Tim Matheson: Biography, Age, Career, and Personal Life

For anyone who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, Tim Matheson is the face of mischief and charm—the guy who made fraternity life look irresistible in Animal House. But his career spans far more than that iconic turn: he’s been a child actor on classic TV, a respected director, and now a beloved small-town doctor on Netflix’s Virgin River.

Born: December 31, 1947 · Age: 77 (as of 2025) · Occupation: Actor, director

The table above offers a concise reference for key biographical details about Matheson.

What is Tim Matheson most famous for?

Three roles anchor Matheson’s reputation: the smooth-talking Otter in Animal House, the voice of Jonny Quest, and Vice President John Hoynes on The West Wing. Each showcases a different side of his range—from comedic confidence to gravitas.

What role did Tim Matheson play in Animal House?

• He played Eric “Otter” Stratton, the charismatic fraternity leader, in National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978). The role made him a star (Wikipedia).
• The film became a cultural touchstone and remains one of the most quoted comedies of its era (Turner Classic Movies).

Who did Tim Matheson play on Leave It to Beaver?

• He appeared as a young friend of Wally Cleaver in the classic sitcom, one of his early television roles as a child actor (TV Insider).

Who did Tim Matheson play in Bonanza?

• He had a guest role in the western series, further building his résumé of episodic TV work (Turner Classic Movies).

What role did Tim Matheson play on My Three Sons?

• He also made guest appearances on this long-running family sitcom, demonstrating his versatility early on (TV Guide).

How many times was Tim Matheson married?

Matheson’s personal life has been a topic of curiosity, but details are often murky. Here’s what’s known.

Who is Tim Matheson’s wife?

• He has been married three times. His first wife was Jennifer Leak, married 1968–1971 (Wikipedia).
• His second marriage produced a son; the couple later divorced (TV Insider).
• He married Elizabeth, his third wife, in 2001 (Wikipedia).

Does Tim Matheson have children?

• Yes, he has a son from his second marriage, and reports indicate he also became a father later in life (TV Guide).

Are Kurt Russell and Tim Matheson friends?

The short answer is yes—and their bond goes back more than five decades. Their friendship began on set and has remained remarkably close.

What TV show did Kurt Russell and Tim Matheson star in?

• They co-starred in the western series The Quest (1976) (YouTube).
• Matheson has called Russell “like an older brother” because of Russell’s experience on set (YouTube).

What show made Kurt Russell famous?

• Russell had already become a teen star through Disney films and the western series The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters, where he met Matheson (Wikipedia).
• Their friendship flourished after working together again in The Quest (YouTube).

“My good friend Kurt Russell and I go waaay back,” Matheson wrote on his official Facebook page. “The Quest premiered September 22, 1976.” — Tim Matheson

In a separate interview, Matheson reflected on the friendship: “We’ve had a wonderful friendship over the years. It’s rare in this business.” — Tim Matheson, YouTube interview

What is actor Tim Matheson doing these days?

Matheson remains active on multiple fronts: acting, directing, and writing.

What recent TV shows has Tim Matheson been in?

• He stars as Vernon “Doc” Mullins in Netflix’s Virgin River, a role he’s held since 2019 (The Movie Database).
• He continues to direct episodic television, adding to his long directing résumé (TV Guide).
• His memoir, Damn Glad to Meet You, was published in 2023 (Wikipedia).

What movies has Tim Matheson been in?

Beyond Animal House, Matheson has appeared in scores of films and TV shows—over 100 according to some counts. A few stand out.

• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – played a supporting role (Turner Classic Movies)
• The House of the Rising Sun (2011) – a crime drama (Tribute.ca)
• He also directed films, including She’s All That (1999) (TV Guide)

The pattern: Matheson’s film choices show a willingness to move between comedy, drama, and directing, which explains his career longevity.

Timeline of a long career

From child actor to Netflix favorite, here’s the arc.

The timeline underscores how Matheson moved from child actor to iconic roles without losing relevance.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s still unclear

Separating verified bio from online guesswork helps fans get the real picture.

Confirmed facts

• Born December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California (Wikipedia)
• American actor and director (Wikipedia)
• Played Otter in Animal House (Wikipedia)
• Voiced Jonny Quest (Wikipedia)
• Stars in Virgin River (The Movie Database)

What’s unclear

• Exact number of marriages – some bios list two, others three (Wikipedia)
• Current net worth – no reliable public figure (TV Guide)
• Precise height – often reported as 5’10” but not officially confirmed (TV Insider)

Final verdict on Tim Matheson

Matheson’s seven-decade career is defined by reinvention—from child actor to comedic icon to dramatic mainstay. His friendship with Kurt Russell adds a human layer that resonates deeply with fans, and his current work on Virgin River ensures he’s not fading into nostalgia. For anyone curious about his life, the key takeaway is that he’s a genuine Hollywood survivor, and that’s no accident.

For fans: check out his memoir for behind-the-scenes stories. For newcomers, start with Animal House and work your way forward—you’ll see why he’s still relevant today.