Matthew McConaughey

MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY is one of Hollywood’s most sought after leading men whose films have grossed over a billion dollars at the box office. He is a Texas native who originally, while attending the University of Texas in Austin, planned to be a lawyer. When he discovered the inspirational Og Mandino book, "The Greatest Salesman in the World," before one of his final exams, he suddenly knew that he had to change his major from law to film.

McConaughey began his acting career in 1991, appearing in student films and commercials in Texas and directing short films. It was a chance meeting in Austin with casting director and producer, Don Phillips, who introduced him to director, Richard Linklater where he got cast as Wooderson in the cult classic “Dazed and Confused.” McConaughey has appeared in over 40 feature films since then, and has become a producer, director and philanthropist all the while sticking to his Texas roots and philosophy.

Over the years, he has portrayed an athlete, a police officer, a football coach, and a lawyer, and has worked with Hollywood greats such as Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemekis, Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Sandra Bullock, and Al Pacino to name a few.

McConaughey just wrapped production on five films: Jeff Nichols' drama Mud opposite Academy ® Award winner, Reese Witherspoon; Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike opposite Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer; Lee Daniels’ The Paperboy, alongside Academy ® Award winner, Nicole Kidman, John Cusack, and Zac Efron; Richard Linklater’s latest dark comedy, Bernie opposite Jack Black and Shirley MacLaine; and William Friedkin’s Killer Joe, opposite Emile Hirsch, Thomas Haden Church, and Juno Temple.

McConaughey most recently starred as Mick Haller in the legal thriller, “The Lincoln Lawyer” adapted from the hit novel series by best-selling author, Michael Connelly for Lionsgate.

Matthew starred as Connor Mead in the hit romantic comedy, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” opposite Michael Douglas and Jennifer Garner in 2009.

In 2008, McConaughey appeared in the ensemble cast of Ben Stiller’s wildly successful action comedy, “Tropic Thunder.” Earlier in 2008, he headlined opposite Kate Hudson in “Fool’s Gold,” for director Andy Tennant. He also produced and starred in “Surfer, Dude,” a comedy that featured music from his own j.k. livin recording artist, Mishka.

In 2007, McConaughey portrayed real-life college football coach Jack Lengyel in the critically acclaimed drama “We Are Marshall,” the inspiring story of a small West Virginia town’s struggle with devastating loss.

Previously, he starred in the action adventure comedy “Sahara,” with Penelope Cruz and Steve Zahn. He earned a People’s Choice Award for his role in the film, which opened at the top of the weekend box office and marked the first major motion picture produced by his production company, j.k. livin productions. McConaughey followed with a starring role opposite Al Pacino in the drama “Two for the Money” before closing 2005 as People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.”

Additional film credits include: the popular romantic comedies “Failure to Launch,” with Sarah Jessica Parker, and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” opposite Kate Hudson; the sci-fi adventure “Reign of Fire,” with Christian Bale; the ensemble drama “Thirteen Conversations About One Thing;” the horror thriller “Frailty,” written and directed by Bill Paxton; and Adam Shankman’s hit romantic comedy “The Wedding Planner,” opposite Jennifer Lopez.

McConaughey also starred in the World War II action drama “U-571,” Ron Howard’s “EDtv,” Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad,” Robert Zemeckis’ “Contact,” and Joel Schumacher’s critically acclaimed courtroom drama “A Time to Kill,” as well as “Lone Star,” “Angels in the Outfield,” “The Newton Boys,” and “The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

McConaughey’s production company, j.k. livin productions, produced the feature documentary “Hands on a Hard Body,” and is currently in development on numerous projects with various studios and production companies.

In addition to his film career, Matthew also takes the time to give back. In 2008, he started The just keep (j.k.) livin Foundation which is dedicated to helping boys and girls transform into men and women through programs that teach the importance of decision making, health, education, and active living. The core message of the foundation is that each child will benefit given the opportunity for a healthy lifestyle. The j.k. livin foundation works with schools throughout the United States and in other parts of the world to reach the maximum number of children with the greatest needs. The official website is: www.jklivinfoundation.org