How monk's advice changed Matthew McConaughey's life

Matthew McConaughey is known for his acting chops, but before entering the showbiz world, he was looking to become a monk.

He shares these details of his life on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The Academy Award-winning actor says his consideration of a hermetic life began after his stay in Australia.

"That entire year in Australia in '88 '89, I did. And then for another 10 years after that I did," he recalls, adding, "Quiet alone, even the hermetic life was somewhat appealing."

His aspiration to become a monk became so strong that he asked his pal, who was also a monk, about this. But his advice changed the actor's life.

"That is not what you're here to do," his friend told him, noting that he is "a communicator and a storyteller, who should not put himself into silence and be away from society."

In reply, Jimmy quips, "You had a monk talk you out of being a monk." To this, the actor adds, "A monk helped me understand that that was maybe not my calling, but I've still got time."

Matthew's decision to become an actor, meanwhile, proved a success. He had several successful performances, including in Interstellar, The Wolf of Wall Street, and True Detective.