Matthew McConaughey recently opened up about the joys and challenges of living in Austin, Texas, after leaving Los Angeles. In a conversation on the Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios podcast, the actor shared his thoughts on what Texas means to him, his career evolution, and finding balance in a politically diverse environment.
Kyrgios, a professional tennis player, noted McConaughey’s strong connection to his roots and asked him about the significance of Texas in his life. McConaughey responded with a poignant reflection on the feeling of being “on time” in Texas, contrasting it with the often hectic pace of life elsewhere. “Home, for me, is where a mile feels like a mile. An hour feels like 60 minutes,” he explained. He elaborated that while work often puts him “ahead” of time, and vacations make him feel “behind,” in Texas, he feels in sync with his relationships, work, and overall life flow.
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McConaughey’s return to Texas in 2014 marked a significant shift in his career. After achieving success in Hollywood romantic comedies like The Wedding Planner, How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days, Failure to Launch, and Fool’s Gold, he and his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, made a pact to stay in Texas until he was offered more diverse and challenging roles. This decision proved fruitful, leading to his Oscar-winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club and solidifying his transition beyond the rom-com genre. The couple has since raised their three children – sons Levi, 16, and Livingston, 11, and daughter Vida, 14 – in Texas.
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Living in Austin, a liberal city within a conservative state, provides a unique dynamic that McConaughey appreciates. He described it as a “push and pull” that he enjoys, likening the political landscape to a blend of “blueberry and tomato soup.” This mix of perspectives allows for a stimulating environment and reflects the complexities of Texas. Despite his deep connection to Texas, McConaughey embraces a spirit of exploration and encourages others to travel and broaden their horizons, embodying a common Texan sentiment of venturing out and returning with enriching experiences. His life in Texas represents a harmonious balance between home, family, career evolution, and embracing a diverse community.
