Matthew McConaugheywho moved to Austin, Texas, with his wife Camila Alves in 2014, recently shared his thoughts on living away from Hollywood and adopt a slower, more grounded lifestyle. Speaking on the Good Trouble podcast with Nick Kyrgios, the Oscar-winning actor opened up about why he moved and how life in Texas has shaped his perspective over the past decade.
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When podcast host and tennis star Nick Kyrgios mentioned that McConaughey seemed deeply grounded and at peace, the Interstellar star explained his connection to Texas. He described home as a place where “a mile feels like a mile and an hour feels like 60 minutes.” McConaughey explained that living in Texas allows him to feel more in tune with time, relationships and work. The actor admitted that despite his busy career, life in Texas gives him a sense of balance and clarity.
Before moving to Texas, McConaughey spent years in Los Angeles, starring in the popular film romantic comedies like How to Lose a Man in 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, Failure to Launch and Fool’s Gold. However, after marrying Camila Alves, he felt a growing desire for change. McConaughey revealed that he and his wife made a deal: he wouldn’t return to acting unless he was offered roles that would break him out of his “romantic comedy guy” image.
This decision proved transformative for his career. McConaughey went on to star in critically acclaimed films like Dallas Buyers Club – for which he won an Oscar – alongside The Wolf of Wall Street and Interstellar. These roles redefined his image in Hollywood and proved his versatility as an actor.
Although his initial goal of escaping being typecast was achieved, McConaughey and his family decided to stay in Texas. Over the years, the actor found peace and fulfillment in his home country, raising three children — Levi, 16, Vida, 14, and Livingston, 11 — with his wife.
However, McConaughey also acknowledged that living in Texas comes with a unique set of challenges, especially given the state’s contrasting political climate. He described Austin as a “blueberry soup in a tomato soup,” referring to the city’s liberal culture surrounded by a mostly conservative state. Despite these differences, he says he appreciates the balance this dynamic offers.
For McConaughey, life in Texas isn’t just about escaping the spotlight, it’s also about staying true to your roots and maintaining a pace that feels authentic. He described his current lifestyle as one where he feels aligned with his purpose, both professionally and personally.
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