Early Life and Education of Matthew McConaughey: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Matthew McConaughey. From birth to education, explore key events.

Matthew McConaughey is a celebrated American actor. He rose to prominence with his role in 'Dazed and Confused' (1993) and solidified his leading man status with 'A Time to Kill' (1996). Further success followed with leading roles in films such as 'Contact' (1997), 'Amistad' (1997), and 'U-571' (2000), establishing him as a versatile and bankable star in Hollywood.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2006: Meeting Camila Alves

In 2006, Matthew McConaughey met Camila Alves.

December 25, 2011: Engagement to Camila Alves

On December 25, 2011, Matthew McConaughey became engaged to Camila Alves.

June 9, 2012: Marriage to Camila Alves

On June 9, 2012, Matthew McConaughey married Camila Alves in a private Catholic ceremony in Austin.

2012: Lack of Primary Voting

As of 2012, Matthew McConaughey had not voted in a primary race.

2014: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, True Detective, Interstellar Release and McConaissance

In 2014, Matthew McConaughey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He starred in HBO's "True Detective", winning a Critics' Choice Television Award and receiving nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. He also starred in Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar", receiving critical acclaim. This period was dubbed "The McConaissance".

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2015: Visiting Instructor at UT-Austin

Since 2015, Matthew McConaughey served as a visiting instructor at the Department of Radio-Television-Film at the Moody College of Communication at UT-Austin. The first two sessions were about the filming of the movie "Free State of Jones".

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2018: Texas Elections Vote

In 2018, Matthew McConaughey voted in the Texas elections.

2019: Minority Owner of Austin FC

In 2019, Matthew McConaughey became a minority owner of Austin FC, a team in Major League Soccer.

2019: Professor of Practice at UT-Austin

In 2019, Matthew McConaughey officially became a professor of practice for the Department of Radio-Television-Film at the Moody College of Communication at UT-Austin.

November 2020: Denial of Gubernatorial Interest

In November 2020, during an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", Matthew McConaughey denied he was interested in running for governor.

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March 2021: Consideration of Texas Gubernatorial Run

In March 2021, Matthew McConaughey confirmed that he was considering running in the 2022 Texas gubernatorial election.

October 2021: Purposely Vague Political Stance

In an October 2021 Twitter Spaces interview with NPR, Matthew McConaughey remained "purposely vague" on political issues when asked if he would run for governor of Texas, stating "I am not - until I am."

2021: Austin FC Begins Play

In 2021, Austin FC, of which Matthew McConaughey is a minority owner, began play in Major League Soccer.

2021: Inspiration for Wax Figure

In 2021, Matthew McConaughey appeared on "The Tonight Show", which served as the inspiration for his wax figure unveiled in September 2023 at Madame Tussauds New York.

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2021: Lack of Political Donations

Up through 2021, Matthew McConaughey had never donated to a political campaign at the state or federal level.

June 2022: Advocacy for Gun Laws at White House

In June 2022, Matthew McConaughey joined the White House press briefing and advocated for "commonsense gun laws", discussing the Uvalde school shooting and calling for responsible gun ownership, background checks, raising the minimum age to purchase an AR-15 rifle to 21, a waiting period for those rifles, red flag laws and consequences for those who abuse them.

2022: Decision Not to Run for Governor

In 2022, shortly before the Texas primary candidate filing deadline, Matthew McConaughey released a video stating he would not compete for the office of governor.

September 2023: Madame Tussauds Unveils Wax Figure

In September 2023, Madame Tussauds New York unveiled a new wax figure of Matthew McConaughey, inspired by his 2021 appearance on "The Tonight Show".

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2023: Potential Brotherhood with Woody Harrelson

In 2023, Matthew McConaughey stated that he and Woody Harrelson could potentially be brothers, due to his mother's alleged intimacy with Harrelson's father.

July 2024: Interest in Running for Political Office

In July 2024, Matthew McConaughey spoke at the annual National Governors Association meeting, reiterating his interest in running for political office and stating he has been "on a learning tour."