50 Facts About Tim Matheson

Early Life and Beginnings

Tim Matheson, born on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California, has had a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. Let's dive into his early life and career beginnings.

1. Timothy Lewis Matthieson was born to Clifford Matthieson, a training pilot, and Sally Matthieson.
2. Military Service: Before acting, Matheson served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
3. First Acting Role: At 13, he appeared in Robert Young's CBS series, Window on Main Street.
4. Voice Acting Debut: In 1964, Matheson voiced the lead character in the animated series Jonny Quest.
5. More Voice Work: He also voiced characters in Space Ghost and Sinbad Jr. and his Magic Belt.

Television and Film Roles

Matheson's career spans various television shows and films, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

6. Guest Appearances: He appeared in Leave It to Beaver, The Virginian, and Bonanza.
7. Film Debut: Played Mike Beardsley in Yours, Mine and Ours (1968) alongside Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda.
8. Iconic Role: Portrayed Eric "Otter" Stratton in the 1978 comedy National Lampoon's Animal House.
9. Magnum Force: In 1973, he played a corrupt motorcycle cop, Phil Sweet.
10. The West Wing: Earned two Primetime Emmy nominations for his role as Vice President John Hoynes.

Directorial Ventures

Beyond acting, Matheson has made significant contributions as a director.

11. Hart of Dixie: Starred as Dr. Brick Breeland and directed several episodes from 2011 to 2015.
12. Directing Credits: Directed episodes of Third Watch, Ed, The Twilight Zone, Cold Case, Without a Trace, The West Wing, Psych, The Good Guys, Shark, White Collar, Criminal Minds, Suits, and Burn Notice.
13. A Very Brady Sequel: Played a con man in the 1996 film.
14. Van Wilder: Appeared in the 2002 film opposite Ryan Reynolds, inspired by his Animal House character.
15. Pilot Directing: Directed pilots for shows like The Good Guys and Covert Affairs.

Family and Personal Life

Matheson values family and has balanced his personal life with his demanding career.

16. Family: Has three children with former wife Megan Murphy Matheson.
17. First Job: Started working at 12 on Window on Main Street.
18. Work Ethic: Believes in immersing himself in his roles by reading and gathering information.
19. Balancing Act: Prioritizes family time, often flying back from shoots to spend weekends with them.
20. Traits Passed Down: Encourages his children to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.

Diverse Roles and Collaborations

Matheson's career includes a wide range of roles and collaborations with notable actors and directors.

21. The Quest: Appeared opposite Kurt Russell in the NBC series in 1976.
22. To Be or Not to Be: Starred in the 1983 comedy alongside Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft.
23. Up the Creek: Featured in the 1984 comedy.
24. Fletch: Starred in the 1985 comedy film.
25. Business Ventures: Bought National Lampoon in 1989 with Dan Grodnik, increasing its stock value before selling it in 1991.

Philosophy and Political Involvement

Matheson has strong beliefs about acting and has dabbled in political organizations.

26. Acting Philosophy: Focuses on authenticity, especially in roles like President Ronald Reagan.
27. Reagan Portrayal: Played Reagan in a TV film adaptation, emphasizing capturing his essence.
28. Political Work: Finds the pace of political work challenging but has been involved in various organizations.
29. Reagan vs. Trump: Sees Reagan as a team builder with deep principles, contrasting with Trump.
30. Documentary Influence: The NBC News documentary "A Day in the Life of the Presidency" influenced his portrayal of Reagan.

Career Evolution and Impact

Matheson's career has evolved over the years, showcasing his versatility and impact on the industry.

31. Early Typecasting: Initially typecast as a nice guy in westerns like The Virginian and Bonanza.
32. Career Transition: Moved from similar roles to more diverse characters.
33. Favorite Collaborators: Enjoys working with actors like Ben Kingsley, Patrick Stewart, Robert Downey Jr., and Robert Duvall.
34. Television Experience: Early TV roles included guest spots on Night Gallery and My Three Sons.
35. Directorial Style: Focuses on creating a cohesive narrative while allowing actors to bring their unique interpretations.

Awards and Legacy

Matheson's contributions to television and film have earned him critical acclaim and a lasting legacy.

36. Episode Directing: Directed numerous episodes across various TV series.
37. Television Series Contributions: Contributed to shows like The Last Ship and The Quest.
38. Film Contributions: Appeared in films like Yours, Mine and Ours, How to Commit Marriage, Magnum Force, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, To Be or Not to Be, Fletch, Black Sheep, A Very Brady Sequel, The Story of Us, and Redline.
39. Awards and Nominations: Received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including two Primetime Emmy nominations for The West Wing.
40. Legacy in Television: Played a wide range of characters, from comedic roles in National Lampoon's Animal House to dramatic roles in The West Wing.

Philanthropy and Continued Contributions

Matheson remains active in the industry and involved in philanthropic efforts.

41. Philanthropic Efforts: Supports various causes and fundraisers.
42. Screen Actors Guild: Involved with the Screen Actors Guild but prefers focusing on his acting and directing career.
43. Career Milestones: Buying National Lampoon in 1989 was a significant milestone.
44. Personal Reflections: Emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and family in his success.
45. Favorite Roles: Cherishes his roles as Eric "Otter" Stratton in National Lampoon's Animal House and Vice President John Hoynes in The West Wing.

Impact on Comedy and Drama

Matheson's contributions to both comedy and drama have left a lasting impact on the industry.

46. Collaborations with Directors: Worked with notable directors like Steven Spielberg in 1941 and Mel Brooks in To Be or Not to Be.
47. Impact on Comedy: His roles in National Lampoon's Animal House and other films have become classics in the genre.
48. Dramatic Roles: Excelled in dramatic roles, particularly in The West Wing.
49. Television Evolution: Adapted to significant changes in the television industry, remaining relevant and versatile.
50. Continued Contributions: Even in later years, Matheson continues to contribute to both television and film, ensuring his legacy in the entertainment industry.

Tim Matheson's Lasting Impact

Tim Matheson has had an incredible career spanning over five decades. From his early days as a voice actor in Jonny Quest to his iconic role in National Lampoon's Animal House, he's shown remarkable versatility. His work on The West Wing earned him critical acclaim, while his directorial efforts on shows like Hart of Dixie showcased his talent behind the camera. Matheson’s dedication to his craft and ability to balance work with family life make him a respected figure in Hollywood. His contributions to both television and film have left a lasting legacy, making him a beloved actor and director. Whether it's comedy, drama, or voice work, Matheson continues to captivate audiences, proving that his impact on the entertainment industry is both significant and enduring.