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Woody Harrelson, 1982 | Matthew McConaughey, 1988 | Source: Getty Images | instagram.com/officiallymcconaughey
Woody Harrelson, 1982 | Matthew McConaughey, 1988 | Source: Getty Images | instagram.com/officiallymcconaughey

These Texas Guys Were Raised by Tough Dads & Became Co-stars Now Challenged to a DNA Test as They May Be Brothers

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Sep 23, 2023
01:20 P.M.
  • Hollywood icons Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, known for their legendary bromance, have found themselves contemplating a shared family bond.
  • Raised by harsh fathers, these Texas natives became co-stars and close friends, but a recent revelation has them considering the possibility of being brothers.
  • A surprising offer from Maury Povich to undergo a DNA test adds an intriguing layer to their captivating journey.
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Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey sharing a friendly moment at the table in a scene from the movie "EDtv," released in 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey sharing a friendly moment at the table in a scene from the movie "EDtv," released in 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, two household names in Hollywood, not only share the spotlight but also an astonishing discovery that has left them pondering the possibility of a familial connection.

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey joining the festivities at the grand opening of The Parrot, a new bar at The Waldorf Hilton in London, England, hosted by Idris Elba on November 8, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey joining the festivities at the grand opening of The Parrot, a new bar at The Waldorf Hilton in London, England, hosted by Idris Elba on November 8, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

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Harrelson, celebrated for his unforgettable roles in "Natural Born Killers" and "The Hunger Games," and McConaughey, the Oscar-winning star of "Dallas Buyers Club," share a bond that goes beyond their on-screen collaborations.

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey enjoying the music of John Popper during the Bliss Lounge Party, a charity event benefiting H.O.P.E., held at Big Red Sun in Austin, Texas, on March 19, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey enjoying the music of John Popper during the Bliss Lounge Party, a charity event benefiting H.O.P.E., held at Big Red Sun in Austin, Texas, on March 19, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Their professional journey includes their memorable partnership in the acclaimed series "True Detective." Yet, it's their off-screen camaraderie that has captured the fascination of fans and the media alike.

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson take the stage at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson take the stage at the 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 25, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

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In a recent revelation, these two Hollywood heavyweights found themselves on the brink of uncovering a surprising connection that might make them more than just friends and co-stars.

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A Potential Family Bond

The fascinating twist in their lives centers on the tantalizing prospect of a shared family bond. While the finer details are yet to be fully unveiled, the mere notion of such a connection has set their worlds astir, prompting them to reevaluate the very essence of their relationship.

In an episode of "Let's Talk Off Camera" on Kelly Ripa's podcast, McConaughey affectionately spoke of their friendship. He talked about a project they are working on that features their families and is rooted in truth. He jokingly revealed that they had decided to turn their journey into a series called "Brother from Another Mother," a term that would soon take on a more profound meaning.

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As McConaughey explained, the line between where he ends and Harrelson begins has always been a bit blurry, embodying the essence of their bromance. Their friends and family sometimes mistake one for the other. This confusion came to a head during a family gathering in Greece, where they began to discuss just how close they truly were.

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McConaughey's mom, present at the time, dropped a loaded statement that left everyone hanging on a single word: "Woody, I knew your dad..." That "knew" spelled more than a hint, and the way she said it made them all curious.

As they dug deeper into this revelation and did some math, it turned out that Harrelson's dad was on furlough at the same time McConaughey's parents were going through their second divorce.

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Could this be more than just a coincidence? Harrelson, known for his down-to-earth demeanor, and McConaughey, famous for his laid-back charm, are approaching this revelation with a mix of curiosity and contemplation. McConaughey has been hesitant about taking a DNA test, understandably so, as it meant potentially redefining his entire understanding of family.

The prospect of discovering that his dad might not be his biological father after believing it for over five decades is a profound challenge to him. But Harrelson believes that it would be a good thing since his friend would be gaining a new father and brother.

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A Glimpse into Woody Harrelson's Challenging Childhood

Born in Midland, Texas, in 1961, Harrelson's formative years were marked by challenges. At the tender age of seven, his father walked out on the family, leaving behind a void that young Harrelson struggled to comprehend. His mother, Diane Oswald, a devoutly religious legal secretary, took charge of Harrelson and his two brothers.

This handout depicts American actor and playwright Woody Harrelson in a mug shot taken after his arrest for disturbing the peace in Columbus, Ohio, in October 1982. | Source: Getty Images

This handout depicts American actor and playwright Woody Harrelson in a mug shot taken after his arrest for disturbing the peace in Columbus, Ohio, in October 1982. | Source: Getty Images

The family relocated to Lebanon, Ohio, when Harrelson was twelve, seeking a fresh start. However, the scars of his early years had already begun to shape him. Harrelson reflects on his turbulent childhood, where anger and rage found a home within him. Expelled from nursery school and later from first grade under false accusations of theft, he resorted to violence as an outlet.

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Woody Harrelson in his role as Woody Boyd during Episode 2 of "Woody Goes Belly Up" aired on October 3, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Woody Harrelson in his role as Woody Boyd during Episode 2 of "Woody Goes Belly Up" aired on October 3, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

He recalls breaking school windows with his bare fists, a manifestation of the turmoil within him. But amidst the chaos, there was a turning point. Harrelson found solace and guidance at Briarwood, a school in Houston designed for children with special needs. Here, he encountered educators who believed in educating while showering love to troubled children.

Woody Harrelson and his mother, Dianne Harrelson, at the premiere of "White Men Can't Jump" at Avco Center Cinema in Westwood | Source: Getty Images

Woody Harrelson and his mother, Dianne Harrelson, at the premiere of "White Men Can't Jump" at Avco Center Cinema in Westwood | Source: Getty Images

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It was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on his life. The relocation to the Midwest proved to be a positive change. No longer an outcast, Harrelson began to find his place among his peers, and his mother's pride in his newfound popularity became a source of motivation.

His mother's love for the world and nature found a home within him, and he carries that torch today. Harrelson's matriarchal upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for women and mothers, recognizing their unparalleled strength. Regarding his father, Harrelson reminisced, stating that his dad possessed a remarkable storytelling ability.

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He characterized his father as something of a troublemaker, acknowledging his extraordinary qualities. Despite his father's considerable intellect, he acknowledged that he took a dark path that led to a lengthy incarceration. In Harrelson's recollection, his father, a notorious con man, found himself behind bars from 1968 to 1979.

Charles Harrelson, convicted hitman and prime suspect in Judge John Wood's 1979 assassination, sentenced to 20 years for firearm possession | Source: Getty Images

Charles Harrelson, convicted hitman and prime suspect in Judge John Wood's 1979 assassination, sentenced to 20 years for firearm possession | Source: Getty Images

A chilling turn of events occurred in 1979 when Judge John Woods was tragically assassinated, and Harrelson's father found himself as the prime suspect hitman in the case. Astonishingly, just one year after his release from his initial incarceration, he was convicted of murder, sealing his fate with a return to prison, where he remained until his death.

Harrelson admits that his father's parenting wasn't stellar, and he acknowledged his father's mistakes, but he also expressed a sense of pride in certain aspects of his father's life. His father, despite being absent for most of his childhood, imparted valuable advice, urging his children to "keep an open mind." These words from his father have stayed with Harrelson throughout his life.

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Woody Harrelson graces the occasion at The Paris Theatre in New York City for the screening of "To Rome With Love," on June 20, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

Woody Harrelson graces the occasion at The Paris Theatre in New York City for the screening of "To Rome With Love," on June 20, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

Matthew McConaughey: A Childhood Shaped by Passion and Conflict

McConaughey's childhood was marked by a different kind of intensity, one defined by the passionate and sometimes volatile relationship between his parents. In his book "Greenlights," he paints a vivid picture of a pivotal incident that set the stage for his upbringing.

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As a young boy of five, McConaughey witnessed a heated exchange between his parents in the kitchen. His mother's words, laden with resentment, were met with a dramatic response from his father. The dining room table was sent soaring into the ceiling, a testament to the intensity of the moment.

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What followed was a physical altercation between his parents, a clash that left an indelible mark on McConaughey's psyche. In the midst of this chaos, a young McConaughey sought refuge behind the couch, his fear palpable.

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Yet, despite the tumultuous nature of his parents' relationship, McConaughey maintains that he never questioned the love they had for each other or for their children. He recalls their passionate moments as love stories, where their bond was put to the test but emerged unbroken.

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When asked about the perception of abuse, McConaughey offers a unique perspective. He doesn't see his parents as abusive, and he believes it's not fair for others to label it as such when the individuals involved don't view it that way. To him, these moments of conflict were challenges to their love but never a threat to it.

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A DNA Test Offer from Maury Povich

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As if their shared pasts and budding brotherly bond weren't enough to captivate their fans, the duo recently received a surprise offer that could unravel the mystery once and for all. Maury Povich, renowned for his role in revealing family secrets, reached out to Harrelson and McConaughey, offering to come out of retirement for a special episode featuring the two actors undergoing DNA testing.

Matthew McConaughey, Michelle Monaghan, and Woody Harrelson at the "True Detective" panel, HBO Winter 2014 TCA | Source: Getty Images

Matthew McConaughey, Michelle Monaghan, and Woody Harrelson at the "True Detective" panel, HBO Winter 2014 TCA | Source: Getty Images

This unexpected offer has added a new layer of intrigue to their story. Will they take the plunge and embark on a journey to discover if they are indeed long-lost brothers? The answer remains shrouded in uncertainty, but one thing is clear: Harrelson and McConaughey's lives have taken an interesting turn, and their story continues to captivate the hearts of fans and followers alike.

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