Matthew McConaughey is Engaged

(Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
Cast member Matthew McConaughey and his partner Camila Alves pose at the world premiere of "Bernie" during the opening night of the Los Angeles Film Festival at the Regal Cinemas in Los Angeles June 16, 2011. The movie opens in the U.S. on June 16.

By Sami K. Martin , Christian Post Contributor

December 26, 2011|9:30 am

Matthew McConaughey has announced his engagement to girlfriend Camila Alves.

The star posted on his WhoSay account: “just asked camila to marry me, merry Christmas.” He didn’t post her actual response, instead using a picture of the couple kissing by the Christmas tree.

McConaughey is known for his roles in movies such as “Dazed and Confused,” “A Time to Kill,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” and most recently “The Lincoln Lawyer.” He was named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man of the Year” in 2005, and has gained a following after starring in romantic comedies.

He is also very active, surfing and climbing mountains, and his love of action carries over to his foundation, JK Livin. The name comes from a quote in the movie “Dazed and Confused” and stands for “just keep living.” The foundation is “dedicated to helping teenage kids lead active lives and make healthy choices to become great men and women.”

McConaughey started dating model Camila Alves in 2006, and the couple has two kids: Levi and Vida. He told People magazine the secret to a good partnership is acceptance. “Neither one of us wants the other one to change. We’ve both said it, if we did change, that could be a problem! We love each other for who we are.”

McConaughey recently created a stir by shaving off his curly hair and going for the bald look. The media immediately noticed and wondered why he would do such a thing, considering that part of McConaughey’s appeal included his curly locks. McConaughey never issued a statement explaining his actions.

Now, though, the media has something new to discuss; his engagement comes after dating Alves for five years with no sign of marriage. He had previously dated actresses Sandra Bullock and Ashley Judd before settling down with Camila Alves in 2006.