368: Neal McDonough—The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth
Jan 30, 2024
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Neal McDonough, the consummate villainous actor's actor, discusses his childhood growing up in a motel, being blacklisted in Hollywood, and his role as the Benefactor in the movie The Shift. They also talk about Lou Gehrig's famous quote, McDonough's experiences living in a motel, the challenges of being an actor, and the importance of gratitude, work ethic, and hope for success.
Neal McDonough highlights the innovative approach of Angel Studios, which uses crowdfunding to bring films to life and provides a sense of community among supporters, filmmakers, and actors.
McDonough emphasizes the importance of authenticity and hope in filmmaking, believing that movies should accurately portray the struggles of life while offering moments of redemption and hope.
McDonough reflects on his personal growth, from being a partygoer to a devoted family man, and shares lessons about humility, hard work, and staying true to oneself.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Neil McDonough's Career
Neil McDonough, a prolific actor known for his villainous roles, discusses his career and personal journey. He reflects on his role in Band of Brothers and the impact it had on his life. McDonough opens up about his decision to give up alcohol and the challenges he faced in Hollywood. He also discusses his involvement with Angel Studios, a unique crowdfunding platform for independent films. McDonough shares his excitement for upcoming projects, including The Shift, Homestead, Black Spartans, and The Last Rodeo.
The Power of Crowdfunding in Film
Neil McDonough highlights the innovative approach of Angel Studios, which uses crowdfunding to bring films to life. He explains how the platform allows fans to invest in the projects they are passionate about, providing a unique opportunity for supporters to be part of the filmmaking process. McDonough shares his experience working with Angel Studios and the sense of community it creates among investors, filmmakers, and actors.
The Importance of Authenticity and Hope in Filmmaking
McDonough emphasizes the need for authenticity and hope in filmmaking. He believes that movies should accurately portray the struggles and hardships of life, while also offering a sense of redemption and hope. McDonough discusses his inclination towards roles that explore the human experience, where characters face despair and find moments of hope. He shares his passion for storytelling that resonates with audiences and provides an honest representation of life.
Neil McDonough's Personal and Professional Growth
McDonough reflects on his personal and professional growth throughout his career. He acknowledges the privilege he has had as an actor and the responsibility that comes with it. McDonough discusses his transformation as an individual, from being a famous partygoer to a devoted family man. He shares the lessons he's learned about humility, hard work, and gratitude, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and constantly striving to be the best version of oneself.
The Power of Playing Villains
In this podcast episode, the guest discusses the unique experience of playing villains in movies. He highlights how villains are often portrayed by actors who are actually nice and goofy in real life, emphasizing the challenge of balancing the role with their own personalities. He also explores the importance of adding complexity and humanity to villainous characters, allowing audiences to understand and relate to them.
The Impact of Small Choices
The podcast episode delves into the concept of the butterfly effect and how small choices can have significant consequences. The guest draws parallels between the movie's exploration of different dimensions and realities and the idea of sliding doors moments. He reflects on the power of inciting moments and the potential for a small change to lead to a much larger impact. The podcast also touches on the themes of gratitude, work ethic, and hope as integral elements of personal and professional growth.
The consummate villainous actor's actor joins us to discuss his childhood growing up in a motel, how being blacklisted in Hollywood tested his faith, and why he chose to play the Benefactor, a.k.a. the devil, in Angel Studio’s movie, The Shift.
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