Key Takeaways:
– Actor Neal McDonough experiences on-set mishap during ‘Band of Brothers' shooting.
– Fellow actor steps up as makeshift medic to stitch up McDonough without anesthesia.
– Despite complications and possible infection, McDonough stays committed to the production.
During the filming of HBO's memorable miniseries, Band of Brothers, every member of the crew was prepared for unruly hiccups. But surely, they hadn't signed up for this! Actor Neal McDonough, playing Lieutenant Lynn Compton, surprisingly got slammed right in the face with a rifle prop during an intense scene.
MacGyver Moment: In-House Sewing Session
Given the immediate need for medical attention, the show's given ‘ medic', Shane Taylor who played Doc Roe, was faced with an absurd predicament. Taylor, an actor by trade having little to no sewing skills, was tasked with stitching up McDonough's facial wound. Without anesthesia, this swift action was taken to avoid insurance reports and subsequent filming delays.
Recalling the incident during a radio interview, McDonough recreated the surreal scene with humor, quoting Taylor saying, “I'm just an actor, Neal! I've never sewed anyone before! I don't know what I'm doing!”. Acting stalwart McDonough, despite the pain, managed to keep his cool and let his “method acting” carry him through the ordeal.
A Turn for the Worse
Two days later, the haphazardly done stitches turned from bad to worse, leading to severe infection. A quick hospital trip soon changed from option to necessity. Not wanting to cause production delays and added scrutiny, McDonough made a decision that's now for the books.
Disguised in his World War Two costume, McDonough decided to receive medical attention while maintaining his character's persona. Opting for the moniker of his reel character, Lieutenant Lynn Compton, he was treated and got back in action in no time.
An Alias Antic: Ode to Band of Brothers
This fascinating incident reveals not just the dedication of the actors towards their roles, but their commitment to the production as a whole. McDonough's almost comedic disguise and choice to remain in character standing as a testament to their willingness to go above and beyond. Even when faced with dodgy medical care and potential infection, the actors of Band of Brothers showed they were prepared to live out their roles, bringing a unique charm and authenticity to the filming process.
A New Villain on the Block: ‘The Shift'
Recently, McDonough donned a new avatar as a reality-bending villain in Angel Studios' sci-fi thriller, ‘The Shift'. As the odd ‘Benefactor', McDonough's character controls the law of reality. His complex character portrayal, combined with a certain philosophical bent, steals the show, leaving viewers questioning the hero-villain dynamics. Though the plot of ‘The Shift' may appear convoluted to some, McDonough's demonic yet endearing performance makes it worth a watch.
In conclusion, under the layers of the gritty and intense production of Band of Brothers, there flourished an amusing camaraderie between the cast members. McDonough's tangy anecdote provides a glimpse of the chaos, absurdity, and the intense dedication behind the scenes, making us appreciate the series more. His quick transformation from being an commanded soldier on the Band of Brothers set to a persuasive villain in ‘The Shift' further establishes Neal McDonough as a versatile actor in the industry.
