Matthew McConaughey’s Blunt Advice to His Teenage Son Levi as He Embarks on His Acting Career

Levi McConaughey at SXSW

Lights, camera, action! Hollywood’s next rising star might just be none other than Levi McConaughey, the 16-year-old son of Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey. But stepping into the spotlight isn’t as glamorous as it seems — at least, not according to his no-nonsense dad.

Levi recently made waves at his very first red carpet event during the SXSW Film Festival, proudly standing beside his famous parents, Matthew and Camila Alves McConaughey, for the premiere of his father’s new film, The Rivals of Amziah King. However, it wasn’t just a family photo op — Levi is officially diving into Hollywood, having scored a supporting role alongside Chris Pratt in Way of the Warrior Kid.

But what’s it like having a legend like Matthew McConaughey as your acting coach? Well, Levi didn’t hold back when sharing the raw and unfiltered advice his dad gave him.

“No bulls— in your bones,” Levi said bluntly during an interview with People magazine. “Own what you’re doing, and make a choice — whether it’s the right one or the wrong one — just commit to it and know what you’re saying.”

Matthew McConaughey, Camila Alves McConaughey and their son at SXSW

The teenager explained that his dad’s mentorship didn’t sugarcoat the realities of acting. According to Matthew, authenticity is key — a philosophy he’s carried throughout his career, from Dallas Buyers Club to Interstellar.

Matthew himself doubled down on this advice, saying, “The best acting happens when you’re caught in the middle of something — when you walk into a scene, it shouldn’t feel like a fresh start or a clean ending. You need to know where you’re coming from and where you’re going.”

In typical McConaughey fashion, the True Detective star added a bold piece of wisdom for his son: “Take risks. Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself — I’ve done it plenty of times. It’s easier to go big and then pull it back than to start small and try to amp it up later.”

Camila Alves in a yellow gown with green halter straps smiles next to Matthew McConaughey in a blue suit and pants standing next to their son Levi in a white button down on the carpet in Texas

It’s clear that Levi has big shoes to fill, but he’s not shying away from the challenge. In fact, insiders whisper that Matthew has been running lines with Levi late into the night, pushing him to step outside his comfort zone.

Rumor has it that Levi’s audition for Way of the Warrior Kid was nothing short of electrifying — sources claim he shocked casting directors by improvising a scene so intense that even Chris Pratt gave him a standing ovation. Whether that’s Hollywood gossip or not, one thing’s certain: Levi is making a name for himself.

While Levi takes his first steps in showbiz, Matthew and Camila are making sure their roots stay firmly planted. Married since 2012, the couple moved their family from California to Texas, embracing a quieter life grounded in traditional values. Camila once revealed that Texas’ way of life mirrors her Brazilian upbringing — a love for the outdoors, strong family ties, and a steady dose of Sunday church.

Matthew McConaughey in a blue shirt and navy blazer laughs as his wife Camila in a black off the shoulder dress

Though Levi’s path to fame is just beginning, his dad’s tough-love approach seems to be paying off. Will Levi become the next McConaughey to grab an Oscar? Only time will tell — but if there’s one thing we know, it’s that this young actor is already taking Hollywood by storm, one bold move at a time.

Alright, alright, alright — the McConaughey legacy continues.