A Catholic Actor Who Won't Compromise on Sex Scenes

PatrickMadrid ^ | April 1, 2010 | Patrick Madrid

[NYer]

Media pundit Nikki Finke points out an admirable and rare trait among modern-day Catholic actors: Courage to not abandon one's convictions in the face of worldly emoluments.

Neal McDonough is the actor in question. I very much enjoyed his portrayal of heroic WWII G.I. Buck Compton in Band of Brothers and, more recently, his role as Captain Dave Severance in "Flags of Our Fathers." I haven't seen any of the TV shows she mentions below, but I really appreciate the fact that Mr. McDonough won't cave when the temptation presents itself to go along to get along in Hollywood. God bless you, sir!

"[He] is a marvelous actor who elevates every role he plays, whether it's in Band of Brothers or Desperate Housewives.

"So when he was suddenly replaced with David James Elliott 3 days into the filming on ABC's new series Scoundrels earlier this week, there had to be a story behind the story. The move was officially explained as a casting change. But, in fact, McDonough was sacked because of his refusal to do some heated love scenes with babelicious star (and Botox pitchwoman) Virginia Madsen.

The reason?

He's a family man and a Catholic, and he's always made it clear that he won't do sex scenes. And ABC knew that. Because he also didn't get into action with Nicolette Sheridan on the network'sDesperate Housewives when he played her psycho husband during Season 5. And he also didn't do love scenes with his on-air girlfriend in his previous series, NBC's Boomtown, or that network's Medical Investigation.

"'It has cost him jobs, but the man is sticking to his principles,' a source explained to me. You can't help but admire McDonough for sticking to his beliefs, even if he's poised to lose as much as $1 million in paydays..." (continue reading

[NYer]

Ping!

[Fawn]

He was so good in Medical Investigation.....I like him even more now...

[DJ MacWoW]

I see ABC still believes that “sex sells”. It might. But decorum sells more. Unfortunately Hollyweird doesn’t want to hear that. Good for this guy for sticking to his convictions.

[Tax-chick]

The comments at the link are hysterical. Some dinglebob even said “Taliban,” if you can believe it ... over one actor’s personal choice.

[LastNorwegian]

No doubt our admiration for his integrity will cause this thread to grow far beyond the postcount of the many Megan Fox or other ‘babe’ threads...

-Yes, that is sarcasm...

A pity there aren’t more people like him though... Or even just people who respect his values.

[ArrogantBustard]

I'm surprised ABC didn't want him to do a queer sex scene.

[ArrogantBustard]

I bet all those “dinglebobs” are “pro choice”.

[MinorityRepublican]

Prude.

[DJ MacWoW]

Being a woman, I get tired of the “babe” threads and the “I’d hit it” crap. This actors stance needs to be praised. But I agree with you, it will get yawns.

[onyx]

Married man, three children, Catholic, GOOD on him.

[DJ MacWoW]

I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right.

[MinorityRepublican]

Well what did you expect. We the Men are dogs, LOL.

[Tax-chick]

It wouldn’t surprise me. It also doesn’t surprise me (given the state of American education) that so many can’t see the difference between *pretending* to shoot someone and *actually* getting undressed with, touching, kissing, etc., a woman not his wife.

[Palladin]

Wonderful and heartening, after reading of the likes of Tiger Woods, Jesse James, etc.

How refreshing for a younger man to actually take his marriage vows seriously.

His wife is one lucky lady!

[Salvation]

**”So when he was suddenly replaced with David James Elliott 3 days into the filming on ABC’s new series Scoundrels earlier this week, there had to be a story behind the story. The move was officially explained as a casting change. But, in fact, McDonough was sacked because of his refusal to do some heated love scenes with babelicious star (and Botox pitchwoman) Virginia Madsen.**

God bless this man abundantly, please!

[P.O.E.]

Patrick McGoohan would not even participate in a kissing scene.

[mware]

One handsome man on the inside and outside.

His wife is a very lucky woman.

[carolinablonde]

I’ve read the Jim Caveizel is another actor who will not do steamy scenes because he feels it is wrong for a married man to do so.

[DJ MacWoW]

Well what did you expect. We the Men are dogs, LOL.

By choice. It doesn't have to be that way. Women are more than faces and chests. And it is partly womens fault for playing into that. Women have come to believe that hitting the genetic jackpot makes them special. They should prefer being a person than an ornament.