Matthew McConaughey knows what it takes to be a stellar dad.
In fact, the Oscar winner's son Levi, 15, recently proved that to be true in a heartwarming birthday message.
"People know Matthew Mcconaughey as an Actor and now a writer," Levi's note, which Matthew read aloud on the Dec. 8 episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, said. "but I know him as my father."
"The man who always makes time for us no matter what," the message continued. "The man who's always there for us no matter what, and the man that taught me to appreciate the journey and not just the destination. The journeys just getting started."
And the Interstellar star couldn't have been happier with his son's homage.
"It makes you feel like what you're doing as a parent is translating," the 54-year-old told host Jennifer Hudson. "Kids are a great mirror of who we are."
The Mud actor—who also shares son Livingston, 10, and daughter Vida, 13, with his wife of 11 years, Camila Alves McConaughey—even shared why he hopes his kids will be "cooler" than him.
"There's so many definitions of cool," he said. "But I think the real definition of cool and I guess when I am the coolest is when I'm just most myself, which is what I think is the coolest thing about people."
When Levi asked what he meant, the Just Because author explained, "'I hope that you can learn to be yourself better than I'm trying to learn to be myself.'"
Over the years, Matthew has been vocal about how he learns from his children as much as they learn from him.
"Levi continues to teach me consideration," Matthew told E! News in September. "He's an extremely considerate young man and I appreciate that about him."
Meanwhile, Vida teaches him "forgiveness," the Dazed and Confused alum shared. "She's a real peacemaker."
As for Livingston, he noted, "reminds me of the power of absolute singular focus. When he's got a project, whether it's a sport or homework or drawing, he zeroes in and the rest of the world is gone."
Keep reading for some of the McConaughey's sweetest family moments.
Thrill Rides
The McConaughey crew visited Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles for a rare family outing in June 2025.
Group of Gala-Goers
The Oscar winner, his wife and their three kids coordinated outfits while attending the Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala together in Austin, Texas in April 2025.
Look Up
Camila and Livingston checked out the solar exclipse in April 2024.
Family First
Levi shared this family photo in honor of his dad's birthday 54th birthday in 2023, writing on Instagram, "People know Matthew Mcconaughey as an Actor and now a writer, but I know him as my father."
Baller Lifestyle
Matthew and Livingston met Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green in November 2023.
Paris Fashion Week
This family time at Paris Fashion Week was magnifique!
Braving Waves
"Surf souvenirs," Matthew captioned this March 2023 pic of son Levi.
Hairy Situation
The Oscar winner gave Livingston a haircut as Levi looked on in February 2023.
Best Uncle
"Uncle @woodyharrelson is questioning if the cake is vegan or not!!!" Camila wrote on Instagram in January 2023 for her and Matthew's daughter Vida's 13th birthday. "How does this go people! Time flies… 13! You are my ray of sunshine Vida!!!"
Going Camping
In December 2022, Camila wrote, "We get the trailer they are responsible for the tent… #ontheroad."
Reading Time
"Kids reading time by the fire!" Camila wrote in December 2022. "Fun book @reesewitherspoon !! Ladies and gentlemen if you don't have it time to get it! Great gift too!"
The Trio
Matthew McConaughey and wife Camilla Alves McConaughey's kids Livingston, Vida and Levi pose for a 2022 pic.
The Gang's All Here
"The man who always makes time for us no matter what, the man who’s always there for us no matter what," Levi continued in his birthday tribute, and the man that taught me to appreciate the journey and not just the destination."
He added, "The journeys just getting started…Happy birthday Papai."
Red Carpet Ready
The whole family was dressed to impress at the 2019 Texas Medal Of Arts Awards in Austin, Texas.
Too Cool
Livingston lived it up in a pair of sunglasses, with mom Camila writing on instagram, "Going thru photos and finding all kinds of photos taken by the kids!"
Play Time
"We know we love them," Camila jokingly captioned this action shot of her three kids, "and they love us deep down under all…a cupcake, a pie, a card, a phone call."
Star Power
Matthew and his family attended his Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in 2014.
Family Night
Matthew brought his family to the 2014 Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala.
Batter Up
The couple and their kids Levi and Vida caught a baseball game between the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.