Matthew McConaughey Net Worth: Actor Turned Down $15M To Star In Blockbuster Movie

Matthew McConaughey was mostly known for his romantic comedies, his good looks — even being named People's sexiest man alive in 2005 — and his "alright, alright, alright" catchphrase that remains popular nearly 30 years later before he scored his best actor Oscar win in 2014. Here’s how much he is worth after decades of acting.

The 51-year-old actor’s net worth is estimated to be around $140 million as of 2020, per Celebrity Net Worth. McConaughey’s first foray into acting was in television commercials in Austin, Texas, News9 reported.

It was in 1993 when McConaughey made it to the big screen via the film “Dazed and Confused,” where his character David Wooderson said his iconic line “alright, alright, alright.” He later appeared on a string of blockbuster films including “Interstellar,” “Tropic Thunder” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

McConaughey also starred in hit romantic comedy films such as “The Wedding Planner,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “Fool's Gold.”

But his brilliance in acting did not get the spotlight until he starred in a smaller production. McConaughey opted to play Ron Woodroof in the film “Dallas Buyers Club” rather than accept the $15 million paycheck he was offered to star in a movie remake of the classic TV show “Magnum, P.I.,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The decision to turn down the $15 million offer did wonders for McConaughey as he went on to nab his first Academy Award for best actor for his performance in “Dallas Buyers Club” in 2014.

But while McConaughey was paid less than $200,000 for the film that gave him his Oscar, he now commands around $15 million to 20 million for a movie role, per Celebrity Net Worth. In comparison, he was paid $48,500 for his appearance in “Angels in the Outfield” in 1994. He also rakes in millions each year from his endorsement deals, notably with Lincoln.

McConaughey also owns several cars and properties. These include several Lincolns, as well as a number of Corvettes and Camaros. The actor has a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Austin, Texas, as well as several Airstream trailers parked in an upscale mobile home park.

In 2020, he sold his Malibu, California, home to "The Lego Movie" producer-director Phil Lord in a deal worth $15 million, Variety reported.

With millions in the bank, McConaughey also supports several charities. He founded nonprofit J.K. Livin’ or the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to help teenagers make the right decisions in life, including pursuing a healthy lifestyle, per News9.

McConaughey is also part of organizations like BID 2 BEAT AIDS, the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Communities in Schools New Orleans. Additionally, he was instrumental in the efforts to rescue pet animals left behind during the onset of Hurricane Katrina.