Matthew McConaughey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Matthew McConaughey
McConaughey at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival
Born	Matthew David McConaughey (1969-11-04) November 4, 1969 (age 55) Uvalde, Texas, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Texas at Austin (BS)
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1991–present
Works	Full list
Spouse(s)	Camila Alves ​ (m. 2012)​
Children	3
Awards	Full list

Matthew David McConaughey (pronounced mə-KON-ə-hay; born November 4, 1969) is a famous American actor. He first became well-known for his role in the comedy film Dazed and Confused (1993). Later, he starred in the legal drama A Time to Kill (1996). His career grew with roles in movies like the science fiction film Contact (1997) and the historical drama Amistad (1997).

In the 2000s, Matthew McConaughey was often seen in romantic comedies. These included The Wedding Planner (2001) and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003). After a short break, he started taking on more serious and dramatic roles in 2011. He earned great praise for his part in Dallas Buyers Club (2013). For this role, he won an Academy Award for Best Actor, which is one of the highest honors in movies. He also starred in the TV series True Detective (2014) and the science fiction film Interstellar (2014). He has also lent his voice to animated films like Sing (2016) and Sing 2 (2021).

Matthew's Early Life and Education

Matthew David McConaughey was born on November 4, 1969, in Uvalde, Texas. His family has roots in Ireland. His mother, Mary Kathleen, was a kindergarten teacher and author. His father, James Donald McConaughey, ran an oil pipe supply business and played college football. Matthew has two older brothers, Michael and Patrick.

In 1980, Matthew moved to Longview, Texas, and went to Longview High School. When he was 18, he spent a year in Australia as an exchange student. He attended Gorokan High School there.

After returning to the U.S., he went to the University of Texas at Austin. He studied Radio-Television-Film and earned his degree in 1993. He had thought about becoming a lawyer, but he found his passion was in filmmaking.

Starting His Acting Journey

Matthew McConaughey began his acting career in the early 1990s. He appeared in TV commercials and a music video. His first small movie role was in My Boyfriend's Back (1993).

First Big Roles in Movies

His breakthrough came in the film Dazed and Confused (1993). He played a character named Wooderson. This role was originally small, but Matthew's performance made it much bigger. The film became very popular and helped launch his career.

He then appeared in movies like Angels in the Outfield (1994). In 1996, he took on a major role as a lawyer in A Time to Kill. This movie was a big success and showed he could be a leading actor. He also starred in the science fiction film Contact (1997) and the historical drama Amistad (1997). In 2000, he starred in the submarine film U-571.

Becoming a Romantic Comedy Star

McConaughey in 2008, participating in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon

In the early 2000s, Matthew McConaughey became well-known for starring in romantic comedies. These popular films included The Wedding Planner (2001) and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003). He also appeared in Failure to Launch (2006) and Fool's Gold (2008). These roles made him a very popular leading man.

He also acted in other types of films during this time. He was in Frailty (2001) and the adventure film Sahara (2005). He also voiced characters for the Peace Corps and became a spokesman for "Beef: It's What's for Dinner."

Matthew realized he wanted to try different kinds of roles. He decided to take a break from romantic comedies to find more dramatic projects. He said he wanted to challenge himself with new stories and characters.

Taking on Serious Roles

McConaughey at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011

From 2011 to 2014, Matthew McConaughey took on many challenging and dramatic roles. This period is sometimes called the "McConaissance" because of his renewed success. He starred in the legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer (2011).

In 2012, he received praise for his roles in Magic Mike and Mud. He also worked with director Richard Linklater again in Bernie.

Winning an Oscar

His biggest success came in 2013 with the film Dallas Buyers Club. He played Ron Woodroof, a man with a serious illness who fights to get proper medical treatment. To prepare for the role, McConaughey lost nearly 50 pounds. His powerful performance won him many awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor. This is one of the most respected awards in the film industry.

TV Success and Other Films

After his Oscar win, Matthew McConaughey continued to impress audiences. He had a supporting role in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). In 2014, he starred in the TV series True Detective on HBO. His role as Rust Cohle earned him more awards and nominations.

Also in 2014, he starred in Christopher Nolan's science fiction film Interstellar. He played a widowed father and astronaut. That same year, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Career Fluctuations and Recent Projects

McConaughey at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival

After 2014, Matthew McConaughey continued to work on diverse projects. In 2016, he starred in Free State of Jones and Gold. He also lent his voice to animated films like Kubo and the Two Strings and Sing. He became a creative director for Wild Turkey bourbon.

He appeared in the Stephen King adaptation The Dark Tower (2017). In 2019, he starred in The Gentlemen.

Recent Projects and Books

In 2020, Matthew McConaughey published his memoir, a book about his life, called Greenlights. In 2023, he voiced an animated version of Elvis Presley in the Netflix series Agent Elvis.

He returned to acting in movies in 2025. He starred in the crime film The Rivals of Amziah King, which was well-received. He also starred in The Lost Bus, a survival thriller about a bus driver during the 2018 Camp Fire. In September 2025, he published another book, Poems & Prayers.

Matthew's Personal Life

McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves, in 2010

Matthew McConaughey met Camila Alves in 2006. They got engaged in 2011 and married in 2012 in Austin, Texas, where they live. They have three children together.

Matthew often talks about his Christian faith. He has mentioned that sometimes people in Hollywood have judged him for his beliefs.

In 2019, he became a part-owner of Austin FC, a professional soccer team. He is also a big fan of the Washington Commanders football team. In 2023, he shared that he and his friend and co-star Woody Harrelson might be related.

In September 2023, Madame Tussauds New York created a new wax figure of Matthew McConaughey. This figure was inspired by his appearance on The Tonight Show.

Speaking Out for Important Causes

McConaughey speaking at the White House in 2022

Matthew McConaughey has shown interest in public service. In June 2022, he spoke at the White House. He talked about the school shooting that happened in his hometown of Uvalde, Texas. He spoke about the need for "commonsense gun laws."

He suggested ideas like responsible gun ownership and background checks. He also spoke about raising the age to buy certain rifles to 21. He emphasized the importance of waiting periods for these rifles and "red flag laws." These laws help prevent dangerous people from having guns.

In July 2024, Matthew McConaughey spoke at the National Governors Association meeting. He continued to express his interest in political office and learning about public service.

Giving Back: Philanthropy and Teaching

Matthew McConaughey started the "just keep livin foundation." This foundation helps teenagers live active lives and make healthy choices. It aims to help them grow into great adults. In 2016, he received an award for his work with this foundation.

In 2019, Matthew became a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He teaches in the Radio-Television-Film department. He had been a visiting instructor there since 2015.

Filmography and Awards

Matthew McConaughey quotes

• "Life is a series of commas, not periods."
• "Every hero doesn't do this great big hero thing. They do the simple thing over and over... and they stick to it."
• "Life's barely long enough to get good at one thing. So be careful what you get good at."
• "There are three things, to my account, that I need each day. One of them is something to look up to, another is something to look forward to, and another is someone to chase."
• "The first step that leads to our identity in life is usually not 'I know who I am,' but rather 'I know who I am not.'"
• There's a difference in thinking you are a champion and knowing that you are."
• "It's a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates."
• "My life is the road, man. I need to keep moving."

Interesting facts about Matthew McConaughey

• During his exchange year, McConaughey worked as an assistant for an attorney and as a bank teller for ANZ.
• In April 2014, Time magazine included McConaughey in its annual Time 100 as one of the "Most Influential People in the World".
• He has been a longtime fan of the Washington Commanders football team.
• In 2014, McConaughey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; it is located on 6931 Hollywood Boulevard.
• In 2021, he considered running for governor of Texas but later announced that he would not enter the race.