Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career

Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career

As I delve into the captivating narrative of Matthew McConaughey‘s life, I am struck by his indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve. Born and raised in Texas, he has always held onto the values of his roots – common sense, structure, and a deep-rooted connection to his family.


2014 saw the return of Texas native and Academy Award winner, Matthew McConaughey, along with his family, from Southern California to their homestate.

Now, the actor, who’s 55, is discussing the reasons for his decision and explaining how it’s influenced his Hollywood journey over the past ten years.

Prior to winning an Academy Award and appearing in critically-acclaimed films such as Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar, McConaughey was primarily known for his roles in romantic comedies.

In the early 2010s, I found myself yearning for a change from being typecast in certain roles. This desire was so strong that I made a conscious decision to decline even lucrative opportunities such as an unnamed action comedy film offering a $14.5 million salary. Instead, I chose to uproot my life and move from the bustling city of Los Angeles to a serene ranch in Austin. This shift not only allowed me to explore new aspects of myself but also paved the way for more varied roles in my career as a lifestyle expert.

In his recent podcast appearance on ‘Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios’, he elaborated, “Previously, I was deeply involved in romantic comedies. You could say I was the go-to guy for these films. That was my niche, and I enjoyed it immensely. It was profitable and successful.” (EW)

Acting alongside popular romantic comedy stars Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson in successful movies such as The Wedding Planner (2001) and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) significantly boosted McConaughey’s fame, making him a recognized figure in many households.

Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career

But his incredible success in the genre became limiting to him as an actor.

However, the road was my stronghold…I excelled so greatly in that area that any distractions or unnecessary activities I desired were firmly denied, much like Matthew McConaughey being repeatedly told ‘no’ by Hollywood. He persisted, “You should stick here, stick here,” they insisted.

‘I didn’t want to. So, since I couldn’t do what I wanted to do, I stopped doing what I was doing.’

McConaughey made a firm decision by choosing to abandon the bustling city life of Los Angeles and settle for a more tranquil existence on a ranch in Austin, Texas.

He told Kyrgios that he made a pact with his wife Camila Alves, 41 — with whom he shares three kids — at the time of the move.

‘I went down there and I made a pact with my wife and said, “I’m not going back to work unless I get offered roles I want to do.”‘

McConaughey promptly declined high-paying movie offers following his decision to share his fresh strategy with his agent. This included a $14.5M action comedy which he chose not to disclose to Kyrgios.

He mentioned that refusing such a substantial proposal felt defiant, and it demonstrated to the Hollywood industry that he was serious about his intentions.

He recounted that, in his opinion, it was likely the most defiant action taken in Hollywood, as it clearly demonstrated that he wasn’t just posturing.

Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career
Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career
Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career

When someone is genuine and truthful, there’s an allure to them. I believe this is what caught Hollywood’s attention, making them think, “He’s a fresh concept. He’s a brilliant new idea.

Following some rocky periods, McConaughey’s significant career decision eventually proved successful, culminating in his first Academy Award win for Dallas Buyers Club in the year 2014.

Additionally, he garnered significant praise for his performances in the films “Mud” (2013), “Interstellar” (2014), and the HBO miniseries “True Detective” (2014) as a gifted dramatic actor.

McConaughey shared with Kyrgios that true challenges lie in endless affirmations, rather than negations. He emphasized that while ‘no’ is just as crucial, if not more so, it’s particularly relevant when one has some degree of achievement and opportunities.

Instead of prioritizing “yes,” it’s crucial to emphasize “no” more often. This is due to the fact that we tend to overcommit ourselves with too many “yeses,” leading us to feel overwhelmed and underperforming in various aspects of our life.

As a die-hard McConaughey enthusiast, I can’t help but share the passion he’s expressed for his relocation to Texas. It wasn’t merely a move for career advancement, but it was an essential step for my beloved Matthew and his beautiful wife Camila to establish a family life that resonates with their roots.

Born and raised in Texas, specifically Austin, the couple held their wedding ceremony at home on June 9, 2012. Two years after their nuptials, they decided to return from Malibu, California, and make Austin their permanent residence once more.

Previously, McConaughey expressed on TODAY with Hoda and Jenna that living in Austin provides his family with a feeling of ‘safety’, and he had planned to move back to Texas when he started having kids with Alves.

Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career
Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career

The couple share three kids: Levi, 16, Vida, 14, and Livingston, 11. 

He shared that this place has held a deep sense of belonging for him, and there were various factors leading to his relocation. What’s more, he finds an unusual connection with time here – a minute can stretch into sixty seconds, while a mile remains a mile – as he conveyed to the hosts during their conversation.

He mentioned, ‘I prefer my residence to be a spot that allows me to cultivate a harmonious bond with time.’

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I hail from the heart of Texas, with my roots firmly planted in this vibrant state. My beloved mother, at the youthful age of 92, continues to anchor our family here. I also have brothers residing in the bustling city of Houston and the oil-rich town of Midland – all adding to the rich tapestry that is Texas life.

As for me, I find solace and strength in the sanctuary of my family, where we are equipped with the means and fortitude to face any challenges that come our way.

McConaughey explained, “I desired for them to experience the environment I was raised in.” He added, “It has a strong undercurrent of common sense that often goes unspoken, yet it resonates deeply within our community.

He described Austin as an exceptionally inventive city situated within a highly organized state, and a place where individuals are embraced for their unique identities.

Born in Uvalde, Texas, and raised in Longview, Matthew McConaughey pursued higher education at the University of Texas, Austin, before embarking on his career in entertainment.

Matthew McConaughey reveals the real reason he moved back to Texas at height of his acting career

As a die-hard supporter, I can’t get enough of the Texas Longhorns football team. You’ll frequently find me cheering them on from the sidelines during their games.

In Austin, it’s been about expressing yourself genuinely, and that’s something that has always held true. We need to ensure this continues – simply put, keep being your authentic self.

During a mutual conversation with Southern Living this year, McConaughey and Alves revealed that despite enjoying a contented existence in Malibu, Texas provided them with a drama-free lifestyle and an increased sense of hospitality.

Alves expressed that she felt certain within herself that McConaughey yearned to return to Texas, as she observed a sense of tranquility in him during her time spent with him there.

McConaughey said that living in Texas has brought ‘ritual’ back to their family life. 

He elaborated by saying, “Ritual resumed, it could be attending church on Sundays, participating in sports, sharing a family meal every evening, or staying up late swapping stories in the kitchen, perched at the counter sipping drinks and snacking while we each recounted them in unique ways.

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2024-11-20 07:27

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