Matthew McConaughey’s advice to son Levi: ‘Fail More’

Matthew McConaughey has some blunt but loving advice for his 18-year-old son Levi as he navigates his early acting career, get comfortable with rejection, and don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself trying. 

Speaking to E! News in an interview, McConaughey explained the mindset he thinks it takes to survive in the industry. 

“You’ve got to be able to deal with rejection, that’s part of it. You’ve got to hopefully love doing it and love the process so much that enough ‘nos’ don’t matter. If not, it’s not for you, because I was taught, there’s no ‘help wanted’ signs in Hollywood.”

McConaughey, who also shares daughter Vida, 16, and son Livingston, 13, with wife Camila Alves, said the business “takes troubadours and rebels” to make it, and that’s the mentality he’s tried to instill in Levi specifically.

“I just try to push, to say, ‘It’s better to make a fool of yourself and find out’ then to leave an audition and go, ‘Oh I had that moment and I hesitated,'” he said. 

“Make a fool of yourself. Fail more. Try and fail more. No one gives as much of a damn as you think they do.”

Despite the encouragement, McConaughey was clear that he isn’t pushing his son toward a specific path. 

“I don’t know if it’s something he’s going to want to pursue as a career,” he said. 

“But as we’ve done what we’ve always done, Camila and I will do our best to open doors and then after that it’s up to our kids to do what they do with it.” 

He noted that Levi has simply grown up immersed in the world of filmmaking, working on crews and making short films around the house, giving him exposure without any pressure attached.

McConaughey’s mentorship hasn’t been limited to his own family, either.

On his new film The Rivals of Amziah King, out August 14, he took on a similar role for costar Angelina LookingGlass, who plays his onscreen foster daughter in her first major acting role. 

Speaking alongside McConaughey and director Andrew Patterson, LookingGlass reflected on his support during the joint E! News interview.

“He’s such an amazing person in general. He’s been such a mentor when I do need it. Getting to work with him, I learned a lot. I love what he did in the film. I’m very proud of him.”