Matthew McConaughey has revealed that downsizing the mattress size played a crucial role in strengthening his marriage with Camila Alves. In his new book, Poems & Prayers, the Oscar-winning actor shares how a smaller bed improved their connection as their children grew older and moved out.
How a Smaller Bed Improved Their Relationship
Matthew McConaughey explained that when their children were younger, they often shared a large king-size bed at their friends’ home.
“We have kids, and we go to our friend’s house and he has one of these double king-size beds put together and all the kids sleep in the bed,”
the father of three told Fox News.
“The wife’s on one side with her side table and the husband’s on the other side and it’s great when you got all three kids, but all of a sudden the kids get too big. They’re out of the bed.”
As their children, Levi, Vida, and Livingston, grew older and no longer shared the bed, McConaughey noticed the physical distance between him and Camila at night.
“I wake up one morning, I’m looking over there and Camilla’s like a football field away man,”
he shared.
“Then you go to bed at night, like you want to snuggle up and, ‘Well, we’ve got to cover you up. Come about 12 feet and I’ll come 12 feet.’”
This realization led the couple to replace their king-size bed with a more intimate queen-size mattress to increase their closeness.
“You’re like, ‘Man, this damn king-size bed is not good for the marriage,’”
McConaughey admitted.
“’Get rid of that son of a b–ch.’ So we got a queen size where we’re shoulder to shoulder. I’m telling you, it’s good for your marriage.”
Family Life and Hollywood Connections
Beyond his marriage, Matthew McConaughey has made his career a family affair by involving his loved ones in his projects. Recently, he starred alongside his eldest son Levi and his mother Kay McConaughey, who is 93 years old, in the film The Lost Bus. Reflecting on this unique experience, McConaughey told E! News,
“He’s introducing himself and I happen to be alongside him and in some of the same scenes of him which is pretty cool.”
He highlighted the family’s acting legacy, saying,
“Three generations. My mother has always been a performer and so she’s been films. I had no idea he was even interested.”
Initially skeptical about his son’s interest in acting, Matthew recalled Levi’s persistence.
“He came back four times asking me, ‘Can I read for it?’”
he said. After pitching the idea to the casting director, McConaughey was impressed by Levi’s screen presence, stating,
“They got him on camera, read for it and I said ‘Wow, he can hold the frame, he’s got the instinct for it.’”
Memorable Family Moments and Outings
Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves’ family remain tightly knit, enjoying various activities and events together. In June 2025, the family had a rare outing at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles. In April 2025, they attended the Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala in Austin, Texas, where they coordinated their outfits as a family.
Earlier experiences include Camila and their son Livingston watching a solar eclipse in April 2024, showcasing their shared appreciation for nature and science.
Levi, the eldest son, publicly honored his father in 2023 with a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing,
“People know Matthew Mcconaughey as an Actor and now a writer, but I know him as my father.”
In another touching tribute, Levi described his father as
“The man who always makes time for us no matter what, the man who’s always there for us no matter what,”
and added affectionately,
“The journeys just getting started…Happy birthday Papai.”
Interactions with Celebrities and Special Family Experiences
The McConaughey family has also shared memorable moments with other public figures and events. In November 2023, Matthew and Livingston spent time with Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green. Their participation extended to high-profile occasions like Paris Fashion Week, where the whole family enjoyed special moments together.
Matthew has also been involved in lighter family activities, such as giving Livingston a haircut in February 2023 while Levi watched, capturing everyday bonding moments among the parents and children.
Camila shared a humorous note on Instagram during their daughter Vida’s 13th birthday in January 2023, posting:
“Uncle @woodyharrelson is questioning if the cake is vegan or not!!!”
She added lovingly,
“How does this go people! Time flies… 13! You are my ray of sunshine Vida!!!”
Adventures and Quality Time Beyond the Spotlight
The family’s togetherness is evident in various everyday activities. In December 2022, Camila wrote,
“We get the trailer they are responsible for the tent… #ontheroad,”
highlighting their camping trips. She also shared a cozy moment by the fire with her children, captioning a photo,
“Kids reading time by the fire!”
and recommending a book by saying,
“Fun book @reesewitherspoon !! Ladies and gentlemen if you don’t have it time to get it! Great gift too!”
Photos from 2022 show McConaughey and Camila’s children — Livingston, Vida, and Levi — all posing together, capturing the essence of their strong family bond.
Celebrating Achievements and Milestones
The McConaughey family has celebrated notable moments together, such as attending the Texas Medal Of Arts Awards in 2019 in Austin, Texas, where they appeared dressed in coordinated outfits. They were also present at Matthew’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in 2014, a key milestone in his career.
Levi and Vida joined their parents for additional special events like the 2014 Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala and enjoyed baseball games together, including a match in Arlington, Texas, between the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.
Everyday Joys and Parenting in the Public Eye
Camila often shares moments that capture the lively nature of their children. She jokingly captioned an energetic photo of the three kids,
“We know we love them, and they love us deep down under all…a cupcake, a pie, a card, a phone call.”
Livingston has been seen enjoying life with a cool pair of sunglasses, prompting Camila to reminisce on Instagram about photos taken by their children, showing the family’s appreciation for capturing memories.
Why the Mattress Size Lesson Matters
Matthew McConaughey’s insight about mattress size is more than just a sleeping preference—it’s a reflection of how small adjustments can nurture intimacy in a marriage. As couples progress through different stages of life, physical proximity becomes important in maintaining connection, especially when children grow up and move on.
By sharing his personal experience of downsizing from a king to a queen bed, McConaughey offers a simple yet effective suggestion that underscores the importance of closeness in a relationship, highlighting that even subtle changes can positively impact a marriage’s health.
With his family growing and new generations stepping into the spotlight, Matthew and Camila’s relationship remains a cornerstone of both their personal lives and public image, illustrating that attention to relationship dynamics is vital despite busy careers and life’s many demands.
