Matthew McConaughey: The Man Behind the Stardom

Before he brought memorable characters to life on the big screen while dazzling the ladies with his physique, Matthew McConaughey shoveled chicken manure and scrubbed dishes. The actor was born in the small town of Uvalde, Texas and grew up in nearby Longview. While Matthew's two brothers ventured into the family gas station and oil pipeline supply business, he was seeking broader horizons.

After graduating from high school, McConaughey bought an airplane ticket and spent a year exploring Australia. While on his adventure quest he supported himself with odd jobs as a dish washer and farm hand shoveling chicken droppings. Upon his return to the United States, he traded in his shovel for text books and enrolled in the University of Texas. Matthew's plan was to become an attorney, but a twist of fate instead had him playing one in a John Grisham movie. After reading The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino, McConaughey was immediately inspired to switch his major from studying law to mastering acting.

Matthew meandered through the world of acting much like scores of other talented and creative hopefuls. He worked in commercials, short films and even some training videos for the airline industry before become a household name. Through the course of his career he has been compared to icon Paul Newman numerous times. Perhaps his trademark ornery grin and twinkling eyes prompted both entertainment writers and fans to notice the resemblance.

In addition to the time spent creating popular films, McConaughey takes time to give back to the next generation and inspire youth to achieve their goals. The Just Keep Livin' Foundation (also referred to as j.k. livin') was founded by the actor after filming Dazed and Confused in 1993. While grieving over the loss of his "Pop" he was inspired by a phrase in the script.

"Let me tell you this, the older you get, the more rules they;re gonna try to get you to follow. You gotta just keep livin' man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson, Dazed and Confused

Motivated by the lifestyle approach it entailed, he organized the Just Keep Livin' Foundation. Matthew strove to create a family of like-minded people who also grasped the mindset of living each day as it came; while holding onto positive ideals through both good times and bad. An online community developed when visitors to the foundation's website shared their personal stories of how the j.k. livin' motto impacted their lives. Many of the clothing and accessories you see Matthew wearing in both his daily life and onscreen come from the foundation's product page. The foundation's logo honors the actor's father with a sketch of his likeness.

A percentage of the profits is donated to the Communities in Schools (CIS) initiatives. The j.k. livin' Foundation partners with the non-profit organization to fund wellness programs, dropout prevention projects and related educational and healthy living programs which guides children and teens to make positive lifestyle choices. The products sold through the foundation's website range from baby bibs to beer can holders with the majority of the items made in the United States in an eco-friendly manner. All of the profits from the inexpensive j.k. livin' bracelets go directly to enhancing the lives of American children. Matthew's philanthropic side proves he is not just a talented actor with amazing abs but a man with a heart as big as his disarming grin.

Tidbits and Trivia

1- Named his dog Mrs. Hud in reference to the 1963 movie which starred Paul Newman.
2- Inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in 2006.
3- Gave Barbara Walters a foot massage after an interview.
4- Favorite Actor - Paul Newman
5- Childhood Hero - Evil Knievel
6- Favorite Musicians - Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp
7- Favorite Football team - Washington Redskins
8- Favorite Sport - Golf
9- He does not wear either cologne or deodorant
10- Was arrested in 1999 for "resisting transportation" after police were called to his Austin home. Law enforcement officials were called to his residence suspecting marijuana was present. McConaughey was found naked playing bongo drums.
11- Placed his 1971 Corvette on Ebay, donating the proceeds to Katrina and Rita hurricane relief funds.
12- While his girlfriend Camila Alves gave labored for eight hours to give birth to their son Levi in 2008, Matthew continuously played Brazilian music to calm his love and welcome his son into the world.