Yellowstone star Neal McDonough refuses to watch Taylor Sheridan series, despite praising his time on the show: TVLine

Why McDonough avoids watching

McDonough, known for playing villains in shows including Justified, Van Helsing and Tulsa King, portrayed Malcolm Beck in Yellowstone’s second season. Despite appearing in the popular Paramount Network drama, he says he has not watched an episode.

On Raymond Arroyo’s Arroyo Grande podcast, McDonough said he does not watch his own work because it is difficult to revisit. Even at film premieres, he and his wife, Ruvé McDonough, leave during the screening and return for the afterparty.

Confidence in his acting

McDonough said his reluctance is not about doubting his performance. He explained that he was present while the work was made and believes he did well because acting is a talent God gave him.

Malcolm Beck’s fate

Beck appeared in six Yellowstone episodes and became a central threat to the Duttons. After he had John Dutton’s grandson Tate kidnapped, the Duttons launched an assault on the Beck brothers, ending with Malcolm’s apparent death.

In 2022, McDonough questioned whether the character had actually died, pointing out that viewers did not see Malcolm’s eyes close. He said there was still a possibility Beck survived.

A role he remembers fondly

Despite never watching his performance, McDonough has spoken warmly about working on Yellowstone. He told TV Insider that Taylor Sheridan gave him the chance to take on the villain’s role and that he loved his time on the show.

McDonough currently plays Cal Thresher in Tulsa King, another Sheridan-created series starring Sylvester Stallone. The show has been renewed for a fifth season.