Though Matthew McConaughey has found immense success as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he hasn’t been exempt from making difficult life decisions.

The Oscar-winning actor, 55—who married Brazilian-American model Camila AlvesMcConaughey in 2012—once made a major choice with the help of his young son.

During the September 29 episode of Chris Williamson’sModern Wisdom podcast, McConaughey revealed a candid conversation he had with his then-four-year-old son Levi prior to his marriage to Alves, 42.

Levi—who is now 17—asked the True Detective star why his parents didn’t share the same last name.

“I’m going through my head, ‘You’re f–king four, dude.’ I sat there. I was like, ‘It’s a great question, but I mean, we’re not married. When you get married, you switch your name,'” the Texas native recalled.

McConaughey said Levi “sat there and listened” before asking his famous dad if he was “scared” to tie the knot.

“And I was like, ‘Yeah, I guess I am,'” the How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days star continued.

Following his eye-opening chat with his young son, the star asked his pastor for advice, as well as “elder men who had long-term relationships, who were married for decades.”

“My pastor goes, ‘Let me just ask you this, Mr. Risk Taker. What’s the bigger risk? Carrying on like you’re going and it’s going well, or taking the deeper dive into the sacramental covenant of marriage?'” McConaughey shared.

Alves and McConaughey met at a Los Angeles nightclub in 2006 and confirmed their relationship the following year, Page Sixreported.

The pair got engaged in 2011 and tied the knot in 2012.

Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves’ Kids

McConaughey and Alves share three kids, including two sons and one daughter.

Levi, their eldest, was born on July 7, 2008, followed by their 15-year-old daughter, Vida, on January 3, 2010.

The couple then welcomed their youngest child, 12-year-old Livingston, on December 12, 2012.

In September 2025, McConaughey spoke with People about how he and Alves have raised their three children in Texas, sharing that the family has made spending time together a priority.

“Whether that’s gathering for dinner and sitting down and sharing about our day at the end of the day, or cooking a meal together, or taking trips together, we do a lot together,” he said, in part.

This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.