South Texas & the Valley
Notable Texans

Vital Stats Nee: Robert Rodriguez Born: June 20, 1968, San Antonio Raised: San Antonio HS: St. Anthony's HS, 1988 College: UT Spouse: Elizabeth Avellan, 1990 Spawn: Rocket Valentin (m), Racer Maximilliano (m), Rebel Antonio (m).

Trivia Wrote Rebel Without a Crew about his experience making the film El Mariachi. His filmography includes two sets of trilogies: The Mariachi Series and The Spy Kids Series. His very first movie was "Bedhead", a family movie starring his real family. His first published artwork that won an award was "Thumb Thumbs" [creatures whose arms, legs and head are thumbs] kicking an eyeball around like a soccer ball...20 or so years later, they were on-screen in Spy Kids.

Vital Stats Nee: Union Underground Born: San Antonio

Trivia Had a rock radio hit in 2000 with "Turn Me On Mr. Deadman" from the album An Education in Rebellion. Columbia Record's Union Underground Site.

Vital Stats Nee: Henry Jackson Thomas Born: September 8, 1971, San Antonio Raised: San Antonio Height: 6' 1"

Trivia Plays in a band called The Blue Heelers. The Blue Heelers have been seen on an Austin public access show called "The Hondo Show". Had strong performances in Gangs of New York and the underrated All the Pretty Horses (written by the surprisingly non-Texan Cormac McCarthy).

Vital Stats Nee: Matthew David McConaughey Born: November 4, 1969, Uvalde Raised: Longview HS: Longview HS, 1988 College: UT Height: 6' Mother: Kay (Kathrine) Father: "Big Jim" (James), deceased 1992 Dog: Miss Hug

Trivia Was originally cast as Freddie Lee Cobb (later played to perfection by Keifer W. F. D .G. R. Sutherland) in the movie "A Time to Kill", when he heard about casting problems and suggested himself for the lead role of Jake Brigance. That breakout role in "A Time to Kill" gave Matty nearly instant fame. Was cast in the role of Wooderson by chance meeting of casting director Don Phillips. Lived in Australia for one year following high school. Following his sophomore year at UT, he changed his major from law to film after reading a passage about "forming good habits, beginning now " in the book The Greatest Salesman in the World. Was arrested in 2000 on drug charges and resisting transportation after Austin police found him naked, playing bongos, surrounded by pot paraphernalia. (All charges were later dropped and he paid a $50 fine.)

The Matty Site.

Photos from atpictures.com and elsewhere. Trivia from IMDb.com, Texas Monthly and elsewhere.

















Top of Page South Texas and the Valley
Home Regions Tidbits Search Email