“Yellowstone” Cast: Wes Bentley, Gil Birmingham, Kelly Reilly, Kevin Costner, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille and Luke Grimes (Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)
Neal McDonough is on a journey to self-improvement. The “Yellowstone” star opened up about his decision that allowed him to “fall in love” with himself again after he quit drinking, according to Fox News Digital.
“Years ago, I had a problem with alcohol. I had to stop drinking alcohol to actually fall in love with Neal McDonough again,” the 59-year-old actor said. “Because once you stop drinking, and all that time of sitting in a bar, or all the time going to the store. All that, I just get tired of thinking about it, all that energy now is geared towards, Okay, ‘I’m all by myself right now. I’m not leaning on the crutch that I usually do.”
Neal McDonough (Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
McDonough, known for his roles in “Yellowstone” (2019), “Suits” (2014), and “Desperate Housewives” (2004), says he has noticeably more free time since committing to the lifestyle change.
“This is a lot of extra time with me. I may not like me very much right now, but at some point, I’m gonna figure out how to fall in love with myself again,” McDonough said.
Actor Neal McDonough opens up about his sobriety journey. (Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
While discussing his faith-based film “Guns N Moses,” the Hollywood star shared how he considers himself a “simple guy” who is focused on making little changes for his well-being.
“Whatever you do in life, it’s your mental state,” he said. “What do you want to be? What kind of person do you want to be for Him? What kind of person do you want to be for your wife, for your kids? So I always kind of pride myself on trying to be the best version, but you can’t. We’re all idiots at times, we’re all sinners. We all do stupid stuff. But it’s forgiving yourself. Once you start to forgive yourself for your flaws, you say, ‘Okay, I’ve got some flaws.'”
(L-R) Morgan McDonough, London McDonough, Jammer McDonough, Neal McDonough, Ruvé McDonough, Clover McDonough, and Catherine McDonough (Credit: Rick Kern/Getty Images for Angel Studios)
He continued to share how this major lifestyle change will only benefit his family.
The actor married his wife, Ruve McDonough, back in December 2003. He met the South African model in the United Kingdom while filming “Band of Brothers.” Together, they share five children. McDonough adorably gushes about his leading lady after 20 years of marriage.
“And that’s what I did when I gave up drinking, I started to actually like me again. And I forgot how blessed I am and all the gifts that God has given me. I’m a great actor. I can’t pound a nail. I can’t tell a joke, but I’m a great actor. That’s a gift from God. That doesn’t make me special. That’s just a gift that I figured out early on.
“So I’m going to keep running with that and do the best that I can and entertain as many people as possibleIt’s our job to make you feel a little bit better about your life or test you a little bit and think, okay, how can I be a little better myself?” he concluded.