Matthew McConaughey

The actor on the ‘McConaissance’ and the joys of nude drumming

- BRIAN HIATT

What are the best and worst parts of success?

The upsides are access, options, creative expression, being able to communicate. The worst part about success and fame is not meeting strangers anymore. The world is already coming in with an idea of me. It’s why I went away to Peru or Mali. I want to go someplace where, when I leave, the hugs goodbye are all based on the man they met when I showed up.

You confirm in your book that the story of being arrested for playing bongos nude in your living room is precisely what people thought. But what does the nudity add?

Just freedom! I had played bongos late at night buck naked many times before, and have many times since. Bang, bang, bang, until you break a sweat. Have you ever tried it? It’s a great feeling. It’s legal, and it’s a great workout.

After all the good luck you’ve had, do you ever fear the other shoe dropping?