Matthew McConaughey Details 8-Year “Hiatus” From Mom After Press Leaks

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It didn’t take a true detective for Matthew McConaughey to track down the source of these leaks.

Let me tell you, as someone who’s seen a lot of celebrity stories, it’s amazing how often family members are at the heart of things! During a time when the press seemed to know everything about Interstellar actor Matthew McConaughey’s personal life, he quickly realized who was leaking the information. It wasn’t a mysterious source, but his own mother, Mary Kathlene “Kay” McCabe! It just goes to show, you never know where a story will come from.

Matthew explained to People in a joint interview with his mom, published on Sept. 26, that he had to keep his phone calls with her brief for about eight years. He said, “I’d share something with her on Sunday, just between a son and his mom, and then I’d read about it in the news or the local paper by Tuesday. She just couldn’t resist sharing.”

Kay, 93, chimed in, saying, “We took a break,” and Matthew, 55, joked, “Our Sunday chats were pretty dull. I wouldn’t share any details.”

The split started, they shared, when Kay invited a television crew to film at Matthew’s childhood home – a project she admitted she believed he wouldn’t discover.

“I took people through the house and said, ‘Well, this is where Matthew slept,’” she explained. “Someone called him and said, ‘Are you watching what your mama’s doing?’ But I was so proud that I was just telling the world.”

Honestly, I just couldn’t believe it when I heard about this! Matthew was telling me how he called her, and she actually *answered* the phone. He immediately asked, “Mom, what’d you do?” And can you believe she said, “What?” Like she had no clue! He was so frustrated, he told her, “Don’t tell me ‘What?’!” And get this – he could *hear* the same TV show *I* was watching playing in the background while she was apparently walking around with the camera through the house. She finally just went, “Oh, that.”

Although Kay’s tendency to share details caused some difficulties in his relationship with his mother, the Dallas Buyers Club actor says they’re “closer now.” This improvement is, in part, because of how he has dealt with his own experiences with fame as time has passed.

Matthew-father to Levi, 17, Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12, with his wife Camila Alves-shared that he reached a point where he was comfortable with his own success and public image. He said he realized, ‘You know what? My mom is going to say what she’s going to say. Let’s just stop worrying about it and do what we want, Mom.’

Oh my gosh, you guys, it’s just *amazing*! So, Matthew was talking about how they just let her be herself, and it’s incredible! He said they went to red carpets, and she literally asked, ‘Are there any rules?’ And he was like, ‘Absolutely not! Tell *everything*, the most outrageous stuff you want!’ And she did! He said it was totally fine and honestly, so much more fun now. I’m seriously living for this level of honesty! It’s just… perfect.

For Kay, regarding her roles as a mother and grandmother, she hopes people will remember her for more than just talking too much.

She explained, “I really hope I taught my children that your thoughts shape who you are.” She continued, “If you believe you lack intelligence, you will. If you believe you are intelligent, you will be. The same is true for appearance-if you think you’re handsome, you’re handsome.”

For a closer look at Matthew’s family tree, read on.

In June 2025, Matthew McConaughey and his family enjoyed a special day at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles. It was a rare public appearance for the whole McConaughey family.

The Academy Award winner, along with his wife and their three children, wore matching outfits at the Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala held in Austin, Texas, in April 2025.

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

Levi posted a family picture to celebrate his dad’s 54th birthday in 2023. He shared it on Instagram with the caption, “People recognize Matthew McConaughey as an Actor and author, but I simply know him as my father.”

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

This family time at Paris Fashion Week was magnifique!

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

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

In January 2023, Instagram user Camila shared a post about her and Matthew’s daughter Vida turning 13. She wrote, “Uncle @woodyharrelson is questioning if the cake is vegan or not!!!” She also added, “How does this go people! Time flies… 13! You are my ray of sunshine Vida!!!”

In December 2022, Camila wrote, “We get the trailer they are responsible for the tent… #ontheroad.”

“Kids reading time by the fire!” Camila posted in December 2022. “Fun book @reesewitherspoon !! Everyone, if you don’t have this book yet, now’s the time to get it! It also makes a great gift too!”

Oh my gosh, you guys, I’m *obsessed* with Matthew McConaughey and his beautiful family! I just stumbled across this amazing 2022 picture of his kids – Livingston, Vida, and Levi – and I had to share! They’re all so adorable, and Camilla Alves McConaughey is a total queen. Seriously, this picture makes my day!

As a dedicated follower, I was so touched by Levi’s birthday tribute. He described the man who always makes time for us, no matter what’s going on, and is always there when we need him. He went on to say that this man taught meto really appreciate the journey itself, not just focusing on the destination. It really resonated with me.

He added, “The journeys just getting started…Happy birthday Papai.”

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

Livingston enjoyed himself while wearing sunglasses, and his mom, Camila, shared on Instagram, “Looking through old photos and discovering all sorts of pictures taken by the kids!”

Camila playfully wrote alongside this photo of her three children, “We know we love them, and they love us deep down-even if it’s hidden under a cupcake, a pie, a card, or a phone call.”

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.

The couple, along with their children Levi and Vida, went to see a baseball game. The game was between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers, and it took place in Arlington, Texas.

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2025-09-29 16:17