“God has your back”: actor Neal McDonough on the new film “The End of Times”, why he will not film sex scenes, and about his faith

Actor Neal McDonough has starred in numerous Hollywood films and TV shows, but his latest project, The Leftovers: Rise of the Antichrist, is truly unique.

The film, which explores what life might be like after the biblical ascension, is directed by Kevin Sorbo, who also stars in the film, and will hit theaters on January 26.

McDonough told The Edifi Podcast that being part of the cast was a “blessing” and shared some details about his character, Jonathan Stonagall, a wealthy and powerful man who plays a key role in The Leftovers’ storyline.

“It’s nice to get access to the people who make the big decisions on this planet, to know how these people come to power and how they sometimes use their power for good,” he said. “And sometimes some of them use their power for obvious malice and…for their own improvement.”

Hear McDonough discuss his faith, avoid sex scenes, and why he wanted to be in The Left.
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McDonough said drawing attention to these sorts of characters could show people how to be “careful” of those who claim to want to be a leader but are actually acting “only for themselves.”

“I think stories like this are so well received by a lot of people because they’re about real life,” he said. “You know, this film touches on the obvious scale, but for me it’s always the little things of the characters. And the characters in this piece are really well developed.”

The actor has been open about his Catholic faith and talked about how God has blessed his life in incredible ways, including a loving wife, wonderful children and a multi-faceted career.

McDonough said he is incredibly “humiliated” when he thinks about all he has been able to achieve.

“God has given me so much and blessed me so much that it’s nice to play characters like that that piss me off for a moment and [I] realize, “Holy cow. I’m so lucky to be the person I am,” McDonough said. “And surrounded by the people that God has surrounded me with.”

The actor said being in front of a camera is his “second happiest place on the planet” after being with wife Ruve McDonough. McDonough has long made headlines for his refusal to do sex scenes; he was allegedly fired in 2010 from the show Rogues for his personal politics.

He also does not kiss others on screen and has reportedly been open about the fact for a long time. When asked about his filming principles, he was candid.

“I have to play a lot of villains because I won’t do some scenes and that’s okay,” he said. “I’ve loved my career playing Damien Dark all these years, playing all these villains, because it… makes me realize even more how much God has given me.”

In addition to his committed marriage, McDonough also spoke about his love of fatherhood and the values ​​he instills in his children. He said that he and his wife encourage their children to work hard by showing them the ins and outs of life on set.

“Do not sit idle and think that this house will be easy for you,” he said of his message to his children. “You have to work. If you work hard in life and you are a good person, good things will happen to you.”

As for the lesson he hopes The Leftovers: Rise of the Antichrist will teach, he said it’s all about building faith in God and in yourself.

“Believe in yourself, believe in yourself with all your heart and know that God is supporting you,” he said. “These are the principles by which we live in our home.”

He continued, “People will say terrible things about you. People will tempt you with terrible things. People will drop everything.”

But instead of becoming a victim, McDonough encouraged people to turn to the Lord. Learn more about The Leftovers and buy tickets here.

This story originally appeared on Faithwire.com.

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