Live from Abu Dhabi Connect the World takes you on a journey across continents, investigating the stories that are changing our world.
Known for his all American good looks and stellar sense of humor, Matthew McConaughey has transformed himself into one of the most popular actors in Hollywood.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/10/14/matt.art.gi.jpg
caption="Matthew McConaughey is your Connector of the Day."]
Born in 1969, McConaughey first came to fame on the silver screen for his role in the blockbuster 1993 hit "Dazed and Confused."
McConaughey went on to star in such romantic comedies as "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "Failure to Launch," and "Fool's Gold."
Now McConaughey is teaming up with the Samsung Hope for the Children organization to help inner-city school children at L.A. schools. Along with Samsung’s retail partner Best Buy, they support the j.k livin foundation, a non-profit organization the actor started in 2009 to serve youth in communities across the U.S.
By partnering with Communities in Schools (CIS), the nation’s largest non-profit dropout prevention organization, the j.k livin foundation provides free fitness and wellness after-school programs that offer teens a safe place to learn and improve responsibility, self-esteem, accountability and commitment.
Through the CIS program, 98% of all tracked students stayed in school. To help fund these critical after-school programs, Samsung today announced a $300,000 donation to the j.k livin foundation.
The "Family Guy" animated TV series on Fox network often makes light of Mr. McConaughey and his career; if he is aware, what is Mr. McConaughey's perspective on this?
How will your endeavors go beyond the child, and improve the family environment and neighborhood environment for these children? After all is said and done at these programs, they still have home to go back to, yes?
I am writing you from Delray Beach, FL.
By the way, I have been surfing for 47 years. Are you still getting out there?
Why in the world would a Longview (Texas) guy support those loser Washington Redskins?
Are you involved in any third world development projects? Former Peace Corps Volunteer here (Senegal) looking to return to something more satisfying in my 50s! From Marshall, Texas, myself..
I really would want to act a movie with you. Am a kenyan man .58ft long and with well build body. Plz call me on +254700492777. You can as well see my profile and pictures on face book search anthony mulama
Hi, Mattew, my name is Eradzh, I'm from Russia. The question is have you ever watched Russian movies and, if it possible, would you like to act in a Russian film.
Thank you so much
What is love in general?
Hi Matthew,
I loved your work in Contact. I'm wondering what your opinion on extraterrestrial life is?
Keep up the good work!
Mark
Do you think that this trend of celebrities working in philanthropy is going to stay strong? Is it something relatively new or is it just getting new media attention?
I am also a fellow Texan displaced in Italy! My question is do you ever donate your time for organizations like the USO? Have you ever visited troops who were deployed?
Was your interest in schooling and wellness for kids encourage by having your own children?
you've always seemed like a pretty low key guy who enjoys surfing and hanging out more than the glitz and glam of hollywood. Is this true and do you find it ahrd to balance a normal life with celebrity status?
As a part of your charitable activities have you considered helping the parents of these kids? There are many parenting classes out there but none of the 'truly' help the problem or encourage the parents. It may take a village to raise a child, but it also takes that same village to raise a parent. Parents need support, and encouragement as well. To raise great kids we need to help 'raise' great parents. To help communities support 'families' or parents.
I have a lot of great ideas, but being unemployed, and struggling to get on my own feet, I am unable to pursue them. If you want to see my business plan for creating a Parenting University, and other efforts to help families please let me know.
Thank you for answering my question, by the way I am from Wisconsin.
Hello Matthew David McConaughey and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Matthew David McConaughey on the following questions:
– How has the Samsung Hope for the Children organization Improve the lives of the disadvantaged children who are living under the poverty line?
– Why do you want to play Michael "Mickey" Haller Junior in your upcoming movie called The Lincoln Lawyer?
– What can we expect from you in 2010 and 2011?
I am awaiting Matthew David McConaughey’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
I have script written specifically for you entitled "On A Budget" and want to send it to your agent to read. I am a fellow Austin home town screenwriter with a great story that needs someone like you that demands the eye on the big screen.
Please have your agent contact me.
William Marlowe
If there was no movie and no acting for for you, what would you have love to do or be.
you have lots of people who love you and your work but how else would you have affected people outside movies
where do you see yourself in movies in 10 years time ?
younger talents are coming up would you still be on with them or you will move directing and producing?
how much has your model affected your life and who is your model?
have u ever thought of running far from the industry even though it puts food on your table?
no matter where helping disadvantaged school children is great help. keep it up.
writing from ubulu-uku, Delta state, Nigeria
You seem to have a genuine passion for helping others. Looking forward to the list of films you have lined up – nothing like small, grassroots, quirky material to get you back to your roots as an actor. A movie about serial killer Dean Corl is a film waiting to happen, but only by a Texas native. Are you interested in directing feature films?
Matthew .... love your work and great to see you care about people ...
Here is a true story going on right now ... great for a movie ... it's about a guy that lost his job, wife ,,, everything left his Jeep at the airport ..and took what money he had and moved to the Atlantic Rain Forest in Brasil .... and open Taylor's Cafe ....
an all American Bar in the mountains of Brasil.... one of the largest newspaper in Brasil just ran a two page story ....... I'm the crazy American in question ... great true ongoing story ... I can send the artical ... ...
Hi,
My question is, are there any plans to extend this program to elementary school children whose parents may not be able to afford after-school care?
Thanks!
Keira
NY
Hi Mathew, I love ur work.