Matthew McConaughey recently shared poignant details surrounding the last moments of his father’s life, including the intimate circumstances leading to his passing. The actor, who first addressed his father’s 1992 death in his acclaimed 2020 memoir, Greenlights, provided additional insights into how his mother reacted during this profoundly emotional time.
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The Unforgettable Moment
In a candid discussion, the Wolf of Wall Street star described the shocking moment when paramedics arrived to find his father, James McConaughey, in an unexpected state. According to McConaughey, his mother, Mary Kathleen “Kay” McConaughey, insisted that her husband be left undraped as paramedics attempted to cover his body, asserting, “That’s Big Jim, he’s going to go out how he came in.”
He recounted, “They brought him out on a gurney and tried to cover him, but my mom said, ‘Don’t cover that man up!’ It was around 7:30 AM, and they had just been intimate about an hour before when he suffered a heart attack.”
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A Father’s Legacy
Matthew McConaughey detailed how he learned of his father’s death while he was in Austin, far from Houston where it transpired. “When I received the call from my mom, she simply stated, ‘Your dad has moved on.’ It wasn’t until I returned home that she elaborated on how he had passed away.” McConaughey noted the tumultuous nature of his parents’ relationship, which included multiple marriages and divorces.
He fondly remembered his father as a formidable presence, describing him as “the abominable snowman, an immovable force, a bear of a man, with the immune system of a Viking.” It was a belief of young McConaughey that “nobody or no thing could kill him… except Mom.”
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The Courage to Forge Ahead
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Reflecting on his father’s passing, McConaughey shared that it marked a significant transition into adulthood for him, instilling in him a newfound sense of courage. “Dads possess a unique authority,” he said. “His passing gave me a wake-up call to step into my own shoes.”
Speaking earlier this year, he remarked, “There were things I had been doing that my father taught me, but I was merely going through the motions since I felt he was always behind me. His parting pushed me to face life boldly.”
Furthermore, last month it was reported that McConaughey missed an opportunity to audition for the role of Jack in Titanic due to his hesitation to alter his Southern accent. Although he received Kate Winslet’s approval, director James Cameron expressed reservations regarding his drawl.
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Titanic producer Jon Landau recalled, “We brought him in for a chemistry read with Kate. She was taken by Matthew’s charm and presence. However, when he delivered his lines in his accent, Jim asked him to try it differently. Matthew, however, refused, believing his performance was sufficient, which ultimately ended his chances for the role.”
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