Matthew McConaughey has proven he can do it all. He's an accomplished actor who has managed to have a lucrative career spanning several decades. In that time, he's done everything from rom-coms to action flicks to more serious roles. He's also played some of the most memorable characters we can think of in cult classics like Dazed and Confused. Now he's an author, as well, having just written a memoir called Greenlights. But the job that the man who has everything takes the most seriously is absolutely being a dad.
In fact, Matthew just opened up to People in an exclusive interview about his fatherhood experience. In it, he said that fatherhood was the only thing he was ever really sure about.
"The only thing I ever knew I wanted to be was a father," he said. "And it's remained the pinnacle for me. Being a dad was always my only dream. … I can't think of anything being more important."
It certainly seems like Matthew has the perfect disposition for fatherhood. He's head over heels for his three children, whom he shares with wife Camila. Though the actor has many loves in his life, his children — Levi, 12; Vida, 10; and Livingston, 8 — are his pride and joy.
He gushed over how much he adores his kids. He also opened up about how creative they've gotten in the past few months since they've been spending more time at home. "They have doubled down on their hobbies, creative things and parts of themselves I don't think they would have leaned into if they were back in school," the actor said.
Matthew is known for being optimistic and upbeat. But looking on the bright side is especially helpful when it comes to parenting through a health crisis. He says his kids have all gotten into the arts much more and that they love photography. "They're into it — all three [of the kids]," he says. "They're becoming a production crew. It's very cool, [and] they're starting to get kind of good at it."
It certainly makes sense that his kids would be creative. After all, their dad is an Oscar winner. But it seems like they really have a knack for the arts. The three of them even collaborated on taking photos for his People cover shoot.
"They're becoming pretty good storytellers [too]," he shared. But for Matthew, no matter what they do, he says the most important thing is that his kids are good people. "My hope is that our kids are conscientious and confident and autonomous," he said. "All three are very, very caring and kind individuals."
It's a great goal, too. For those in the public eye to raise kids who actually strive to be helpful individuals who care about others isn't always easy. But it seems like Matthew and Camila are doing a pretty fantastic job so far. "I can tell you this: I’'m happy and confident to say our kids do not question the love we have in our family," he said.
While being a dad is so important to Matthew, he always has his own projects going on. His latest is his new memoir, Greenlights, in which the actor opens up about his life, his career, and his childhood. He calls the book a "love letter to life."
Earlier this year, Matthew talked to Town and Country about his childhood and how it impacts the parenting choices he makes. "I was very fortunate," he said. "I grew up upper-middle-class, and I had a roof over my head, food on the table, parents that loved and supported me, a car that was paid for, and a job, and I made straight As."
"Affluent people can give their kids everything they want, but they're not usually going to get what they need. Loving a child is a lot harder if you really give a damn," he said. "'No' takes a lot more energy. It's a lot easier to say 'yes.'"
Coming from a guy who has it all, it's refreshing to hear that being a good dad — a dad who really cares — is still his top priority. It definitely seems like Matthew was destined to be a father. And like everything he does, he is nothing short of passionate about doing it well.
