Inside Matthew McConaughey's Private World

From a difficult childhood to massive fame, sources share Matthew Mcconaughey’s amazing untold story.

Fans were shocked. In the early hours of Oct. 26, 1999, police were called to Matthew McConaughey’s home in Austin, Texas. When they got there, he was naked, playing the bongos and dancing, while another man clapped along. “I saw the cop’s eyes get big when he identified me,” recalled the Oscar winner, “and it became, ‘Oh, look what we’ve got here.’” Matthew was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting transportation (he wouldn’t put his pants on!). “These days Matthew laughs the whole thing off, especially since the charges were eventually dropped. But at the time it was very embarrassing and he regretted his behavior very much,” says an insider. “The incident definitely changed him forever.”

It’s one of many. With his milestone 50th birthday just weeks away, Matthew’s opening up to friends about the highs and lows he’s faced over the years — and sharing private details about his quiet life with wife Camila Alves, 37, and their kids, Levi, 11, Vida, 9, and Livingston, 6.

“Matthew’s a very humble person and doesn’t like to give himself credit. But he’ s worked incredibly hard to carve out a wonderful life and impressive career,” a source tells OK! “While it hasn’t always been easy, the tough times made him who he is today. It’s been quite the journey.”

THE EARLY YEARS