Matthew McConaughey, the Oscar-winning actor known for his signature drawl and memorable roles in both romantic comedies and dramas, always knew he would eventually leave Hollywood behind. In fact, his heart was set on returning to his roots in Texas long before he became one of the most recognizable faces in the film industry.

In an interview on the “Today” show, McConaughey shared, “This has always been home; there are multiple reasons for that.” For the actor, Texas represents far more than just a place to live—it is a state of being where time slows down and where he feels grounded. “This is where I have a great relationship with time. Meaning 60 seconds feels like a minute, a mile feels like a mile,” McConaughey said. “I like to live in a place and for a home to be a place where I have a good relationship with time.”

For McConaughey, life in Texas allows him to escape the frenetic pace of Hollywood and enjoy a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle. His decision to leave Malibu for Austin, Texas, in 2014 wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment choice. It was a carefully planned move to reconnect with his roots and provide his family with the same values he grew up with. “I wanted them to have what I grew up around… There’s a solid amount of common sense that runs through it,” McConaughey explained.

Family has always been a key component in McConaughey’s decision to return home. His “family unit” is deeply entrenched in Texas, from his 92-year-old mother to his two older brothers. Raising his own family in the Lone Star State has allowed McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves, to instill a sense of stability and authenticity in their children. The couple, who married in 2012, share three children and have embraced Texas life wholeheartedly.

Though McConaughey’s career catapulted him to international fame, his journey to success began in Texas. Born in Uvalde and raised in Longview, he originally attended the University of Texas at Austin with plans to become a lawyer. But life took a detour, leading him to acting, where his breakout role as David Wooderson in 1993’s “Dazed and Confused” put him on the map.

Despite his meteoric rise in Hollywood, McConaughey has always maintained a strong connection to Texas. He noted that the state’s “resources” and “backbone of security” are invaluable to him and his family. And while many fans know him for his iconic roles in romantic comedies like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “The Wedding Planner,” McConaughey revealed that at one point, he considered leaving Hollywood altogether. In a candid conversation earlier this year, McConaughey admitted that he almost walked away from acting during his rom-com years, even considering a career as a teacher, wildlife guide, or conductor.

Ultimately, his love for storytelling and acting prevailed, but his loyalty to Texas remains steadfast. For McConaughey, Texas is more than just a place on the map—it’s home, where his family, values, and faith keep him grounded.