Neal McDonough (born February 13, 1966) is an American actor. He is known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Lynn "Buck" Compton in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (2001), Deputy District Attorney David McNorris on Boomtown (2002–2003), Tin Man in the Sci Fi Channel miniseries Tin Man, and as Dave Williams in Season 5 of Desperate Housewives (2008–2009), and President Dwight D. Eisenhower in American Horror Story: Double Feature (2021) for which he was critically acclaimed. He has also appeared in films such as Star Trek: First Contact, Minority Report, Walking Tall, and as Timothy "Dum Dum" Dugan in various Marvel Cinematic Universe films and TV series. In the DC Arrowverse, he has appeared as Damien Darhk in the TV series Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and The Flash. He had a major role playing Sean Cahill in Suits for several seasons (2014–2019) and played Malcolm Beck on Yellowstone (2019). More recently he has appeared in the second season of Tulsa King (2024).

Neal McDonough
McDonough in 2017
Born (1966-02-13) February 13, 1966 (age 58)
Alma materSyracuse University (BFA)
OccupationActor
Years active1990–present
Spouse
Ruvé Robertson
(m. 2003)
Children5

Early life and education

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McDonough was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on February 13, 1966, the son of Catherine (née Bushe) and Frank McDonough, motel owners who emigrated from Ireland, with his mother coming from County Tipperary and his father from County Galway.[1][2] McDonough grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts and was raised Catholic.[3] His childhood nickname was "Headster", which McDonough says originated in his brothers' teasing him about the size of his head.[4] He graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University, where he was initiated and became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1988. He had obtained several college scholarships to play baseball, but decided to go to Syracuse, as he thought it had the best theater department.[5] McDonough furthered his classical theatre training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Career

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McDonough in 2009

In 1991, McDonough won the Best Actor Dramalogue for "Away Alone". McDonough has made many television and film appearances since then, including Band of Brothers, Boomtown, Star Trek: First Contact, Minority Report and The Hitcher. McDonough played Dave Williams on the fifth season of Desperate Housewives.[6] He also starred in the lead role on 2004 medical drama Medical Investigation for its one full season.

In 1996, McDonough voiced Bruce Banner in the animated television series The Incredible Hulk which ran for two seasons. He later reprised the role in the 2005 video game The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction.

McDonough was set to star in the ABC dramedy Scoundrels,[7] but was fired for refusing to act in sex scenes, citing his family and Catholic faith as basis for his decision.[8]

McDonough portrays Jesus in "The Truth & Life Dramatized Audio New Testament Bible," a dramatized audio New Testament which uses the Catholic edition of the revised standard version of the Bible.

In 2011, McDonough appeared as Timothy "Dum Dum" Dugan in Captain America: The First Avenger. McDonough also voiced the character in the 2011 video game Captain America: Super Soldier. He reprised his role four times since then: in the 2013 short film, Agent Carter; in the first episode of the second season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2014); in an episode of the Agent Carter television series (2015); and as an alternate version in an episode of the What If...? television series (2021).

In 2012, McDonough had a recurring role in the third season of FX's Justified as Robert Quarles, a sadistic carpetbagging mobster from Detroit.[9] He was later cast as Police Chief Parker in Frank Darabont's TNT pilot Mob City.[10]

During the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on NBC, McDonough was featured in a high-profile and frequently aired Poolside commercial for the Cadillac ELR hybrid electric car.[11]

In 2015, McDonough was cast as DC Comics villain Damien Darhk on the fourth season of Arrow.[12]

In 2021, he was cast as President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the tenth season of American Horror Story, titled Double Feature. He is a main cast member for the second part of the season. The same year, he also portrayed the character Dr. William Birkin, the lead villain of the popular video game Resident Evil 2, in a live-action film adaptation of the first two Resident Evil games, entitled Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.[13] He also played a small role as a side villain Anders in The 100.

In 2022, McDonough was a guest artist and narrator for the 2022 annual Tabernacle Choir Christmas Program.[14]

Throughout his career McDonough, has enjoyed recognition for his various character roles in both film and television, as well as for his voice work in animation and video games. As a result of these accolades, he is especially considered one of the best "bad guy character actors" in the industry today.[15]

Personal life

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McDonough is a devout Catholic.[16] In 2003, McDonough married Ruvé Robertson, a South African model whom he met in the United Kingdom while filming Band of Brothers.[17] They have five children.[18][19][20][21]

He has stated that he refuses to perform sex scenes and kiss female co-stars because of his faith and respect for his wife. He said he was fired from the TV series Scoundrels for his refusal to perform sex scenes.[16]

McDonough is a Republican, and revealed his political beliefs during his eulogy at Buck Compton's funeral.[citation needed]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1990 Darkman Dockworker #2
1994 Angels in the Outfield Whit Bass
1995 Three Wishes Policeman
1996 Star Trek: First Contact Lt. Hawk
1997 Fire Down Below Truck Driver At Truck Stop
1999 A Perfect Little Man Billy Morrisson
Ravenous Reich
2002 Minority Report Officer Gordon "Fletch" Fletcher
2003 Timeline Frank Gordon
They Call Him Sasquatch Ned Dwyer
2004 Walking Tall Jay Hamilton
2006 The Guardian Chief Petty Officer Jack Skinner
The Last Time Hurly
Flags of Our Fathers Captain Dave Severance
Machine Jack Ford
2007 The Hitcher Lieutenant Esteridge
I Know Who Killed Me Daniel Fleming
2008 Forever Strong Coach Richard Penning
88 Minutes Jon Forster
Traitor FBI Agent Max Archer
2009 Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li M. Bison
2010 DC Showcase: Green Arrow Green Arrow / Oliver Queen Voice, short film[22]
2011 Little Birds Hogan
Ticking Clock James Keene
Captain America: The First Avenger Timothy "Dum Dum" Dugan [23]
2012 The Philly Kid Jim "L.A. Jim" Jacoby [24]
2013 Company of Heroes Lieutenant Joe Conti [25]
The Marine 3: Homefront Jonah Pope
Red 2 Jack Horton [26]
Agent Carter Timothy "Dum Dum" Dugan Short film[27]
2014 Bad Country Kiersey
Batman: Assault on Arkham Floyd Lawton / Deadshot Voice, direct-to-video[22]
Falcon Rising Manny Ridley [28]
2015 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 Vincent Sofel [29]
2016 Greater Marty Burlsworth Also executive producer[30]
2017 1922 Harlan Cotterie [31]
2018 Proud Mary Walter [32]
Game Over, Man! Conrad Drothers [33]
2019 Buddy Games Himself
2020 Sonic the Hedgehog Major Bennington [34]
The Warrant John Breaker Also executive producer[35]
Red Stone Boon Also executive producer
Monsters of Man Major
2021 Apex Samuel Rainsford [36]
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City William Birkin [37]
2022 Boon Boon Also writer and producer[38]
There Are No Saints Vincent [39]
Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist Jonathan Stonagal [40]
O Holy Night Guest Narrator Also a live Christmas album
2023 The Shift The Benefactor [41]
Holiday Twist Skip [42]
Soul Mates Matchmaker [43]
The Warrant: Breaker's Law John Breaker [44]
2024 Outlaw Posse Bart [45]
Homestead Ian Ross [46]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1991 China Beach Lurch Episode: "Hello Goodbye"
Quantum Leap Chucky Episode: "Play Ball"
Babe Ruth Lou Gehrig Television film
1993 In the Line of Duty: Ambush in Waco Jason Television film
1994 Duckman IRS Agent Voice, episode: "Not So Easy Riders"
Aaahh!!! Real Monsters Cameraman, Monster Voice, episode: "Krumm Goes Hollywood"[22]
1995 Blue River Edward Sellars Television film
JAG Second Lieutenant Jay Williams Episode "Desert Son"
White Dwarf Dr. Driscoll Rampart III Television film
Iron Man Firebrand Voice, episode: "Fire and Rain"[22]
1996 Murphy Brown Clive Walker Episode: "If You're Going to Talk the Talk"
NYPD Blue Jerry Selness Episode: "He's Not Guilty, He's My Brother"
1996–1997 The Incredible Hulk Bruce Banner Voice, 21 episodes[22]
1997 Invasion Randy North TV miniseries
1998 Diagnosis: Murder Ross Canin 2 episodes
1999 Martial Law Kyle Strode 4 episodes
Balloon Farm Sheriff Television film
Just Shoot Me! Craig Episode: "Shaking Private Trainer"
Profiler Christoper Langston Episode: "To Serve and Protect"
2001 Band of Brothers First Lieutenant Lynn "Buck" Compton 8 episodes
2002 The X-Files Agent Comer 2 episodes
2002–2003 Boomtown L.A. Deputy D.A. David McNorris 24 episodes
2004–2005 Medical Investigation Dr. Stephen Connor 20 episodes
2007 Traveler Secretary of Homeland Security Jack Freed 6 episodes
Tin Man Wyatt Cain (Tin Man) 3 episodes
2008–2009 Desperate Housewives Dave Williams 24 episodes
2010 Terriers Ford / Tom Cutshaw 2 episodes
2011 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Monsignor McTeal Episode: "The Consoler"
2012 Justified Robert Quarles 13 episodes
CSI: NY Senator Gordon Hamilton Episode: "Unspoken"
Perception Fredrick James Dafoe Episode: "Cipher"
2013 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Tommy Barnes Episode: "Sheltered"
Mob City Captain Bill Parker 6 episodes
2014–2019 Suits Sean Cahill 17 episodes
2014 Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Timothy "Dum Dum" Dugan Episode: "Shadows"
2015 Agent Carter Episode: "The Iron Ceiling"
Public Morals Rusty Patton 9 episodes
2015–2016 Arrow Damien Darhk 20 episodes[47]
2015–2022 The Flash 4 episodes[48]
2016–2020 Legends of Tomorrow 21 episodes[49]
2017 Rogue Casey Oaks 5 episodes
Survivor's Remorse Brian Episode: "Repercussions"
2018–2021 Van Helsing Hansen / Willem 9 episodes[50]
2019–2020 Project Blue Book General James Harding 18 episodes[51]
2019 Yellowstone Malcolm Beck 6 episodes[52]
2020 Altered Carbon Konrad Harlan 3 episodes
The 100 Anders 5 episodes
2021 What If...? Timothy "Dum Dum" Dugan Voice, episode: "What If... Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?"[53][22]
American Horror Story: Double Feature Dwight D. Eisenhower Main cast (4 episodes)[54]
2022 9-1-1: Lone Star Sergeant Ty O'Brien 7 episodes[55]
2024 Tulsa King Cal Thresher Main role (season 2)[56]

Video games

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Year Title Voice role Notes
2005 The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction Bruce Banner [22]
2009 Rogue Warrior Admiral Travis Payton [22]
2011 Captain America: Super Soldier Timothy 'Dum Dum' Dugan [22]
2013 Injustice: Gods Among Us The Flash, Damian Wayne / Nightwing, Regime Soldier #2 [22]
2015 Skylanders: SuperChargers Astroblast [57]
Call of Duty: Black Ops III Jack Vincent Also likeness

Internet

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Year Title Role Notes
2015 If Angels In The Outfield Happened For Real (30 For 30 Parody) Whit Bass CollegeHumor sketch

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Award category Title of work Result
1999 Atlantic City Film Festival Best Actor (Jury Award) A Perfect Little Man Won
2003 Online Film & Television Association Award[58] Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Boomtown Nominated
Television Critics Association Award Individual Achievement in Drama
Satellite Award Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series – Drama Won
2008 Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Desperate Housewives Nominated
2012 Critics' Choice Television Award Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Justified
Satellite Award Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film Won

References

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  1. ^ "Film Review". 2005. p. 82. {{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  2. ^ Drew, April (2006). "McDonough Stars in The Guardian". IrishVoice. IrishAbroad. Archived from the original on September 24, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  3. ^ Kelly, Antoinette (April 2, 2010). "'Housewives' Catholic star Neal McDonough fired, refused sex scenes". IrishCentral.
  4. ^ "Neal McDonough Loves His Big Irish Family". Conan. November 22, 2013. TBS. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  5. ^ "Neal McDonough: The Hollywood Interview". Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  6. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 30, 2008). "New lover moves in on "Housewives"". Reuters UK.[dead link]
  7. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 21, 2010). ""Desperate Housewives" Alums Get TV Roles". Hollywood Reporter. ...will star opposite Virginia Madsen on ABC's dramedy series "Scoundrels."
  8. ^ Finke, Nikki (March 31, 2010). "No Sex Please, I'm Neal McDonough..." Deadline Hollywood. 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.
  9. ^ Breihan, Tom (March 13, 2012). "Justified's Neal McDonough on Being an Awesome Villain, His Marvel Comics Future, and Going Toe-to-Toe with Boyd Crowder". GQ Magazine. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  10. ^ Dionne, Zach (March 8, 2012). "Justified's Neal McDonough Joins Frank Darabont's L.A. Noir". Vulture. New York Media LLC. Retrieved March 6, 2014. ...TNT drama pilot L.A. Noir is continuing to round out its cast, signing Neal McDonough as a lead
  11. ^ Cadillac ELR TV spot "Work Hard". IiSpot.tv. February 8, 2014.
  12. ^ Arrow Season 4 Adds Neal McDonough As Series Regular Villain. Cinema Blend. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  13. ^ "Robbie Amell, Neal McDonough, and Hannah John-Kamen Will Headline Resident Evil Reboot". October 6, 2020.
  14. ^ "Neal McDonough (2022)". www.thetabernaclechoir.org. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  15. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 15, 2021). "'American Horror Story' Season 10 Enlists Neal McDonough". Deadline. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  16. ^ a b Nolasco, Stephanie (January 7, 2019). "Neal McDonough recalls being reportedly fired from ABC's 'Scoundrels' for refusing sex scenes". Fox News.
  17. ^ Lee, Luaine (September 8, 2004). "Actor McDonough once gave up dream". Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  18. ^ McLellan, Dennis (February 29, 2012). "Lynn D. 'Buck' Compton dies at 90; judge also known for WWII service". Los Angeles Times.
  19. ^ "Desperate Housewives' Neal McDonough Welcomes Baby Girl". TVGuide.com.
  20. ^ Sarah Michaud; Julie Jordan (August 16, 2011). "Neal McDonough Welcomes Daughter Clover Elizabeth – Moms & Babies". People. Archived from the original on October 14, 2011. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  21. ^ "Neal McDonough Welcomes Son James Hamilton". People. April 4, 2014. Archived from the original on April 5, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Neal McDonough (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 9, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  23. ^ Wigler, Josh (July 27, 2010). "Neal McDonough Confirms Captain America Role (And Bowler Hat), Talks Howling Commandos". MTV. Archived from the original on July 27, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  24. ^ Toro, Gabe (June 9, 2012). "Review: After Dark Action Pics 'El Gringo,' 'The Philly Kid,' 'Stash House' & 'Transit' An Unven Offering Of Genre Fare". IndieWire. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  25. ^ Plunkett, Luke (December 4, 2012). "Wait, There's a Company of Heroes Movie? And Tom Sizemore's in it?". Kotaku. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  26. ^ Kroll, Justin (July 21, 2012). "Neal McDonough in talks for Red 2 role". Variety. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  27. ^ Manning, Shaun (July 22, 2013). "SDCC: Marvel Debuts Atwell's Agent Carter One-Shot". CBR. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  28. ^ "Falcon Rising: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  29. ^ Kit, Borys (March 25, 2014). "Neal McDonough in Talks to Play Villain in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  30. ^ Schager, Nick (August 24, 2016). "Film Review: Greater". Variety. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  31. ^ Miska, Brad (August 21, 2017). "Netflix Sets Premiere Date for Stephen King's 1922; First Images". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  32. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (April 5, 2017). "Margaret Avery, Xander Berkeley & More Join Taraji P. Henson In Proud Mary". Deadline. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  33. ^ Ehrlich, David (March 23, 2018). "Game Over, Man! Review: The Workaholics Team Reunites for a Drug-Addled Riff on Die Hard". IndieWire. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  34. ^ Sneider, Jeff (August 9, 2018). "Exclusive: Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Adds MCU Veterans Adam Pally, Neal McDonough". Collider. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  35. ^ Pavlica, Carissa (June 20, 2020). "Neal McDonough and Steven R. McQueen Talk INSP's The Warrant". TV Fanatic. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  36. ^ Chang, Tom (November 10, 2020). "Apex: Bruce Willis in Sci-Fi Action Thriller, Prey Becomes Hunter". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  37. ^ N'Duka, Amanda; D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 6, 2020). "Resident Evil Reboot: Kaya Scodelario, Robbie Amell, Hannah John-Kamen & More To Star In Origin Story Adaptation". Deadline. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  38. ^ Cohen, Sam (April 1, 2022). "Neal McDonough Discusses Screenwriting And Filming Process Of BOON - Exclusive Interview". The List. Retrieved April 3, 2022. "BOON," which is slated for release on April 1
  39. ^ Hanson, Mark (May 23, 2022). "There Are No Saints Review: An Intoxicating Shot of B-Movie Adrenaline". Slant Magazine. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  40. ^ Barraclough, Leo (May 12, 2022). "Neal McDonough, Corbin Bernsen, Bailey Chase Join Apocalyptic Thriller Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  41. ^ Law, Jeannie Ortega (June 10, 2023). "Hollywood actor says playing the devil showed him how blessed by God he really is". The Christian Post. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  42. ^ Humphrey, Julia (June 24, 2022). "Sean Astin, Neal McDonough and More Join Holiday Twist". Collider. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  43. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (October 19, 2023). "Soul Mates Review: Two Innocents Get Trapped in a Saw Game as Online Date From Hell". Variety. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  44. ^ Grobar, Matt (March 9, 2022). "Neal McDonough To Produce & Star Opposite Dermot Mulroney In 'The Warrant' Sequel 'Breaker's Law'". Deadline. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  45. ^ Fleming, Mike (July 2, 2019). "Mario Van Peebles Saddling Up For Outlaw Posse". Deadline. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  46. ^ "Angel Studios Releases Sneak Peek Trailer, Announces Upcoming Feature Film and Series: HOMESTEAD". Angel Studios. January 5, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  47. ^ Perry, Spencer (July 10, 2015). "Arrow Recruits Neal McDonough as New Big Bad Damien Darhk". Superhero Hype. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  48. ^ Burlingame, Russ (October 12, 2015). "EXCLUSIVE: Damien Darhk To Be On The Flash & Legends Of Tomorrow". Comicbook.com. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  49. ^ Bucksbaum, Sydney (July 23, 2016). "Comic-Con: Legends of Tomorrow to Tackle Legion of Doom Villain Team in Season 2". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  50. ^ Enk, Bryan (December 28, 2018). "Van Helsing Showrunner Q&A: Season 3, Episode 13: "Birth Ritual"". Syfy. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  51. ^ Agard, Chancellor (October 5, 2018). "Exclusive: History reveals Project Blue Book series premiere date". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  52. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (September 14, 2018). "Neal McDonough Joins Yellowstone". TVLine. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  53. ^ Howard, Kirsten (August 11, 2021). "Marvel's What If...? Episode 1 Review: Peggy Carter Changes MCU History". Den of Geek. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  54. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 15, 2021). "American Horror Story Season 10 Enlists Neal McDonough". Deadline. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  55. ^ Petski, Denise (September 28, 2022). "9-1-1: Lone Star: Neal McDonough, D.B. Woodside & Amanda Schull Join Season 4 As Recurring". Deadline. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  56. ^ Longretta, Emily (May 1, 2024). "'Tulsa King' Adds Neal McDonough as Season 2 Series Regular (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  57. ^ Vicarious Visions. Skylanders: SuperChargers. Activision. Scene: Closing credits, 7:13 in, Voice Actors.
  58. ^ "2002–03: The Season of Angels in America". Online Film & Television Association. Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
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