Yellowstone’s Neal McDonough credits God, wife for defeating alcohol

Actor Neal McDonough reached the top of his profession through numerous film and television roles. However, alcohol nearly robbed him of his many achievements until he became sober with God’s help in 2016.

“Years ago, I had a problem with alcohol,” he told Fox News. “I had to stop drinking alcohol to actually fall in love with Neal McDonough again. I’m not leaning on the crutch that I usually do. 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. 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.”

The “Yellowstone” star was able to pinpoint his flaws and use his time to improve his overall well-being, while embracing the best version of himself.

“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 God? What kind of person do you want to be for your wife, for your kids? 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, ‘OK, I’ve got some flaws.’”

Thanking his wife

McDonough also credits his wife of more than 20 years for helping him navigate his sobriety. “She helped me through this amazing year of clarity, introspection and love,” he wrote on social media after being sober for one year. “Thank you, my love, for always being there with your arms wide open.”

With more than 140 combined credits between television and film, the actor consistently has maintained his personal values throughout his career, which include being a devout Catholic and a family man.

In a 2019 interview with “Closer Weekly”, McDonough discussed his longstanding refusal to film romantic scenes with costars outside of his marriage, citing respect for his children. “I put God and family first, and me second,” he said. “That’s what I live by.”

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice