Actor Neal McDonough has revealed that he was fired from the ABC show “Scoundrels” in 2010 after refusing to participate in s=x scenes with co-star Virginia Madsen.

McDonough, who is religious, explained that he puts God and family first, and himself second.

Speaking to Closer Weekly, he said that after the incident, “I couldn’t get a job because everybody thought I was this religious zealot.”

Deadline.com reported at the time that McDonough was replaced by David James Elliott three days into filming and was set to lose out on $1 million in pay.

The New York Daily News described the network’s decision to replace McDonough as a shocker because of his refusal to engage in s=x scenes.

The 52-year-old actor, who has been married to model Ruvé Robertson since 2003 and has five children with her, told the magazine that he refuses to do love scenes with other actresses.

“I won’t kiss any other woman because these lips are meant for one woman,” he declared.

McDonough previously worked on “Desperate Housewives” from 2008 until 2009, and he revealed that he had no regrets about ditching love scenes with on-screen wife Nicollette Sheridan.

“When [creator] Marc Cherry signed me, I said, ‘I’m sure you know, but I won’t kiss anybody,'” McDonough said. “He was like, ‘But this is ‘Desperate Housewives!’ I said, ‘I know.’ He paused for about five seconds and said, ‘All right, I’m just going to have to write better.’ And we had a great time.”

McDonough and Robertson met on the first night he was in England to shoot the TV mini-series “Band of Brothers” in 2001.

“It was St. Patrick’s Day, and we literally bumped into each other on the street, locked eyes and that was it,” he recalled.

“The next morning, I called the woman I was dating at the time and said, ‘I’m sorry, it’s not going to work out with us anymore — I just met the woman I’m going to marry.’

The pair has been together ever since, and McDonough said, “Almost 20 years, five kids, and just one heck of an awesome life later, to have her as my partner in everything, I’m just the most blessed guy I know.”

McDonough is currently starring in the History Channel’s “Project Blue Book” as General James Harding.

The TV series is based on a true story and explores U.S. Air Force-sponsored investigations into UFO-related phenomenon from 1947-70.

McDonough told Closer Weekly he immediately identified with his character.

“It’s not so much that he’s a good guy or a bad guy,” he said.

“He’s a patriot, and he’s going to do the right thing for his country, no matter what. He totally believes the U.S. is the greatest country ever, as do I.”

McDonough’s faith is important to him, and he said that the topic of “Project Blue Book” does not clash with his beliefs.

“As a devout Catholic, I believe certain things,” he explained.

“Who are we as human beings on this planet to say that God might not have plans in other places?

To think it’s just us is a bit myopic. If you believe in spirits, why can’t you believe there might be extraterrestrials? Who knows?”

The actor said that he has no regrets about sticking to his principles, even if it has meant losing work along the way.

McDonough believes that his commitment to his values has only helped his career improve over time. “I took a shot on the chin, but I

was not going to lose the fight,” he said. “And it worked. My career has been phenomenal ever since.”

McDonough has worked in over 100 movies and is grateful for all the people he has worked with and the places he has traveled to.

“And believe me, I appreciate every second of it,” he said.

McDonough’s work ethic and dedication to his family were instilled in him by his father, who worked hard to provide for the family.

“What he instilled in me was an honest work ethic. If you work hard, great things will happen,” McDonough said.

He continues to act, knowing that he may face scrutiny for his no-nonsense rule on avoiding s=x scenes, because he believes it is what he is meant to do.

“God gave me this talent of being an actor, and I’m not going to waste it. That’s just who I am. I love working, and with five kids and a fantastic wife, I want to make sure I’m taking care of everyone. That’s what my dad did, and that’s what I’m going to do,” he said.

McDonough’s dedication to his faith and family has not gone unnoticed by his fans, who have shown their support for the actor on social media.

“Neal McDonough is a good man and a great actor. I’ve always admired his principles and his dedication to his family. He’s a rare breed in Hollywood,” one fan tweeted. Another fan wrote, “It’s so refreshing to see an actor who puts his family and his faith first. Neal McDonough is an inspiration.”

McDonough’s decision to refuse s=x scenes has sparked a debate about the portrayal of intimate scenes on TV and in movies.

Some argue that it is a personal choice and should be respected, while others believe that actors should be willing to perform any scene that is necessary for the story.

McDonough’s stance on the issue has also prompted discussions about the role of religion in Hollywood and whether actors should be judged for their beliefs.

Despite the challenges he has faced, McDonough remains committed to his values and his family.

“I’m just trying to be the best father, the best husband, the best actor I can be,” he said. “I’m not perfect, but I’m trying. And I’m grateful for everything I have.”