Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 21, 2025 · Entertainment

Matthew McConaughey's Bedtime Secret to a Thriving Marriage

Matthew McConaughey, 55, revealed the one bedroom secret that has kept his 13-year marriage with Camila Alves alive; seen earlier this month in Toronto

Matthew McConaughey Spills the Tea on His 13-Year Marriage Secret: It's All About the Mattress Size!

In a shocking revelation, Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has lifted the lid on what he believes is the secret to keeping his 13-year marriage with Camila Alves alive and kicking. And it's not about fancy romantic getaways or expensive jewelry - nope, it's all about getting rid of that oversized mattress!

In his new book, Poems & Prayers, which hit shelves on September 16th, the 55-year-old actor reveals that he and Camila ditched their king-size bed for a more intimate queen-size setup. And let's just say, it's been a game-changer for their marriage.

In his latest book, McConaughey wrote: 'The best thing you can / do for your / marriage. One way to surely / get ahead, / is get rid of that / king-size mattress, / and sleep in a / queen-size bed'; seen in January in Saudi Arabia

The Interstellar Actor Spills All

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, McConaughey explained how they initially thought the big bed was the epitome of luxury and romance. However, things took a turn when they had three kids - Levi (17), Vida (15), and Livingston (12) - and their bedroom started to resemble a crowded hotel lobby.

"It's like our friend's house," he recalled. "They've got one of those double king-size beds put together, and all the kids sleep in it. But then they get too big, and suddenly you're sleeping with your side table on one side and your husband on the other."

'So we got a queen size where we're shoulder to shoulder. I'm telling you, it's good for your marriage,' the Oscar winner said

McConaughey chuckled as he remembered waking up to find his wife a whopping 12 feet away from him. "You want to snuggle up, but... 'Well, we've got to cover you up. Come about 12 feet and I'll come 12 feet.'" He laughed. "It was like, this dn king-size bed is not good for the marriage, man. Get rid of that son of a b."

And so, they made the switch to a queen-size bed, where they can finally snuggle up together shoulder-to-shoulder.

The Secret to Their Long-Lasting Marriage

Five years later, he popped the big question to the model on Christmas Day and gave insight into the sweet moment during a past interview with People; seen earlier this month in Toronto

When asked about the key to their successful 13-year union, McConaughey didn't hesitate. "It's simple: get rid of that king-size mattress," he joked. But in all seriousness, he believes it's about being willing to make adjustments and compromise.

"We're not perfect, but we're willing to work through things," he said. "We don't let issues fester. If there's a problem, we deal with it soon so it doesn't bubble up and get us later."

A Love Story for the Ages

'Don't make a straight line crooked,' the True Detective actor said. 'If things are going well, keep catching green lights'

The couple first met at a nightclub in West Hollywood back in 2006 and sparked an instant romance. Five years later, McConaughey proposed to Camila on Christmas Day (how romantic!) by wrapping her engagement ring in seven different boxes.

Camila, being the clever woman she is, eventually got to the ring after unwrapping all the boxes. "After a bit," McConaughey recalled, "she conceded...thankfully." They tied the knot in June 2012 at a beautiful ceremony in Austin, Texas, with celebrity guests like Reese Witherspoon and Woody Harrelson in attendance.

McConaughey's Secret to Success

Earlier this year in April, the couple made a rare appearance with all three of their children at the 2025 Mack, Jack and McConaughey Gala in Austin (seen above)

But what's the secret to his success as an actor? According to McConaughey, it's all about being inspired by life. "Having children has made me a better artist and a better actor," he said. "Kids see things for the first time all the time. Their questions are innocent, and I've become a better storyteller because of them."

In his memoir Greenlights, released in 2020, McConaughey shared his insights on faith, love, and life. And now, with Poems & Prayers, he's taking readers on an even deeper journey into the world of poetry and prayer.

A Message for All

The actor has been keeping busy and recently published his new book Poems & Prayers on September 16; seen on Tuesday in NYC while carrying his new book

McConaughey's message to couples struggling to keep their marriage alive is simple: "Don't make a straight line crooked," he advised during an appearance on Australian talk show Today Extra in 2021. "If things are going well, keep catching green lights." And if they're not? Deal with the issues soon before they become insurmountable.

So there you have it - Matthew McConaughey's secret to a happy marriage is all about down-sizing your mattress size. Who knew?

Read more on The Scholarly Note:

  • Matthew McConaughey's Memoir *Greenlights: A Journey of Faith, Love, and Life*
  • The Top 5 Reasons Why Matthew McConaughey's Marriage to Camila Alves is the Ultimate Goal
  • Celebrate 13 Years of Love with Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves: A Timeline of Their Relationship