His Early Life Was Filled With Family Screaming
Matthew McConaughey was born on November 4, 1969. Growing up in Uvalde, Texas, Matthew’s family was led by Christian parents with high expectations. He had to follow rules like saying, “No, sir” and “Yes, ma’am.” The tough-love upbringing was hardcore, but he thrived in the family as the youngest of three brothers.
His father was a former footballer, later owning a gas station, and his mom was a teacher. There was a lot of screaming and yelling at home, but the way he describes it is that this was just their way of communicating. And it seemed to pay off in the long run.
His Father Was Drafted by the Green Bay Packers
Matthew McConaughey’s father was an aspiring professional football player who played college ball with the Kentucky Wildcats and the Houston Cougars. Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, he hoped to play in the NFL. In 1953, it seemed to be in the cards as the Green Bay Packers drafted him. He was drafted 27th.
Unfortunately, Jim never played a single game professionally. The Packers released him before the season even began. Despite this, his passion for football passed on to Matthew and the actor ended up playing famous coach Jack Lengyel in the football biopic movie "We Are Marshall."
He’s Related to a Civil War Soldier
Matthew McConaughey is a true man of the South. He is a Lone Star native and speaks with a slight drawl that most people find charming. His southern roots date back centuries to a Civil War brigadier. He is General Dandridge McRae who is related on his father’s side.
The general was born in Alabama and lived in Baldwin County. His heritage is broad with parts of Irish, English, Scottish, German, Swedish, and Welsh. The McConaughey last name is from the Scottish side. And it seems like Matthew is very proud of his roots, no matter how far back they go.
He Was Little Mr. Texas
It was clear from very early on that Matthew McConaughey was destined for greatness and more specifically, awards. Matthew’s mom enlisted him for the Little Mr. Texas contest in Bandera when he was just 7 years old. He did well and walked away with a trophy.
His mom displayed a photo of him with his trophy on the kitchen wall and praised him every single day at breakfast saying, “Look at you, winner, Little Mr. Texas.” As an adult, he examined the trophy. It read, “Runner Up.” But his mom was resolute. She said the winning boy cheated and that he won because his wealthy family bought him a fancy suit.
He Was Voted Most Handsome
Long before Matthew McConaughey was crowned “Sexiest Man Alive,” he received an accolade for his appearance. In high school as a senior, the actor was not so surprisingly voted “Most Handsome.” It was Jimmy Fallon who dug up the high school yearbook from Uvalde and announced it to the public.
This was just after his Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama in “Dallas Buyers Club.” He suffered terrible acne in high school but still managed to win the title. He has also said he was dating the most beautiful girl at his high school. Now that's just darn impressive.