McConaughey Gets It: Rom-Com Star Supports Veterans
by Christian Toto
Matthew McConaughey won’t be in the mix for any Oscar nominations this year, and probably not in 2010 or 2011, for that matter. But the routinely shirtless actor has one up on some of his A-list peers.
At a time when many celebrities risk alienating their fan base by voicing political views, McConaughey is opting to speak out on behalf of our men and women in uniform.The “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” star will appear in a new public service announcement that encourages giving back to veterans, politics be darned.
“It’s our duty to serve veterans and military families who serve their country in the most difficult ways imaginable,” McConaughey says in the spot, set to benefit the Major League Baseball-launched and supported Welcome Back Veterans.
Good for McConaughey. It’s hard to imagine who could disagree with a group helping veterans, and no one who sees the spots will come away with a negative impression of the actor.
So the next time audiences see a McConaughey movie, they won’t bring any negative baggage with them. Except, of course, for memories of “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “We Are Marshall” and “Failure to Launch.”
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123 Comments
Thank you Matt! And thank you Christian for making sure we all saw this. I don't think people know how much the care and consideration is appreciated by the troops.
Unfair. I wanted to not like this guy!
I liked We Are Marshall. I've always liked Matthew, especially his creepily bizarre role in Reign Of Fire. Anyone who believes that man can only do romantic comedies is fooling themselves.
And for that matter, what's wrong with romantic comedies? Didn't hurt Cary any.
Hunky and patriotic too! What more can you ask for?
Matthew is a great guy. When he first came on the scene, it heralded a major new talent. Contact, Amistad etc. Suddenly Hollywood dropped him because he is not a George Clooney, a mindless leftist drone. In the past few years only lefty drones like Clooney, Pitt, Affleck, Depp have been promoted leaving talented people like Matt find work wherever they can, including facile romcoms.
It's not a coincidence that his best work was before 2000 and the quality dwindled after that. Seriously, many once bright stars have been bowing and scraping at the left's altar: Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford come to mind. Compared to them, Matthew is a gem and he hasn't starred in one movie yet which trashes troops or the Iraq war even though it could easily have vaulted his career. That itself is a big achievement these days.
When I saw Reign of FIre, I thought Hollywood was positioning Matthew for action/adventure roles, but I think that was the only one he has done. Glad to hear that he not only supports our veterans but isn't afraid to say so.
I liked We Are Marshall, too. Lone Star and Dazed and Confused are also good McConaughey movies.
Aww, come on! "Marshall"??
Maybe "10 Days".
Quite possibly 'Launch" …
But "Marshall"???
Ya did good, Matt.
Being against the war is not the same as not supporting the troops.
good for him to feel at ease doing what he thinks helps…meanwhile other ball-less celebs like Will "I suck" Ferrell and other talentless clods are going after insurance companies. Do they realize the end is near for the liberalization of America?
Dazed and Confused, people!!!
No one dropped him from anything. He's been steadily making movies, and while a lot of them suck, they make money. I think he may be one of those types who works just as often as he has to to afford the pot, naked bongo playing, and his baby mama.
This is good news, and I salute McConaughey for doing this public service announcement. I cannot help but wonder, however, where he was when we had a different commander-in-chief in charge of our military efforts — one universally reviled by Hollywood.
If McConaughey was just as supportive of our troops, and publicly so, before January 20, 2009, I have missed it.
Thanks for getting me a Tivo and for your support of the troops.
Insolated by limos, Gulfstreams, press agents and other perques that keep reality at bay; I doubt it.
He's the real deal-a-hay
Those are liberal word games. Hate to break the news to you Susan. Not supporting the mission is as bad as not supporting the troops. As a former troop, I know this. Most of those in the military join, knowing what can happen. They have a job and want to get it done. Now put 2 and 2 together. Work with me here. When you say someone's mission isn't worth fighting, you're putting down the troops. Many on the left come to mind, Code Pinko's, ACT, MoveOn, etc. Have essentially called the troops stupid for joining during Bush's presidency. I don't buy your "We support the troops but not the mission" bull. It is the same.
when people refuse to spend their hard earned cash on these left wing fools, eventually the big pay checks get smaller and smaller
Congas!
Who said he could do romantic comedy? : )
This is wonderful news! It is so encouraging to see actors step out to support our military. I had wondered if he was one of the good guys. Hey, he was born and bred Texas with a ranch near his hometown? Gotta be a one of the good guys!
I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, as I don't follow the public service announcements of Hollywood celebrities all that closely.
This is wonderful news! It is so encouraging to see actors step out to support our military. I had wondered if he was one of the good guys. Hey, he was born and bred Texas, and now has a ranch near his hometown. Gotta be a one of the good guys!
I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt. Who knows why or if he was wrestling with the risks to his career? I'm just glad he has chosen to openly support our troops.
exactly, that's my strategy. It's working pretty well for me so far…
These are ways liberals can "look" like they support the troops in a "me too" way. Without actually supporting the troops. There are a lot of libs, like that Berkely kook (syn) who feel that our troops are rapists and murderers. But we're there for oil, right?
I support the person at Taco Bell, but not Taco Bell.
me too. I'm gonna cut him some slack. The troops and their families need him more i times with an unsteady apologist affecting their lives. The U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy KNEW Bush had their backs….this leftist is being tugged and manipulated (see sham *award*) to abandon them and retreat. They need ALL of us more than ever to be supportive and take steps to ensure they are appreciated and properlly funded. There are EVIL leftists that what that tax $$$$ to go to A-C-O-R-N not A-R-M-Y and they might succeed.
me too. I'm gonna cut him some slack. The troops and their families need him more in times with an unsteady apologist affecting their lives. The U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy KNEW Bush had their backs….this leftist is being tugged and manipulated (see sham *award*) to abandon them and retreat. They need ALL of us more than ever to be supportive and take steps to ensure they are appreciated and properlly funded. There are EVIL leftists that what that tax $$$$ to go to A-C-O-R-N not A-R-M-Y and they might succeed.
me too. I'm gonna cut him some slack. The troops and their families need him more in times with an unsteady apologist affecting their lives. The U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy KNEW Bush had their backs….this leftist is being tugged and manipulated (see sham *award*) to abandon them and retreat. They need ALL of us more than ever to be supportive and take steps to ensure they are appreciated and properlly funded. There are EVIL leftists that want that tax $$$$ to go to A-C-O-R-N not A-R-M-Y and they might succeed.
Hey Christian,
Doesn't that photo makes Matthew look like a deer staring into car headlights? I hope that is not prophetic of being hurt by his support of our troops! I really like this guy, and I liked 'We are Marshall' so much I bought the DVD. AND I rarely purchase movies.
Tell ya what, Susan… why don't you go do this:
Roll to the nearest military hospital… or better yet, funeral for one of our many wonderful men and women who gave their all for this country and tell them that.
You know, go up to the guy who left his legs in a Humvee in Baghdad, and tell him: I think you're great, but you and the rest of the baby-killer's mission sucked.
Or better yet: go up to the parents and other relatives at a military funeral and tell them your real message: You know, Your son/daughter/wife/husband is great, but they were real morons for enlisting and going over to fight in a war that sucks.
Go on… I dare ya.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Michael Chavez and Julie Barnes. Julie Barnes said: McConaughey Gets It: Rom-Com Star Supports Veterans http://is.gd/4csBq [...]
Well done and thank you, Mr. McConaughey. You have a world of support along with your own. Believe it!
On a side note, I find it quite humorous how often the lurkers will "thumbs-down" your/our posts whenever a BH.com article promotes a patriotic actor.
Moron lurkers.
As for Matthew, don't forget how awesome he was in "U-571."
"Being against the war is not the same as not supporting the troops."
I have yet to talk to an actual military person who believes that nonsense.
It's kind of like saying "I support Obama, but I don't support his policies or agenda."
I'd prefer McConaughey for veer right, but have to wonder why Russel Crowe is making a Left turn?
Note that we still don't know anything about McConaughey's politics nor do we need to. All he wishes to share is that he supports the veterans and that is all we need to know.
Most refreshing. He supports the Troops. He's A O.K. in my book.
Good for Matthew. And you forgot my favorite Matt flick……..Sahara!
Exactly, Ken!!! WE DONT NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR POLITICS!!! I wish someone would tattoo that on their wrists. Then tell them before they annoyed all of America with their facile opinions, to read it! I actually have always like McConaughey. I think he is just as talented as the rest of the bunch and hope his support of the troops, which should be a no-brainer, doesnt hurt his career.
What legitimate reasons? Iraq was invaded because of suspicions it had weapons of mass destruction and when these suspicions were proven to be wrong, it became about ending a dictatorship.
I support the soldiers, in their well-being and safe return. To me, that does not go against my feelings about the war.
Off topic, but can we all rally the bosses here to de-list Little Green Footballs from the blog roll? That is not a website that supports the vast majority of views held by the people that post here.
I don't remember exactly what he said, but I remember when the war first started and the Oscars were being used to bash Bush, McConaughey wore a red, white and blue corsage and made a point to say something about supporting the troops. I remember thinking at the time that he was one of a very few going against the grain.
While that might make you feel better, it is meaningless to a young man who is under fire and trying to do his duty.
In fact, most soldiers are more concerned about the success of their mission than their well-being and safe return. That's what makes them soldiers.
So, then it ended a dictatorship. One that Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, John Edwards and even Ted Kennedy said needed to be ended. I don't understand, but you sound like ending a dictatorship is a BAD thing. Or not worthy of doing? As for your information too, Susan, every intelligence agency in the world said Sadam had WMD's. Even in 1998, the UN said he did. The Kurds he killed, by gassing, in Northern Iraq would probably say he did. Where did they go? Who knows. Even though some WERE found after the invasion.
I spent a lot of weekends on Sixth Street when I was at Fort Hood. I know Austin's a huge liberal city (a anomoly in Texas) but it's good to know that some who come out of there are anti-military.
That is such a great movie. It's become one of my favorites.
I'd rather not know about someone's politics. Same goes in dating. Once it's out there, you pay the price one way or the other. I don't think this will hurt his career. I believe the US is MUCH more center right than some of the dodo heads in Hollywood. It's just that some are stupid and vote Democrat.
Good lord! I stand corrected!! ;-D
Yay! I've always liked Matthew McConaughey and now I have a reason to drool even more.
He advertises that beef is what's for dinner too. What a guy!
Well done Mathew! Showing integrity with patriotism in support of America’s heroes, good man.
Now he's even hotter…..
Even if he isn't an actual conservative, I appreciate the fact that he states OUT LOUD that he supports our troops and respects our veterans. That is a true American. And it means I can still like him and his movies! Because he sure is yummy! LOL!
I may be married, but I'm not dead! LOL!
Hey, didn't one of you guys l already coin a term for this? Something like "seagull troll" or something swoops in, makes a lot of noise, poops all over everything and leaves?
I think that fits Susan and so many others.
Here's a chance to share something nice about Matthew…I saw him throw the opening pitch at Dodger Stadium and he threw a strike from the mound. Just adding to his rep since he was so cool to speak out for the troops.
God Bless you, Matt.
Hey, you've made your money, why don't you get out of that trashy town, LA. before it corrupts you. Hang to the right and you will sleep better at night.
About those awards, who needs them. they don't represent the best. Look at Clint. He should have gotten tons of awards for Grand Torino. After last years awards, I'm not wasting my time watching any more.
The Little Miss Sunshine Best Picture award fiasco, the refusal to give DARK KNIGHT a best Picture nom, and the Gran Torino snubs have convinced me to Never watch the Oscars again. Ever.
I've already seen one ad in this campaign and it features Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Biden.
I do not think participating in these ads makes you Conservative, just people supporting our brave troops.
On another not,e I always liked Matthew and have no clue as to what he thinks about, politically…
I'm guessing you watch a lot of MSNBC or read Liberal blog sites because your analysis of the war is sadly superficial. President Clinton declared regime change to be our stated position against Hussein (not the one from Hawaii, sadly). The reason we invaded Iraq was because of their failure to honor the cease-fire agreement they made during the first gulf war (which included blocking weapons inspectors and routinely firing at US airplanes). The reason the Bush administration used to sell the invasion to the public heavily depended on the WMDs, but they weren't the main reason, nor was it required for us to negate the cease-fire.
As has been pointed out, Sadaam did have WMDs (as evidenced by tens of thousands of slaughtered Kurds, which most Liberals don't seem to care about), but many of them had already been destroyed by the weapons inspectors. It's possible that there were very few left, or that they were hidden or removed before the invasion. While it makes a great debating point to cry about not finding the WMDs, that doesn't actually address the argument. A better way to phrase your point might be, "Because his stockpile had been reduced, it would have been a better idea to pursue a course other than invasion." Unfortunately, Liberals rarely approach the debate with honesty or intellectual curiosity. To them, it's just a chance to smear Bush (and by extension all the military people who supported his decision), and try to feel superior to people who disagree. I've yet to meet a Liberal who actually made the argument well, although I know it well as someone who wasn't in favor of the war before it started either. The difference is, once we were there I supported the troops and the Iraqis who were at the mercy of the homicidal maniacs from Islamic extremist organizations.
Now, that's sophistry I can get a headache from…
Who cares what you believe, anyway?
Tools are tools are tools…
Thanks, Matt…
(For my son-in-law)
Way to go, Matt! Great cause that all should relate to and support. Total kudos.
Didn't Saddam Hussein admit to having had the WMDs, but said they got rid of them shortly before the US invasion because they knew what was coming? I could have sworn I read that somewhere.
Thanks for your service, Tom. I have/have had several members of my extended family in the Armed Forces, and they all heartily agree with your sentiments. I wonder what the troops think today of a CiC who won't even talk to their commanding officer and refuses to come up with any sort of game plan.
Well, Susan, speaking on behalf of "the troops", it is to us.
Most of us believe in what we're doing over there. We don't want or need to be patronized by Hollywood liberals who denigrated a Commander in Chief whom we liked and respected. Saddam and his two sons are roasting on a spit in Hell because of the U.S. Military and George Bush. I'm proud of the small part I played in that.
People who "support the troops" while being opposed to what the troops are doing, must see us as either unwilling victims or tools. In either case, no thanks for your support.
People who take that stance also align themselves with the more radical elements of the anti-war movement, who take a decidedly less troop-friendly position. Medved had one of the Berkley town council whack-jobs on his show who said recruiting should be outlawed because, "Soldiers rape Iraqi women," then added, "When women join the army, male soldiers rape them too."
You can be in favor of a change of tactics in a war, and even protest against how or why a war is being prosecuted. The thing you can't do (without being a total tool) is to ignore the legitimate reasons why we are there and the good that our service men and women do. You also can't blindly accept allegiances with bigots and hate-filled protest groups. When sick, twisted people are marching alongside you, you have to reject them or you are saying they are OK.
These are ways liberals can "look" like they support the troops in a "me too" way. Without actually supporting the troops. There are a lot of libs, like that Berkeley kook (syn) who feel that our troops are rapists and murderers. But we're there for oil, right Susan? I'd go for a change in strategy, but Obama's slow in the intake department. I read stories that, while the general's are asking for reinforcements, Obama's going to Denmark and having a nice date with his wife. I have nothing against him doing either one, but there are more pressing things on the table. He seems to have his priorities screwed up.
Nice. And kind of surprising but in a good way. His years in and about Austin haven't completely melted his brain. I was living there while Matthew was waiting tables as was Renee' Zellweger, two deserving hard working stars.
Lets sum this up: "All right, all right, all right, all right"
Good to seea true American in HW.
Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
So — Thank you, Matthew McConaughey for SPEAKING UP in support of
our veterans and the men and women in uniform!!!
I hope your message in conjuction with the MLB efforts will resonate with and
prompt action of as many Americans as possible.
Susan or whoever they are, are just hit & runners, trolls who make provacative statements, then leave without engaging in any debate. I don't even dignify them by giving them a thumbs down, negative acknowledgement.
But in regards to what you said Todd, I agree with you. Oh before I forget, thank you for your service!!
So, then it ended a dictatorship. One that Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, John Edwards and even Ted Kennedy said needed to be ended. I don't understand, but you sound like ending a dictatorship is a BAD thing. Or not worthy of doing? As for your information too, Susan, every intelligence agency in the world said Sadam had WMD's. Even in 1998, the UN said he did. The Kurds he killed, by gassing in Northern Iraq would probably agree he did. Where did they go? Who knows. Some WERE found after the invasion.
Smart and good-looking. A rare Hollywood combination. By the way, I loved him in HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS!
Everyone, except Susan and her like-minded friends, knew he had WMD's. Susan and people like her probably still think we rushed to war. Even though Bush took nearly 14 months from the time it was announced that it was a possibility to the time we actually set foot on Iraqi soil. That included many useless trips to the UN and many useless resolutions from the UN. Kinda like the kind of diplomacy that Obama is in favor of and is using with Iran and North Korea.
Kinda like the kind of diplomacy that Obama is in favor of
Yeah and how is this working out. We will be in grave danger soon with the policies of the Man Boy in charge. But he is destroying our country on purpose so he can step in as Dictator Obama and take over. Well he will try the Second Amendment and the hatred of him from the military will put a crimp in his plans.
Aye, well it most certainly is NOT his fan base he risks. It is his work in that "industry".
That's not a picture of McConaughey. That dude is wearing a shirt.
I actually am grateful that celebrities let fly their political beliefs – that means I won't waste my money supporting them! That goes for directors and writers, too. The only bad side is listening to their drivel. I'd rather know the enemies among us …
Good on McConaughey.
I like Matthew and have always enjoyed his performances (except one movie about an Island and boat, so awful I can not remember it's name). I do realize that most of the movies he has been in are not 'great' movies, yet he has a style that I enjoy. I do not follow the personal lives of 'stars' because when their politics collide with mine, I stop watching them, if I am not careful and learn too much I may end up watching nothing but Nature Shows. (When the Nature program pushes a political agenda, I am left with a blank screen.)
So now I can feel good watching Matthew McConaughey, thanks for the information.
Dingbat. Our troops are in support of the mission. Very few are against the effort to wipe out the global threat of Islamo-fascism. It is very unfortunate that the media highlights those who are against it and steer clear of those who are in support. To be against the war is to be against the very freedoms and liberties this country was founded upon and has spread throughout this world. The saddest part of that is the nations we freed from tyrannical dictators and oppressive governments have forgotten our soldiers sacrifices to free them. This is purely a generational failure. And Susan, you too are part and parcel of that failure.
When i first glanced at the author's pic, I thought it was Ricky Gervais, how odd. Alright alright alright!
Absolutely.
"The thing about high school girls is, the older I get, they stay the same age…"
Matthew is another brave Texan – he is from Uvalde, Texas. The great state of TEXAS. I also liked We Are Marshall.
I agree. The same thing if someone is gay or straight. I DONT WANT TO KNOW. I want to judge you on your actions, not what you do in the bedroom. I dont care, dont need to know, etc. I also wish people wouldnt use it as their descriptor word about themselves on the net. Why? I dont call myself "hetero di who likes to be on top."
In case anyone is interested, Scott Baio has come out on Twitter as a Conservative. Not a Repub, but a Conserv. Show him some love if you can, folks.
OK guys, boycotts can become "girlcotts", so we support McConaghey with our bucks (unless he does a movie with Sean Penn — that's a negative and a postive which cancels out).
I think I will go out a buy a copy of each of his DVD's, to show support (and because he is HOT!).
Greg Gutfeld has mercilessly mocked McConaughey on Red Eye in a good-natured way for a long time. Gutfeld is going to have to do a 180 on Matthew. Now he'll need to have him on as a guest, and make friends. He'd make a cool guest.
I loved How to Lose a Guy and We are Marshall. It's also unique that he lives in a SilverStream trailer and travels the country in his off time. He supports eating BEEF (take that, Woody Harrelson girly boy) and supports the troops! What's not to like??
[...] to have done so with a bang. Running counter to Hollywood mores and D.C. politics, McConaughey is making a big deal out of supporting American Vets. I’m so impressed, I may even make a point of watching one of his movies. He deserves [...]
"Being against the war is not the same as not supporting the troops."
Yes it is. Nothing says "I support you, except I want you to be defeated."
Either get on board or admit you don't want them to succeed.
Grow up.
I usually like his movies. Now I know why.
Come on people are we all missing his best role ever? Pecker from Tropic Thunder is a classic. I was indifferent to Matthew until this role and now I'm a huge fan.
Hell yes. Matt's a man's man. It is unbelievable anybody will not support the troops and their mission.
Best wishes to those men and woman serving in our military. I am regularly humbled by your courage and dedication to our country. There are many many of us who are behind you 100%, no matter who is president and no matter what the mission is.
I was just thinking, "Oh, shoot. Does this mean I have to like him now?"
Can we at least make him bathe and get a haircut first?
I mean, good for him for supporting the veterans, but honestly. . . .
If they won't get rid of the venomous Debbie Schlussel, I'm afraid there's not much hope.
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