Matthew McConaughey calls Woody Harrelson 'brother' in birthday tribute amid family connection claims

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matthew McConaughey celebrated Woody Harrelson's 65th birthday on Friday, July 24, with a nostalgic tribute that referenced their longtime friendship and the possibility that they could share a family connection.

The actors, who have worked together on several projects over the years, have built a close bond since first meeting on the set of the 1997 film 'EDtv'. Their friendship has continued to draw attention, especially after they revealed that they explored the possibility of being related.

Matthew McConaughey calls Woody Harrelson 'brother' in birthday tribute

Alongside the throwback photo of the pair, McConaughey wrote, "From another mother? Happy birthday brother." The question mark in "from another mother" referenced the story the two actors have shared about potentially being connected through their families.

During a 2023 conversation, McConaughey recalled a discussion that took place while he and Harrelson were on a trip to Greece.

"In Greece a few years ago, we're sitting around talking about how close we are.... and my mom says, 'Woody, I knew your daddy,'" he recalled.

He continued, "It was a loaded 'k-n-e-w.' Well, we went on to unpack this, what 'knew' meant, and did some math and found out that his dad was on furlough at the same time that my mom and dad were in their second divorce. Then there's possible receipts in places out in West Texas where there might have been a gathering, or a meeting, or a 'knew' moment."

McConaughey has previously spoken about how closely their lives have become connected over the years.

"Where I start and where he ends and where he starts and I end has always been a murky line, and that's part of our bromance," he said of Harrelson.

He added, "My kids call him Uncle Woody, his kids call me Uncle Matthew, and you see pictures of us, and my family thinks a lot of pictures of him are me, and his family thinks a lot of pictures of me are him."

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey bring friendship to 'Brothers'

The actors' real-life friendship inspired the upcoming Apple TV comedy series 'Brothers', where they play fictionalized versions of themselves. The series follows their lifelong friendship being tested after they discover they may actually be brothers.

Their bond has also been highlighted through their work on HBO's 'True Detective'. Harrelson previously reflected on McConaughey's approach to playing Rust Cohle and how deeply he immersed himself in the role.

"He's method," Harrelson said, adding, "When we were shooting, he was Rust Cohle. There [were] so many times I wanted to punch him in the face. I'm so pissed at him 'cause he's in his character."

McConaughey explained that he remained focused while preparing for scenes and recalled Harrelson's approach to their performances.

"'The way you and I work, McConaughey, I hit you the ball [and] you hit back, I hit it back to you. We volley [and] we play.... Man, that's us. It's dramatic, but it's also comedy,'" McConaughey recalled Harrelson telling him.

Harrelson also remembered encouraging McConaughey to support adding more humor to 'True Detective' because audiences would expect their chemistry to bring some comedy. McConaughey believed creator Nic Pizzolatto's writing naturally allowed "be humor in the situation" without adding extra jokes.

While Pizzolatto has discussed another possible story involving Rust Cohle and Marty Hart, Harrelson has said he does not plan to return to the series.

During an appearance on '3rd Hour of Today', Harrelson responded after host Dylan Dreyer mentioned McConaughey believed they could return if the story was strong enough.

"Matthew's so funny," he said, adding, "But in fairness, never. Not a chance."