The ebaster.ru Podcast. (or simply: Hear the full interview about McDonough’s work with Sylvester Stallone on “Tulsa King” on The ebaster.ru Podcast.)

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2025-07-18 20:03