Matthew McConaughey is celebrating a major milestone for his eldest son, Levi, and marking the occasion with a simple piece of fatherly advice.
The Oscar winner took to Instagram to celebrate Levi’s 18th birthday, welcoming him into adulthood with a heartfelt message about the responsibilities that come with new freedoms. Alongside a photo of the two posing together, he wrote, “18. That’s a # buddy. Enjoy and handle your new freedoms. @levimcconaughey.”
The photo showed the father and son standing side by side in matching blue dress shirts and dark jeans, with their arms around each other as they flashed a “rock on” hand sign. Matthew, 56, shares Levi with his wife, Camila Alves, 43. The couple are also parents to daughter Vida, 16, and son Livingston, 13.
Levi’s introduction to social media
Levi joined Instagram in July 2023, on his 15th birthday, after his parents decided he was ready. Announcing the milestone, Matthew wrote, “Happy birthday Levi Alves McConaughey. Can you believe it? Fifteen years young.” Then he followed by saying, “Hey, buddy, your mom is a little nervous today. One of the gifts we’re giving you, yes, we are allowing you today to join the social media universe.”
© Tibrina HobsonCamila explained in the accompanying video that the family had been discussing social media since Levi was 12, saying, “All his friends have had it for a long time. We’ve been holding up.”
Matthew added that he believed his son was ready for the responsibility, saying, “He knows who he is, and he knows where he’s going. I think he can handle it. He’s got a great story to tell and share.”
© Hubert VestilHe also encouraged his followers to give Levi the same respect they have shown him over the years, saying, “I want y’all to know, you’re getting a very cool and respectful young man in Levi McConaughey, and I hope y’all can do your best to treat him the same way.”
Levi McConaughey following in his father’s footsteps
Levi has already started pursuing an acting career, something Matthew once hoped his children would avoid. Over time, however, the actor said he realized the entertainment industry had given him experiences he would be proud for his children to have as well.
© Jean Baptiste LacroixSpeaking to PEOPLE, he admitted, “The first 15 years in Hollywood I was like, ‘I’d never want my kid to grow up in the business.’ And when I hit about 40, right about the time we had Levi, I looked around at how many special people I’ve met in my life, how much travel and what an awesome, healthy, cool experience that’s been for me in my life.
“I was like, ‘Where are you coming up with this idea you don’t want any of your kids to do it?’ It’d be a privilege if they would be able to.”
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