Why Matthew McConaughey Changed His Mind About His Kids Acting

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Matthew McConaughey seems pleased that his son, Levi Alves McConaughey, is starting to follow in his acting career.

I’ve always been a huge fan, so I was really interested to hear the actor explain how he changed his mind about sharing the screen with his son, Levi. It’s so cool that his wife, Camila Alves, and mom, Mary Kathlene McCabe, are also in the film, *The Lost Bus*! He talked about why he finally felt comfortable letting his 17-year-old have a bigger role, and it was really heartwarming to hear.

Matthew recently shared in an interview with *People* that for the first fifteen years of his Hollywood career, he didn’t want his children to follow in his footsteps. But around the time he turned 40 and had his son, Levi, he began to appreciate the incredible people heā€™d met and the amazing experiences – including lots of travel – that his career had given him.

At that moment, Matthew McConaughey didnā€™t want to deprive his children-Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12-from experiencing those kinds of chances with Camila.

He remembered being surprised and asking where she got the idea of not wanting her children to participate. He thought it would be a great opportunity for them, something to be proud of.

Despite appearing in a thriller with his father, Levi-making his first foray into acting-isnā€™t necessarily expecting an easy path to success, even as the son of an Academy Award winner.

Levi pointed out that while his parents might help him get opportunities, his success ultimately depends on his own efforts. He believes they can create openings, but it’s up to him to make the most of them once he’s inside. He feels responsible for his own achievements.

Honestly, I just *love* how much Matthew wants his son to really forge his own path. It’s not about what Matthew wants for him at all – he’s all about letting his son discover who *he* is and build a life that’s truly his own. It’s so inspiring to see a parent support their kid’s individuality like that; it’s like he wants his son to *own* his identity and become exactly who he’s meant to be, and that’s justā€¦ amazing.

The Lost Bus hits AppleTV+ on Oct. 3.

For a deeper look into the Alves-McConaughey family, keep readingā€¦

As a lifestyle expert, I always love hearing about families making memories! This June, Matthew McConaughey took his whole crew to Universal Studios Hollywood for a fun day out. It’s so great to see them enjoying some quality time together – a rare treat for a busy family like theirs!

In April 2025, the Oscar-winning actor, his wife, and their three children all wore matching outfits to the Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala in Austin, Texas.

Camila and Livingston checked out the solar exclipse in April 2024.

To celebrate his dad’s 54th birthday in 2023, Levi posted a family photo on Instagram. He shared a heartfelt message, saying that while many know his dad, Matthew McConaughey, as an actor and writer, Levi simply knows him as his father.

Matthew and Livingston met Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green in November 2023.

This family time at Paris Fashion Week wasĀ magnifique!

“Surf souvenirs,” Matthew captioned this March 2023 pic of sonĀ Levi.

The Oscar winner gave Livingston a haircut as Levi looked on in February 2023.

In January 2023, Camila shared on Instagram about her and Matthew’s daughter Vida turning 13, joking that her uncle Woody Harrelson was checking if the birthday cake was vegan. She added, ‘Time really flies! Happy 13th birthday to my little ray of sunshine, Vida!’

In December 2022, CamilaĀ wrote,Ā “We get the trailer they are responsible for the tentā€¦ #ontheroad.”

In December 2022, Camila shared a cozy scene of kids enjoying story time by the fire. She raved about a book by Reese Witherspoon, recommending it highly and suggesting it would make a wonderful gift!

Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camilla Alves McConaughey, shared a photo of their children – Livingston, Vida, and Levi – taken in 2022.

Levi continued his birthday message, describing the man who consistently made time for them, always offering support, and who taught him to value the experiences along the way, not just the final result.

He added, “The journeys just getting startedā€¦Happy birthday Papai.”

The whole family was dressed to impress at the 2019 Texas Medal Of Arts Awards in Austin, Texas.

Livingston enjoyed the day wearing sunglasses, and his mom, Camila, shared on Instagram that she was looking through old photos taken by her kids.

Camila shared a playful photo of her three children, captioning it, ‘We adore them, and they secretly adore us too-even if it’s hidden behind treats, gifts, and calls!’

Matthew and his family attended his Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in 2014.

Matthew brought his family to the 2014 Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala.

A couple and their children, Levi and Vida, went to see the New York Yankees play the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.

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2025-09-24 17:47