Overview
- McDonough told recent interviews that he was fired for refusing to kiss a co‑star and thereafter was labeled a “religious nut bag,” which he says closed off acting opportunities.
- He says the professional fallout worsened his drinking and led to severe financial losses, including the loss of his house and cars.
- His wife, Ruvé, gave him an ultimatum—“it's us or the bottle”—a confrontation he cites as the turning point that led him to quit drinking and rebuild his family life.
- McDonough recounts that the late actor Luke Perry provided shelter to his family during their low point and credits friends for practical support while he recovered.
- He now co‑produces projects with his wife and is credited as an actor and producer on the Jimmy Stewart biopic 'Jimmy,' and the recent coverage presents his firing and blackballing as his first‑person account rather than independently verified fact.