Celebrity

Matthew McConaughey And Woody Harrelson May Be Biological Brothers

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10:32 30 August 2023

Updated: 02:31 23 November 2024


Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson have been offered a DNA test to finally put to rest whether or not they’re half brothers. 

McConaughey, 54, is an American actor recognized for films including Interstellar, Dallas Buyers Club, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Harrelson, 63, is also an American actor best known for his role as bartender Woody Boyd in the TV sitcom Cheers, as well as the movies White Men Can’t Jump and The Hunger Games franchise.

Together, they’ve starred in the drama series True Detective and the 1999 comedy EDtv.

Outside of the acting world, they’re also good friends who often holiday together – but there’s a possibility they could be ever closer…

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey.
Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey have been offered a DNA test to find out whether it’s true they’re half-brothers. Credit: Alamy

During an appearance on the Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa podcast, McConaughey revealed that he’s possibly Harrelson’s younger half-brother.

The Gentleman actor recounted a conversation with his mom, Mary, who admitted that she had once had an intimate experience with Harrelson’s father – hitman Charles Harrelson, who died in 2007 while in prison aged 68.

McConaughey said: “In Greece a few years ago, we’re sitting around talking about how close we are and our families. And my mom is there, and she says, ‘Woody, I knew your dad.’

“Everyone was aware of the ellipses that my mom left after ‘knew.’ It was a loaded K-N-E-W.

Matthew McConaughey and mom Mary.
Matthew McConaughey’s mom told Woody Harrelson that she ‘knew’ his father. Credit: Alamy

“We went on to unpack what this ‘knew’ meant and did some math and found out that [Harrelson’s] dad was on furlough at the same time that my mom and dad were in their second divorce.

“Then there’s possible receipts and places out in West Texas where there might have been a gathering, or a meeting, or a ‘knew’ moment.”

McConaughey continued: “You know, where I start and where he ends, and where he starts and I end, has always been like a murky line. And that’s part of our bromance, right?

“My kids call him Uncle Woody. His kids call me Uncle Matthew. And you see pictures of us and my family thinks a lot of pictures of him are me. His family thinks a lot of pictures of me are him.”

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.
Matthew McConaughey is hesitant to go through with a DNA test. Credit: @officiallymcconaughey/Instagram

McConaughey and Harrelson are yet to take a DNA test, with The Wolf of Wall Street actor feeling hesitant.

He explained: ‘It’s a little harder for me because he’s asking me to take a chance to go, ‘Wait a minute, you’re trying to tell me my dad may not be my dad after 53 years of believing that?’

“I got a little more skin in the game.”

McConaughey’s dad James passed away in 1992 and according to the actor’s memoir ‘Greenlights.’ he died from a heart attack while ‘clim**ing’.

Maury Povich
Retired TV personality Maury Povich has offered to do a primetime on their DNA results. Credit: Alamy

After learning that McConaughey and Harrelson could be bound together by more than just friendship, retired TV personality and friend of the duo, Maury Povich, has offered to ‘come out of retirement’ and help.

In an interview with E! News, he said: “We could do primetime, DNA, Maury’s Back With Woody And Matthew. Woody’s got my number. I’m ready.”

McConaughey was shown the video by E!, and he responded: “I don’t know if we’re gonna do it on your show, but I like the way you’re thinking.”

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