Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson have become huge names in Hollywood over their illustrious careers, but their ultimate bromance draws fans even closer to these two famous actors and native Texans. The undeniable bromance between these two stars can be seen on screen and on social media, for every post gains instant notoriety. Having been friends for decades, the on-screen chemistry allows for smooth improvisation on set that catapults whatever show they are working on to new heights, while the off-screen camaraderie shows fans they are more than fellow entertainers, but true friends.
Harrelson, who rose to fame on the hit sitcom Cheers, has seen the likes of both the screen and the stage, proving himself worthy of multiple Primetime Emmy and Academy Award nominations. He has starred in huge films such as The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Messenger, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
McConaughey gained recognition from the comedy Dazed and Confused but drew on his leading man status and sex appeal to garner awards for films such as Dallas Buyers Club, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Mud.
Despite their incredible fame, each has humbly carried the responsibility as actors to new heights and their friendship reinforces that.
How They Met
The famous duo met back in 1999 on the film Edtv. Starring alongside the likes of comedian Ellen DeGeneres, the two kicked off their friendship playing brothers Ed (McConaughey) and Ray (Harrelson) Pekurny as their lives are examined by a camera crew for a television show. Despite the now star-studded cast, the film opened to mixed and average reviews receiving low box office numbers despite a reasonably large budget. More established, in 2008 the two came together for the comedy Surfer, Dude which followed a surfer in the midst of an existential crisis. While many had high hopes for the film, it was received poorly by fans and critics alike in what was considered another bust film starring both McConaughey and Harrelson.
The two went separate ways professionally and thrived in making long-lasting and powerful films, but that close friendship was kept intact. The two partnered back up for their first television debut with the hit HBO crime drama True Detective which gave both McConaughey and Harrelson outstanding reviews and each a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. The two starred as Detectives Rust Cole (McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Harrelson) who work together to solve a grisly crime. That off-screen relationship so visibly seen gave clout to the one on-screen as fans gravitated towards the two partners and found both highly relatable and fun to watch.
Laid Back Lads
Despite their hectic schedules, the two continue to find time for each other in order to further grow an already blossomed relationship. McConaughey, who is married to model Camila Alves with three children, and Harrelson, who is married with three children, have learned to balance work, family, and fun in the best way possible. Harrelson has been vocal about what he calls a “Friendship Tour” where he indulges on trips with other high-profile friends, including Bono, Chris Rock, and of course, Matthew McConaughey. The two are often jokingly seen as trouble together for their pattern of having fun and causing light-hearted mayhem wherever they go.
Aside from their star-filled adventures, both actors seem fairly laid back and relaxed in their quest to entertain and create. Their bromance makes perfect sense in this regard, for while opposites may attract, so too do those very much alike. It appears that McConaughey and Harrelson click on a personal and emotional level that truly captures their friendship and serves as a positive reminder for everyone that a meaningful relationship is very much attainable even in such uncertain times. That easygoing connection translates to the screen and brings another dynamic level to their characters, most notably in True Detective.
Texas Forever
While all else is true about these two decorated and accomplished actors, their bromance may stem from the fact they are both fellow Texans. Although their lives may be consumed in the entertainment hubs of New York City and Los Angeles, they never miss an opportunity to show their Texas pride.
McConaughey was born and raised in Texas where he later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he remains an intense Longhorns fan. Although Harrelson was born in Texas, his education took him to Hanover College in Indiana, but his Texas pride has never wavered, nor left.
McConaughey currently resides in Texas with his family and teaches at the Moody College of Communication for his alma mater. While Harrelson has lived in Maui, Hawaii for many years, he has floated the idea of moving back to his home state of Texas. For all fans know, these two will harness their bromance and become neighbors.
