Matthew McConaughey recently discovered that his son, Levi McConaughey, had a passion for acting, which culminated in Levi’s feature film debut alongside his father in The Lost Bus. The 17-year-old’s journey into the film industry began unexpectedly for the Oscar-winning actor, who initially overlooked his son’s repeated requests to audition for the role of his character’s son in the movie.
Reflecting on the experience, McConaughey, 55, shared insights during an interview with E! News. He expressed surprise at Levi’s interest, stating, “I had no idea he was even interested.” The film also features McConaughey’s mother, Kay McConaughey, 93, marking a unique three-generation involvement in the project.
Levi’s determination led him to ask his father multiple times for the chance to audition. McConaughey eventually took action, submitting Levi’s audition to the film’s casting director without initially disclosing their familial connection. “They got him on camera, read for it, and I said, ‘Wow, he can hold the frame, he’s got the instinct for it,’” McConaughey recalled. The audition was then sent to director Paul Greengrass, with the name removed to ensure an unbiased evaluation.
To everyone’s surprise, Greengrass responded positively, declaring, “That’s the kid!” Levi was overwhelmed by the news of his casting. “I knew it was a good audition and I was like, ‘OK. This is good,’” he said. Despite his initial confidence, he did not expect to land the part.
When the call came from Greengrass, who informed him of the role, Levi described the moment as surreal. “I remember my dad gets the call and he handed me the phone and I’m like, ‘Okay?’” Levi recounted. The director invited him to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to play the character Shaun, leading to an emotional reaction. “I was trying not to start crying on the phone… I hang up the phone and I started crying,” he admitted.
In addition to Levi, Matthew and his wife, Camila Alves, are parents to two other children: Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12. The family’s involvement in The Lost Bus not only highlights their shared passion for the arts but also showcases a unique familial bond that resonates throughout the film.
As Levi embarks on this new chapter in his life, the McConaughey family continues to support one another in their artistic endeavors, creating a legacy that intertwines multiple generations in the entertainment industry.
