Matthew McConaughey’s first acting role helped solve a murder case

One of McConaughey's earlier roles helped solving a case in the 1990's

However, the actor started his career with smaller roles, including a part in an Unsolved Mysteries episode, which aired in December 1992. 

In the episode, McConaughey portrayed Larry Dean Dickens, a 26-year-old Marine from Pasadena, Texas, who confronted Edward Harold Bell, who was accused of exposing himself to young girls. 

During a confrontation between Dickens and Bell, Bell shot and murdered McConnaughey's character. 

Bell was arrested but was then later released on bail, after which he fled the US and made his way to Mexico and Central America.

However, merely weeks after the episode aired, Bell was caught in Panama by the FBI.

He was convicted and sentenced to 70 years in jail, but died behind bars in 2019.

McConaughey spoke about his role in catching the murderer, saying “I’m gonna toot my own horn a little bit. 

“The Unsolved Mysteries episode I did? They caught the guy weeks later, based on what I did.”

The series’ website reveals that at least two viewers recognised Bell in the episode. 

The website updated: “When this story aired, at least two viewers recognised Edward Bell.

“One said he had recently met Bell during a business trip to Panama City, Panama.

“Another viewer claimed that Bell had lived in Panama for several years. 

“According to Special Agent Rolando Moss of the Houston FBI, Bell was prospecting for gold on land he owned near Panama City.”

In the meantime, the show, which was revived for Netflix a few years back, has helped to solve more than 250 cases during its run.