Neal McDonough Shares Insider Secrets on Preparing for His New Bull Riding Role

Hollywood stalwart Neal McDonough is on the cusp of his 60th birthday, yet his commitment to physical fitness has never been stronger as he takes on one of the most physically demanding roles of his career.

In the anticipated release “The Last Rodeo,” premiering on May 23, McDonough depicts a retired rodeo champion who must return to his roots to care for his family.

In a conversation with Nova Play Sports, both director Jon Avnet and McDonough elaborated on their commitment to accurately represent the life of a bull rider.

“I dedicated countless hours to my physical fitness to ensure I embodied the role. My regimen involved rigorous horseback riding and sessions on a mechanical bull; I truly pushed myself to embody the essence of a bull rider,” McDonough shared.

A pivotal moment in the film features McDonough shirtless, an open showcase of his intense training results.

“This scene is particularly significant to me since I poured so much effort into shaping my physique, and I believe the results are evident,” McDonough remarked.

Though McDonough demonstrated his bull riding skills, he prudently avoided the dangers of riding live bulls during production, opting instead for the mechanical variety.

“Most of my practice was on mechanical bulls. With insurance regulations in place, I wasn’t permitted to ride actual bulls, but my instincts sure made me want to try!” he admitted with a laugh.

Director Avnet highlighted the difficulty in managing the safety of fearless actors during risky stunts, praising McDonough’s daring approach. “He’s got a level of courage that is truly remarkable!” he stated.

Despite steering clear of live bulls, the filming process still presented a variety of physical hardships for McDonough, all in the pursuit of crafting a compelling cinematic experience with Avnet.