Published By: Sayan Paul

Happy Birthday, Matthew McConaughey: Did You Know The 'Interstellar' Actor Almost Became A Lawyer?

After completing high school, Matthew McConaughey enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin to study law. Soon, he switched to film production. 

The Ron Woodroof in 'Dallas Buyers Club' who made all of us introspect, the Joe Cooper in 'Interstellar' who inspired us to keep living, the Moondog in 'The Beach Bum' who made us realize the price of freedom, the Rustin Cohle in 'True Detective' who we are still benumbed with, and so many more - is Matthew McConaughey just a human being? Well, his works do suggest otherwise. He is one actor who dives deep into his characters' minds, and at the same time, remains focused on the technical aspects of acting. Take any of his scenes in a film, and you will realize the kind of command he has over each muscle in his body - which takes the performances to a whole different league. This one actor can cry or laugh in countless different ways in accordance with the characters or situations, can improvise spontaneously without spoiling its essence, and can own the entire frame without ever attempting to overshadow his co-actors. Did I hear someone say 'versatility'? Call it 'The McConaughey Style'. 

 

(Credit: Matthew McConaughey)

The Academy Award-winning American actor turns 55 today. On this occasion, we share an interesting fact about him that you probably didn't know.

Matthew McConaughey Almost Became A Lawyer 

Well, you read it right! While growing up in Texas, Matthew McConaughey aspired to become a defense lawyer. After completing high school, he enrolled at the University of Texas to study law, but soon changed his mind and switched to a degree in Radio-Television-Film.

On the show, '5 Questions with Dan Schawbel', the 'Interstellar' actor spoke about the same, saying, "I always thought I was going to be a lawyer. I went to the University of Texas with the idea that I am going to become a defense attorney. And it was around sophomore year, coming around exam time. I hadn't really been sleeping well with the idea of becoming a lawyer - the idea that I needed a couple more years to graduate, then I need to go to law school and need to find a job, that I wouldn't be able to put an imprint in the world and execute something until I was in my 30s, basically."

In another interview, McConaughey shared how he had convinced his father about him switching to a film course. In his words, "I was headed towards my law school. And I remember being very nervous on the night when I called my dad my sophomore year of college to tell him I wanted to change my course direction to go to film school. I really thought he was going to be 'Not on my dime. Like hell, you will.' He paused and I remember him saying, 'Is that what you want to do?' and I said, 'Yes, Sir'. 

In 1993, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film. 

Foray Into Acting - TV Commercials, Music Videos, And Then Films 

While studying at the film school, McConaughey discovered his inclination towards acting and hence decided to pursue an acting career. During the early 1990s, he earned a name for himself with his work in several TV commercials. He also appeared in a few music videos, including "Walkaway Joe", sung by Trisha Yearwood featuring Don Henley. Also, he appeared in an episode of the documentary television series, 'Unsolved Mysteries'. 

 

(Credit: All The Right Movies)

The actor made his big screen debut in 1993 with Bob Balaban's 'My Boyfriend's Back'. However, it was the coming-of-age comedy 'Dazed and Confused' that turned out to be his breakthrough. After several supporting roles, he had his first leading role in the 1996 legal drama, 'A Time to Kill'. The rest, as they say, is history!

 

(Credit: Netflix)

Interestingly, the actor has played a lawyer in films like 'A Time to Kill', 'Amistad' and 'The Lincoln Lawyer'. 

Happy Birthday, Mr. Matthew 'Magnificent' McConaughey. Thanks For Inspiring Us!