Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves' Relationship Timeline

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Christopher Polk/WireImage

Matthew McConaughey’s relationship with his wife,Camila Alves, is more than just “alright, alright, alright.”

“We have a lovethat we never question,” the Oscar winner told PEOPLE of his bond with Alves, who is a model, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

But before meeting Alves in 2006, McConaughey wasn’t sure he would ever find the “unconditional love” they now share. The actor felt like he was running out of time to find the love of his life and start a family.

He continued, “I knew men who had made hasty decisions and women who had done the same thing. But at that point, I wasn’t hunting. And then this amazing woman walked across my field of vision and I thought, ‘Who is that?’ And it was Camila.”

From meeting in a Los Angeles nightclub to welcoming three children, here is everything to know about Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves' relationship.

2006: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves meet at an L.A. club

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McConaughey first laid eyes on Alves at the West Hollywood nightclub Hyde in 2006 — and the connection was instant.

“She showed up, and she moved right to left in front of my eyes across that club,” the actor told PEOPLE of their first meeting. “It wasas if she was floating. And I did not say, ‘Who is that?’ I said, ‘Whatis that?’ And then introduced myself. Since that evening, I have not wanted to spend time with any other woman.”

Alves, though, remembered their initial meeting going differently. “We had two interactions at the bar,” she recalled.“The first interaction,I did not knowwho he was … He was all covered up and I didn’t really realize who he was.”

Lance Armstrong— who was with McConaughey at the club that evening — helped clear things up. Three nights later, McConaughey and Alves had their first official date.

October 2007: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves' relationship is confirmed

“She likes roughing it,” a source said. “She doesn’t complain when they go hiking for 10 days without clean clothes or a shower.”

January 30, 2008: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves make their red carpet debut at theFool’s Goldpremiere

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McConaughey and a pregnant Alveshit the red carpet togetherfor the first time at the L.A. premiere ofFool’s Gold.

Alves later reminisced about the evening in anInstagram post. “I was so nervous, we had already been dating for a while and I had been to movie premieres with him but always sneaking in thru the back to keep our privacy,” she wrote. “This was the first time going ‘here we go’ the minute I stepped into the carpet the WIND picked up like crazy and this flowing knee length dress pretty quickly became crotch high!”

She added, “I laugh the whole way because if you can’t fix it may as well laugh right!!”

Afterthree days of laborand an emergency cesarean section, McConaughey and Alves welcomed their first son, Levi Alves McConaughey, on July 7, 2008.

Alves shared more of her birth story years later in theEllen DeGeneresShowsegment “Lady Parts” withSarah Hyland. “We tried to go as natural as we could in a hospital setting,” Alves said. “We really wanted to go through without taking [medication]. We wanted to have that experience, and that was what we planned on.”

But after trying to push Levi out unsuccessfully, “the doctor was like, ‘That’s it — emergency C-section.’ "

June 21, 2009: Matthew McConaughey reveals Camila Alves is pregnant

McConaughey revealed on Father’s Day that the couple wereexpecting their second child.

“Happy Father’s Day. It’s my first, and the last 11 months with Levi and Camila have been the most rewarding adventure to date,” McConaughey wrote on his website. “We have more blessed news to celebrate this Father’s Day that makes this time next year double the fun. Levi is going to be a big brother … Yeah, we pulled off the greatest miracle in the world one more time.”

He continued, “Camila and I are expecting our second child, bringing more life into the world, making more to live for. The future looks bright as the family grows and we thank you for all the well wishes you send our way. Viva la evolucion, naturally, and in the mean times and all time, just keep livin, Matthew and Camila.”

McConaughey and Alves welcomed daughterVida Alves McConaugheyjust after midnight on Jan. 3, 2010, weighing in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

The couple chose not to find out the sex prior to delivery, as they did with Levi. “‘Vida’ is Portuguese for ‘life’ and that’s what God gave us this morning,” McConaughey said of her name.

“Camila’s recovering wonderfully and we are both truly honored to welcome this little lady into our family,” he added. “Thanks for all of your well wishes and prayers along the way, another blessed day, we give thanks.”

One month later, Alves opened up to PEOPLE about her daughter. “I’m very excited to have a girl,” Alves said. “I’m happy and it’s a big blessing. Vida’s definitely a beautiful and peaceful girl. We are so lucky!”

December 25, 2011: Matthew McConaughey proposes to Camila Alves

George Pimentel/WireImage

McConaughey made Christmas Day extra merry when he got down on one knee and proposed to his love of nearly five years.

“Justasked Camila to marry me,” the actor announced. “Merry Christmas!”

McConaughey shared more details of the romantic proposal with PEOPLE. The actor proposed with a rose-cut Cathy Waterman engagement ring that he hid within boxes of varying sizes, so Alves wouldn’t suspect anything.

“It was the last gift to be opened and I wrapped it in seven different boxes so Camila would have to keep unwrapping,” McConaughey said. “She got the ring, I took a knee and asked her to marry me and take my name. After a bit, she conceded … thankfully.”

June 9, 2012: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves get married

After a six-month engagement and six years together, McConaughey and Alvestied the knotin a three-day celebration held at their home in Austin, Texas.

The couple’s children, Levi and Vida, served as ring bearer and flower girl for the special day. “[They] seem to understand what we are doing on a spiritual level,” Alves told PEOPLE.

“We decided to embrace the ritual of marriage as an opportunity and adventure we’ll take together,” McConaughey added.

July 4, 2012: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves announce third pregnancy

“Happy birthday America, more good news, Camila and I are expecting our 3rd child,” McConaughey tweeted. “God bless, just keep livin.”

George Pimentel/Getty

“Camila gave birth to our third child yesterday morning. Our son, Livingston Alves McConaughey was born at 7:43 a.m. on 12.28.12. He greeted the world at 9lbs. and 21 inches,” McConaughey tweeted, accordingto CBS News. “Bless up and thank you for your well wishes. Happy New year, and just keep livin.”

March 2, 2014: Matthew McConaughey thanks Camila Alves in Oscar speech

Christopher Polk/Getty

McConaughey took home his firstAcademy Awardin 2014 when he won Best Actor for his role inDallas Buyers Club— for which he famously lost 47 pounds. In hismoving acceptance speech, the actor said he wants to make his family proud.

“To my wife, Camila, and my kids Levi, Vida and Mr. Stone: the courage and significance you give me every day when I go out the door is unparalleled,” McConaughey said. “You are the four people in my life I want to make the most proud of me.”

The actor concluded his speech with his trademark quip: “Whatever it is we look up to, whatever it is we look forward to, and whoever it is we’re chasing, to that I say, ‘All right, all right, all right.’ To that I say, ‘Just keep living.’ "

November 17, 2014: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves attend Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony

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McConaughey’s biggest supporters were present to reveal his star on theHollywood Walk of Fame. Alves and the couple’s three children were all in attendance for the actor’s big day.

“It’s a family affair today…the stars are aligned!!“Alves tweetedprior to the event.

McConaughey previously shared how much he appreciated Alves' willingness to take their family wherever his career led him.

“When I go to work, she says, ‘All right, kiddos, we’re all going.’ No discussion. She has things she does in her own life that she’s willing to drop, put in second place,” he said. “[She says,] ‘You’re the primary breadwinner … We’re going with you. This is your career. We’re going.’ That’s a huge privilege.”

August 4, 2015: Matthew McConaughey congratulates Camila Alves on becoming a U.S. citizen

McConaughey and his three children posed for a family picture alongside Alves as she received her U.S. citizenship.

“Congratulations Camila on getting your U.S. citizenship today – another fellow and great American,” McConaughey wrote alongside the photo, which he posted to Facebook.

Alves, who moved to the U.S. from Brazil as a teen, shared in her husband’s excitement on Twitter.

“Happy to say I now hold an American passport! I have so much respect and appreciation for this country,” she tweeted.

November 2016: Matthew McConaughey reveals Camila Alves encouraged him to ditch rom-coms

In an interview withEsquire,McConaughey opened up about changing the course of his acting career, leaving behind his leading roles in romantic comedies for more serious films. The actor credited the risky shift in part to Alves.

After starring in films likeThe Wedding PlannerandHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, McConaughey realized he had reached a tipping point. “All of a sudden. I understood, whoa, that’s become my brand,” the actor recalled.

“A good woman gives a man courage and confidence — the courage to have the confidence to go and do it, to not be worried as much or consider as much what the rest of the world thinks,” he said.

October 2017: Camila Alves shares how she and Matthew McConaughey keep the spark in their marriage

Kevork Djansezian/GettY

In an interview withOcean Drive, Alves opened up about how she and McConaughey kept their five-year marriage feeling fresh. Despite having three kids and busy careers, the couple alwaysmake time for date night— even if it is just a quick night away.

“Sometimes it’s just a staycation, taking one night at a hotel that’s 15 minutes away from your house,” she said. “But you pack a backpack. You go to dinner. You get to have talks and sleep in the next day. Walk around, have breakfast and lunch together.”

“I played a little bit of soccer as a youngster but soccer was not my game,” McConaughey toldEntertainment Tonightahead of the team’s debut in 2021. “But then I marry this woman and she is from Brazil. If you are going to marry a Brazilian woman, soccer is not something you talk about, soccer is something in your blood.”

He continued, “So my kids pick it up, so I pick it up … It became important to me that way. And then a friend opened up an opportunity for me to come on as a co-owner with them and I said yes.”

Alves also shared her excitement about the team before their first game. “I grew up playing soccer, I was a goalie believe it or not!” shewrote on Instagram. “SOCCER is in our blood in Brasil and now to see our family being part of a team honestly is beyond words!”

April 2020: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves deliver masks to frontline workers during COVID-19 pandemic

McConaughey and Alvespersonally delivered masksto frontline workers in Austin and New Orleans during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic. Along with their three children, the couple — working withBethenny Frankel’s BStrong initiative — dropped off around 80,000 surgical and KN95 masks to hospital workers, fire stations and police stations.

“I think that finding a purpose of helping also helps people get through this time,” Alves told PEOPLE. “If you have the ability to donate, you can still make a difference and go to BStrong and help there. If you don’t have the means of donating dollars, but if you have the means of donating your time or volunteering or calling people, that’s okay too … It’s finding ways that we can all help each other.”

McConaughey and Alves continued to give back throughout the pandemic. The pairhosted a virtual bingo nightfor a senior living home, whose residents had to self-isolate in the living facility, anddonated 110,000 masksto hospitals across rural Texas.

November 2021: Matthew McConaughey named philanthropist of the year for his and Camila Alves' foundation

Suzi Pratt/Getty

For McConaughey and Alves, the foundation is a top priority — and a family affair. “Me and Camila wanted to be in this thing. I was always going to be hands-on,” he toldTHR. “It’s always a forethought, never an afterthought. I want this to be a legacy.”

April 6, 2022: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves land on theNew York TimesBest Seller list

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McConaughey and Alves both added “New York Timesbestselling author” to their résumés after their respective booksmade the listat the same time.

The couple celebrated in an Instagram video. “Good morning. Read the newspaper. Guess who showed up on theNew York TimesBest Seller list?” McConaughey said in the clip.

“Two McConaugheys, husband, friends on theNew York TimesBest Seller list at the same time,” he added, before congratulating his wife with a kiss.

McConaughey’s memoirGreenlightshad been on the list for 65 weeks and had sold over 3 million copies, Alves shared. She made the list for the first time due to the success of her children’s book,Just Try One Bite, which was released in March 2022.

May 3, 2022: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves celebrate 10 years of their children’s nonprofit

Rick Kern/WireImage

In May 2022, McConaughey and Alves commemorated raising $20 million over 10 years through their children’s fundraising nonprofit, theMack, Jack & McConaughey foundation.

“10 YEARS!” Alves wrote on Instagram, captioning a photo of her and McConaughey at the event. “We celebrated this past weekend of @mackjackmcconaughey empowering kids from heart transplants to after school programs AND many things in between all for kids!”

She continued, “The goal is to raise as much as possible for kids while having a lot of fun!! The wives united our power and all together the event is a 2 and half day deal… from music to golf to fashion!!”

June 2022: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves start a relief fund and campaign for gun safety following Uvalde School Shooting

Later that month, the actor shared a video of him and Alvescampaigning for gun safetyat the White House.

June 9, 2023: Camila Alves accidentally forgets her wedding anniversary while traveling with Matthew McConaughey

In a separateInstagrampost, she wrote: “DON’T let him Fool YOU! SOMEONE WARNED HIM OF THE DATE.”

July 20, 2023: Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey launch Greenlights Grant Initiative

McConaughey and Alves' just keep livin Foundationannounced the launchof its Greenlights Grant Initiative, which aims to help school districts obtain federal grant money for school safety.

In a statement, the couple explained that the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde “pushed Congress to pass historic legislation,” which “allocated billions of dollars aimed at assisting schools and school districts to create safer environments.” However, they explained that “it remains far too difficult for school districts to apply for and receive federal school safety grants.”

“Today’s launch of the Greenlights Grant Initiative is a meaningful step toward providing school districts across the country the grant writing support and the resources they need to keep kids safe in our schools,” the statement continued. “The parents in Uvalde asked us to do one thing — to ‘make their lives matter. We hope the Greenlights Grant Initiative can help do just that.”

August 23, 2023: Camila Alves says Matthew McConaughey’s “laid back” image isn’t real

According to Alves, the public used to have a very unrealistic image of her husband.

“When we first start dating, it was thisimage of Matthew of getting high, laid back, no shirt, whatever,” she said onSouthern Living’sBiscuits & Jampodcast. “Which I’m like, ‘The guy doesn’t even smoke. What is this vision coming from?’ "

She went on to describe McConaughey as “organized, very minimalistic, very on time and very prepared.”

October 25, 2023: Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey announce their tequila brand

Alves and McConaughey announced their tequila company in acheekyvideo. The couple were seen riding motorcycles and walking through a field of blue agave plants sans pants — a nod to the brand’s name.

“Pantalones Organic Tequila— the best thing we’ve made with our pants on,” they said in a joint statement.

November 20, 2024: Matthew McConaughey shares the pact he made with Camila Alves after their move to Texas

Matthew McConaughey / Instagram

During an appearance on theGood Trouble with Nick Kyrgiospodcast, McConaughey shared that he made a pact with Alves when he left Hollywood to move to his family’s Texas farm.

At the time, he promised her, “‘I’m not going back to work unlessI get offered rolesI want to do.' "

This led to the actor turning down a $14.5 million role in an action comedy, but he said keeping his end of the deal was worth it.

“I think that’s what made Hollywood go, ‘You know what? He’s now a new novel idea. He’s a new bright idea,’ " he said.

source: people.com