Overview

• The Diary of a CEO episode released Sept. 18 features McConaughey recounting the pivotal choice from his mid‑2000s career pause.
• Backed by wife Camila Alves, he told his agent “No more rom‑coms” and retreated to his Texas ranch as offers stalled for nearly two years.
• An unnamed action‑comedy offer escalated from $8 million to $10 million to $12 million before a final $14.5 million, which he still declined.
• He says the refusal signaled to studios that he was serious about pursuing dramas rather than returning to familiar roles.
• The shift preceded roles in The Lincoln Lawyer, Killer Joe, Mud, Magic Mike, True Detective and Interstellar, followed by a 2014 Best Actor Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club.