Levi McConaughey Opens Up About the Pressure of Being Matthew McConaughey's Son

Levi McConaughey is speaking candidly about what it means to grow up as the son of a Hollywood star, while trying to pave his own way in the same industry.

Levi McConaughey is opening up about the unique challenges of growing up in the shadow of his famous father, Matthew McConaughey.

While looking through old photos, the actor asked his son, "Have you felt any pressure of being 'Matthew McConaughey's son'?"

"Yeah, it's just starting," Levi replied. "And as much as people can say, 'Oh, you got this because of your father or your mother,' they can open the door, but then it's going to be up to me to do my thing once I get in there. That's on me."

The 17-year-old added that he feels a responsibility to make the most of his opportunities. "Ultimately, you got to have some chops. And so yes, it'd feel like it would be a disservice to them because of how hard they've worked to get to the position that they're at to not take advantage of it, but also put in the work and get after it and do it."

Matthew offered his own perspective, saying, "There's a line between entitlement and shame. If you can look it right in the eye and deal with it, and if it works out, you’ll see, it's a hell of a roller coaster."

Levi shared these thoughts as part of PEOPLE’s Generations Issue cover story, where he also discussed his acting debut in Apple TV+’s "The Lost Bus," premiering October 3, 2025. The film, directed by Paul Greengrass, tells the story of the deadly 2018 Camp Fire in California.