How Matthew McConaughey Mentored His Son During Acting Debut

Matthew McConaughey is stepping up as the ultimate supportive dad while his 16-year-old son, Levi, gets ready for his big break in "Way of the Warrior Kid."

The news of Levi's casting hit in September, revealing that he landed a supporting role in the highly anticipated film alongside Chris Pratt. The star-studded cast also includes Linda Cardellini, Jude Hill, and Ava Torres, making this a serious debut for young Levi.

As Levi McConaughey dives into the acting world, it's clear that Matthew McConaughey is making sure his son is doing alright, alright, alright!

Eyewitnesses tell TMZ that Levi was feeling the pressure before filming a pull-up scene for "Way of the Warrior Kid."

In video footage obtained by the outlet, the Oscar winner is seen reassuring his and Camila Alves' son, who is on set at Mission Beach in San Diego filming his breakout role in the movie. Sources say Levi appeared visibly nervous before one particular take, turning to his famous dad—who isn't involved in the film—for some much-needed guidance.

In true dad fashion, Matthew gave Levi a reassuring tap on the shoulder and shared some encouraging words before sending him off to shoot the scene. We’re guessing all went smoothly because Matthew was spotted heading back to the video village shortly after their heartwarming exchange.

Matthew shares three kids with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, whom he's been married to since 2012. Their family includes 16-year-old Levi, 14-year-old Vida, and 11-year-old Livingston.

The "Dallas Buyer's Club" actor previously told Entertainment Tonight that he would wholeheartedly support his children if they chose to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. “Look, I want them to do whatever it is they’re fashioned to do,” he said in 2020. “Whatever they have an innate ability to do, and are willing to put in the work to get better at it. Whatever that is, I want them to do that.”

He added, “If that becomes something in the industry that I’m in? Bravo. I’ve met some of the most wonderful people in my life in my industry, I love what I do.”

With Levi now making his acting debut, it looks like the Oscar-winning dad is walking the talk, guiding his son through the ups and downs of the Hollywood experience.

In June 2020, Matthew and Camila opened up about their parenting dynamic during an interview with Town & Country.

He admitted that he’s "more consistently the yes guy" when it comes to raising their three children, while Camila takes on the role of setting boundaries.

"Sometimes loving your kids means giving them just what they want. Other times, it means tough love," he told the outlet. "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."

Together, he and Camila created a balanced approach to parenting that allows their kids to thrive.

In an April 2024 interview with People, Matthew reflected on fatherhood, sharing that being a dad has "made me a better actor."

"Having children I know has made me a better artist and has made me a better actor, because kids see things for the first time all the time. Their questions are innocent," he said, referring to his time on the HBO show "True Detective."

He explained that raising his three children has given him deeper emotional insight and a broader perspective, which he channels into his performances. "I cannot tell them what the show's really about, it's not age-appropriate. So I have to go into a parable for them," he added. "I had to become a better storyteller to tell my kids about a good guy, a bad guy and a monster."

Matthew and Camila's eldest child, son Levi Alves McConaughey, was born on July 7, 2008.

"A healthy baby boy was born. Camila and I were side-by-side the entire time. We are both tired and elated, and are so happy to have created the greatest miracle in the world — Having a child and making a family. Now comes the greatest adventure — raising one, together," he said in a statement at the time.

They have two other children, Vida, 14, and Livingston, 11.