Over the years, Matthew McConaughey has given us many many reason to love him. And since today is the Oscar winning, bongo playing, smooth talking Texan’s birthday, we think it’s the perfect time to list our favorite things about the Minister of Culture.
Here Are 10 Reasons Matthew McConaughey Is Our Favorite Austinite!
10 – He Loves His Mama
In 2017, MM appeared on “Good Morning America“ and sat down with ABC’s Peter Travers to talk about why he moved his family to Austin. “My mother is there, the rest of my family is there,” he said. “I just feel at home there.”
We spotted his mother at the SXSW screening of Mud, the Austin premiere of Bernie, and the AFS screening of White Boy Rick.
Since the pandemic began, “Ma Mac” has been living with McConaughey and his wife Camilla Alves McConaughey. She’s makes frequent appearances on Camila’s Instagram posts wish often feature the hashtag #adventureswithmymotherinlaw.
9 – That Infamous Bongo Playing Incident
In October 1999, the then up-and-coming 29-year-old actor was arrested after a Tarrytown neighbor called the police with a noise complaint. What happened next will live in infamy. More info here.
8 – He’s an official Professor at the University of Texas
The University of Texas Moody College of Communication announced in 2020 that McConaughey is now a professor of practice in the Department of Radio-Television-Film. The Oscar winner had served as a visiting instructor since 2015.
7 – He’s the Longhorns’ Biggest Fan
The self proclaimed Minister of Culture is often seen on the sidelines of UT football games. He has appeared on “ESPN’s College Gameday” and even inspired the team with a Wolf of Wall Street style warm up chant.
6 – He Helped Bring Soccer to the ATX
In addition to being part owner of the Austin FC team, McConaughey has been vocal about his dream for the team. At SXSW 2021, he said, “My hope is that if you take a snapshot of the stadium – when you zoom in, it should look like all the rich and diverse pieces of Austin in one stadium. Now we’re creating a destination for all the different communities in Austin to come together.”
Read more about that festival session here.
5 – He’s A Great Spokesperson
It’s no secret that the man is loquacious. That surely plays a part in his role as a brand spokesperson. When you see him waxing poetic while driving a Lincoln, you too want to drive a Lincoln. When he’s sitting in a wheat field sipping on a Longhorn cocktail by Wild Turkey discussing oak and mesquite throwing a party at the lake house, you want to be at that party.
Speaking of Longbranch, we tried some specialty cocktails featuring the specialty blend and we highly recommend.
The fave was a drink called “Tail Feathers.”
Here’s the recipe:
- 2 oz. Longbranch Bourbon
- Dash Angostura Bitters
- 1/4 oz Allspice Dram
- 1/2 oz Honey Syrup
- 1/2 oz Lime
4 – He Cares About the Community
Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila established The Just Keep Livin Foundation as a way to encourage high school students to engage in healthy and helpful behaviors. Additionally, McConaughey is one third of Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M), an organization he helms with ACM Award-winning recording artist Jack Ingram, and ESPN analyst and Texas coaching legend Mack Brown.
But that’s not all! During the Corona crisis, he did many things to help the city stay safe. Learn about all of them here.
3 – His Inspirational Chats
When Jimmy Fallon brought “The Tonight Show” to Texas for his first college roadshow, his guest was, of course, Professor McConaughey. He talked about the many reasons people are welcome in the ATX where “nobody is too good and everybody is good enough.” And what about those who don’t respect our value and core soul? “Please keep on flyin’. Drive on by,” he exclaimed.
No matter who he’s chatting with, McConaughey always has a quip and a motivation message. One of the best examples of that is this convo with fellow UT alum Emanuel Acho on his series titled “Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man.”
2 – He’s One Dang Good Writer
If you haven’t read “Greenlights,” we’re sure you know someone who has. And that someone has probably told you how entertaining and even enlightening it is. No time to sit down and read? Download the audio version. There’s nothing quite like hearing those tales from the man himself.
1 – He’s More Than Alright Alright Alright
In conclusion, it’s clear that McConaughey is more than alright times three. And speaking of that infamous phrase, if you want to relive that classic Dazed and Confused moment, here’s how you can do just that.
Featured photo by ATXgossip.com
