Levi McConaughey, the 17-year-old son of actor Matthew McConaughey, is aware that his parents’ Hollywood status helps his emerging career, but he emphasizes the importance of proving himself independently. In an interview with People on September 24, Levi spoke candidly about the pressure that comes with being the child of a famous father, acknowledging this dynamic while asserting his determination to earn his own place in the industry. His father Matthew, aged 55, shares three children—Levi, Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12—with wife and model Camila Alves.
Levi Emphasizes Personal Effort Despite Family Advantage
Levi reflected on the dual nature of having well-known parents, recognizing the opportunities this brings but stressing personal accountability in pursuing a career. He told his father,
“And as much as people can say, ‘Oh, you got this because of your father or your mother,’ they can open the door, but then it’s going to be up to me to do my thing once I get in there. That’s on me.”
Levi also affirmed that innate talent and determination are necessary to succeed, stating
“you got to have some chops”
in the entertainment world.
Balancing Legacy and Individual Achievement
Levi explained that while it would feel wrong not to make the most of the advantages his family background provides, he is committed to working hard to build his own career. He elaborated,
“And so, yes, it’d feel like it would be a disservice to them because of how hard they’ve worked to get to the position that they’re at to not take advantage of it, but also put in the work and get after it and do it,”
highlighting his respect for his family’s efforts and the responsibility he feels to meet their legacy.
Matthew McConaughey responded thoughtfully, acknowledging the complicated emotions involved with privilege. He commented,
“There’s a line between entitlement and shame. If you can look it right in the eye and deal with it, and if it works out, you’ll see, it’s a hell of a roller coaster.”
Levi’s Acting Debut in The Lost Bus
Levi currently stars as Matthew’s son in the film The Lost Bus, which tells the true story of a school bus driver (played by Matthew) and a teacher (America Ferrera) who saved 22 children during California’s 2018 Camp Fire. Adding to the family involvement, Matthew’s mother, Kay McCabe McConaughey, plays his mother in the film.
For Levi’s audition, Matthew deliberately removed the McConaughey name from the submission sent to director Paul Greengrass, ensuring Levi’s performance would be judged on its own merits. Levi succeeded in the audition on his own, earning the role.
Reflecting on Levi’s performance, Matthew said,
“We shot a couple takes, and I was like, ‘OK, guy can hold a frame,’”
signaling his approval of Levi’s acting capability.
Parental Guidance on Navigating the Entertainment Industry
Matthew McConaughey has been open about guiding Levi to develop a strong, independent identity amid the complexities of fame. He shared,
“I’ve tried to give him some tips that I’ve learned along the way, tried to give him some of those tips earlier than I understood them,”
adding that it is crucial for Levi to maintain his own sense of self.
Matthew explained the importance of discerning authenticity from superficiality in the entertainment business:
“It’s hard to keep your feet on the ground to sift out the real stuff from the BS. But over time you’ve got to get that sixth sense. It’s important that he has his own ownership of who he is and becomes. And [acting] will be a part of that if he continues to do it, part of finding his identity, but it can’t be his full identity.”
Matthew’s Changing Perspective on His Children Entering Acting
Matthew McConaughey reflected on his evolving feelings about his children pursuing careers in Hollywood. Initially hesitant, he said,
“The first 15 years in Hollywood I was like, ‘I’d never want my kid to grow up in the business.’ And when I hit about 40, right about the time we had Levi, I looked around at how many special people I’ve met in my life, how much travel and what an awesome, healthy, cool experience that’s been for me in my life. I was like, ‘Where are you coming up with this idea you don’t want any of your kids to do it?’ It’d be a privilege if they would be able to.”
Significance of Levi’s Journey and Future Prospects
Levi McConaughey’s entry into acting, under the shadow of his father’s legacy, illustrates the nuanced balance between inherited opportunity and individual effort. His determination to earn his own place in Hollywood, supported by Matthew’s guidance, sets the stage for a career shaped by personal merit rather than family reputation alone. As Levi continues to grow both as a young actor and an individual, his journey will likely reflect both the challenges and privileges of being a Matthew McConaughey son. This foundation suggests a promising future, as he gains experience and establishes his own identity in the entertainment industry.
