Home / Arts and Entertainment / McConaughey: I went by Mateo to find myself in Peru
McConaughey: I went by Mateo to find myself in Peru
14 May
Summary
- McConaughey visited Peru for 22 days to regain his sense of self.
- He used the name Mateo to escape fame and connect with his identity.
- The actor documented a similar introspective desert trip for his poetry.
Actor Matthew McConaughey recounted a significant 22-day journey to Peru undertaken approximately 30 years ago, shortly after his role in 'A Time to Kill.' During this period, he adopted the alias Mateo to disconnect from his burgeoning celebrity status.
McConaughey explained his motivation was to 'get his feet on the ground' and reaffirm his identity away from the 'noise of Hollywood.' He desired to be known as Mateo, seeking validation based on his true self rather than his fame.
He described the initial 12 days as challenging, but subsequent days brought a profound sense of peace, allowing him to envision a simpler existence. This experience ultimately helped him feel reconnected and secure in his own identity.
Separately, McConaughey detailed a solo desert trip undertaken while writing his poetry book, 'Poems & Prayers.' This retreat involved isolating himself with his past journals, confronting past "demons," guilt, and shame before achieving a breakthrough around the 12th day.
