Birthday Wishes: Matthew McConaughey (44)

Alright alright alright everybody. Please bust out your bongos and just relax for a moment. Today is Matthew McConaughey’s 44th birthday. McConaughey has become one of the most versatile actors of our time, able to play the golden-haired leading man in many a romantic comedy, a likeable comic, an action star and now, a powerful force in drama.

First bursting onto screens in 1993 as Dave Wooderson in Dazed and Confused, McConaughey uttered the iconic line that’s quoted by film buffs and creepy dudes to this day: “That’s what I love about these high school girls, man. I get older, they stay the same age.” Over the past 20 years, he’s made a name for himself starring in romcoms like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Wedding Planner (and leaning on things), and more serious turns in high-adrenaline films like U-571 and Sahara.

His more memorable roles have included Ben Stiller’s greedy, but determined publicist in Tropic Thunder and Dallas, the very tan, very oiled owner of the stripclub in Magic Mike. But now begins something of a renaissance for McConaughey. While always a strong actor, he’s finally getting the roles and the recognition he deserves for it. Starting with the fantastic Mud in 2012, he has consistently picked up films that are gaining rave reviews even before their release. The upcoming Dallas Buyers Club, where he plays AIDs patient Ron Woodroof, is just one. After that, he has The Wolf of Wall Street and an HBO series, True Detective with fellow chill bongo player Woody Harrelson to look forward to.

Now, can you imagine a potential McConaughey version of the Oscars? Do you think he has a formal vest that he’ll wear with fancy sandals?