According to McConaughey, the rumor that the two longtime friends and Austin-based actors might be related all started with his mother.
The two actors’ decades-long friendship is now the inspiration for “Brothers,” an upcoming Apple TV+ comedy series loosely based on their relationship. The eight-episode series, which was filmed in Austin, will premiere Sept. 23.
“I don’t think it’s true. But, yeah, I might need to,” McConaughey told Fallon.
The speculation dates back to a family gathering, when McConaughey’s mother seemed to add fuel to the fire.
“Well, my mom started it,” McConaughey said.
He explained that while the story was being discussed, his mother suddenly took a sip of her drink and said, “Oh, Woody… I knew… your father.”
While McConaughey may not be convinced that he and Harrelson share a father, the rumor appears to have become part of their shared mythology.
“Woody’s having such a good time believing it,” he said. “So many other people actually believe it, too.”
