Matthew McConaughey recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his career—a two-year hiatus from Hollywood that he described as both terrifying and necessary for his personal and professional growth.

At 54, the acclaimed actor recounted how he felt pigeonholed into romantic comedies, a genre that had brought him significant success but also limited his opportunities. “I’ve usually zigged when I felt like Hollywood wanted me to zag,” McConaughey shared. “During my rom-com years, I had a good run, but I wanted to explore other roles.”

The decision to step away from the limelight wasn’t easy. McConaughey had lengthy discussions with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, about the uncertainty of his future. “It was scary,” he admitted. “I was considering teaching high school, studying to conduct music, or even working as a wildlife guide.”

Reflecting on the industry’s reaction to his departure, McConaughey said, “I honestly thought, ‘I stepped out of Hollywood. I got out of my lane.’ And Hollywood’s like, ‘Well, f— you, dude. You should have stayed in your lane. Later.'”

McConaughey’s breakthrough came with the 1993 film ‘Dazed and Confused’. He became a staple in romantic comedies in the early 2000s, notably starring alongside Kate Hudson in ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ (2003). However, he took a noticeable break from acting in 2007 and 2010, with no credited roles during those years. By 2013, he had reinvented himself with dramatic roles in films like ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. His performance in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ earned him an Oscar in 2014.

During his hiatus, Matthew McConaughey faced many doubts. “The days were long, and the sense of insignificance was overwhelming,” he said. “But I was determined to stick to my decision, even though I didn’t know if I would ever make it out of what felt like a desert.”

McConaughey’s insights have also influenced others in the industry. In May, actor Powell shared how McConaughey’s advice prompted him to move to Austin after more than 15 years in Los Angeles. “Matthew told me, ‘Hollywood is the Matrix, man. You plug in and it’s all fake world,'” Powell recalled. “‘Then I go to Austin, and I unplug. It’s all real. Those are my friends, that’s my family, my actions matter there.'”

McConaughey’s journey underscores the power of taking risks and staying true to oneself, even in the face of uncertainty. His courageous break from Hollywood not only reshaped his career but also highlighted the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional life.