Tim Matheson is an American actor, voice actor, director, and producer whose career has spanned more than six decades. Known for his breakout role as Eric “Otter” Stratton in National Lampoon’s Animal House, his portrayal of Vice President John Hoynes on The West Wing, and his early voice work as the title character in Jonny Quest, Matheson has remained a familiar presence on screen and behind the camera.
Born Timothy Lewis Matheson on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California, he began acting as a child in the early 1960s. His early television appearances included guest spots on Leave It to Beaver and My Three Sons, according to Tribute.ca and TV Insider. From those small roles, he built a career that would make him one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation.
Matheson’s work spans comedy, drama, animation, and directing. He earned two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his guest role on The West Wing and has directed episodes of several major television series. As of 2026, he continues to appear on screen, most recently in Netflix’s Virgin River.
Who Is Tim Matheson?
Key Insights
- Matheson shifted from child actor on Leave It to Beaver to a comedic icon in Animal House and later to a dramatic role in The West Wing.
- He has directed several television episodes and films, adding an additional dimension to his career.
- Despite his fame, Matheson kept his personal life relatively private; he has three children from two marriages.
- His net worth, while not publicly verified, reflects a long, steady career in Hollywood rather than blockbuster paydays.
- He provided the original voice of Jonny Quest in the 1964 animated series, establishing his visibility beyond live-action acting.
- Matheson’s two Emmy nominations for The West Wing underscore his dramatic range later in his career.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Timothy Lewis Matheson |
| Date of Birth | December 31, 1947 |
| Age (2026) | 78 years old |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Birthplace | Glendale, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, director, producer, voice actor |
| Spouse(s) | Jennifer Leak (1968–1971), Megan Murphy (1985–2010), Elizabeth Marighetto (2018–present) |
| Children | 3 — Molly Lewis, Emma Katherina, Cooper Timothy |
| Notable Films | Animal House (1978), The West Wing (TV series), Jonny Quest (voice) |
| Emmy Nominations | 2 (Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, The West Wing) |
Tim Matheson’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows
Matheson’s filmography is extensive, but a handful of roles define his public image. According to Wikipedia, TCM, and The Movie Database, his most recognized work includes National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978), The West Wing (1999–2006), and the animated series Jonny Quest (1964).
Animal House (1978)
Matheson’s breakout and most famous film role is Eric “Otter” Stratton in National Lampoon’s Animal House. Multiple sources, including TCM and Wikipedia, describe this as the role most closely associated with his screen persona. It remains his signature performance and cemented his place in comedy film history.
The West Wing (1999–2006)
Matheson played John Hoynes, a recurring character who served as Vice President on The West Wing. His work on the show earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, as noted by Wikipedia. The role introduced him to a new generation of viewers and demonstrated his dramatic capabilities.
Jonny Quest (1964)
Matheson provided the original voice of the title character in the animated series Jonny Quest, according to TV Insider and Astro Databank. This early voice role helped establish his visibility beyond live-action acting and remains one of his best-known early contributions.
Leave It to Beaver (1962–1963)
He appeared in two episodes of Leave It to Beaver as Michael Harmon / Mike Harmon, according to Tribute.ca and TV Insider. These guest spots were among his earliest television roles.
Other Notable Film and TV Work
- Yours, Mine and Ours (1968)
- Magnum Force (1973)
- The Quest (1976)
- 1941 (1981)
- Fletch
- Black Sheep
- Burn Notice
- Hart of Dixie
- Child’s Play (2019)
- Killing Reagan (TV film)
- Virgin River (Netflix series)
According to TV Guide, Matheson directed episodes of The West Wing, The Twilight Zone, and Ed. His directing work forms a substantial part of his television career and adds depth to his reputation in the industry.
Tim Matheson’s Personal Life: Wife, Children, and Net Worth
Marriages
Matheson has been married three times, according to Wikipedia and Tribute.ca. He married Jennifer Leak in 1968; the marriage ended in divorce in 1971. He then married Megan Murphy in 1985; they divorced in 2010. In March 2018, he married Elizabeth Marighetto.
Children
Matheson and his second wife, Megan Murphy, had three children. According to Polish Wikipedia and Astro Databank, their names are Molly Lewis, Emma Katherina, and Cooper Timothy. He has kept his children largely out of the public spotlight.
Net Worth
No reliable, source-backed net worth figure for Tim Matheson could be confirmed from authoritative sources. Estimates exist online but vary considerably. Without a public financial disclosure or a verified industry estimate, any specific number should be treated as speculative. His long career in film and television suggests steady earnings rather than a single blockbuster fortune.
None of the major biographical sources — including Wikipedia, IMDb, TV Guide, or TCM — provide an authoritative net worth figure for Tim Matheson. Any number found elsewhere is an estimate and should not be treated as verified fact.
Tim Matheson’s Career Milestones
- 1947 — Born in Glendale, California, U.S.
- 1962–1963 — Guest roles on Leave It to Beaver and other shows
- 1964 — Voice role as Jonny Quest in the animated series
- 1978 — Breakout role as Otter in National Lampoon’s Animal House
- 1980s–1990s — Director and producer roles; numerous TV guest appearances
- 1999–2006 — Played Vice President John Hoynes on The West Wing; earned two Emmy nominations
- 2010s–present — Roles in Covert Affairs, Hart of Dixie, Virgin River, and continued directing work
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: December 31, 1947 | Exact net worth — only estimates exist, no verified figure |
| Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | Details of his first marriage to Jennifer Leak are sparse |
| Three marriages, including current spouse Elizabeth Marighetto (m. 2018) | Whether he plans to retire — no official statements have been made |
| Three children: Molly Lewis, Emma Katherina, Cooper Timothy | Specific financial details about his earnings from individual projects |
| Two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for The West Wing | Full details of his directing credits are not comprehensively documented in a single source |
Why Tim Matheson’s Career Matters
Tim Matheson built a career that spans more than six decades, moving from child actor to comedy star to dramatic performer and director. His roles in Animal House, The West Wing, and Jonny Quest define a legacy of versatility. His ability to move between genres — comedy, drama, animation, and directing — illustrates a versatility that has kept him relevant across generations. For readers interested in similar actors from his era, see Jeff Daniels – Biography, Movies, Net Worth & Family and Ralph Macchio – Age, Net Worth, Wife and Cobra Kai Update.
His role on The West Wing gave him a new generation of fans and helped revive his profile in the 2000s. Comparing his early comedy work with his dramatic pivot underscores the range that defines his career. His directorial work on shows like Covert Affairs and Burn Notice adds further depth to his industry reputation.
As of 2025, Matheson continues to appear in Netflix’s Virgin River as Mitch. No announcement of retirement has been made, and fans can expect occasional guest roles and directing work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tim Matheson related to any other actors?
No widely known acting relatives are documented in reliable sources. Matheson’s family members are not public figures in the entertainment industry.
What is Tim Matheson’s most famous movie?
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) is widely considered his most famous film. His role as Eric ‘Otter’ Stratton remains his signature performance.
Did Tim Matheson serve in the military?
No records indicate that Tim Matheson served in the military. He pursued an acting career from childhood onward.
What awards has Tim Matheson won?
Matheson received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his work on The West Wing. He has not won a major competitive award from the major industry organizations.
How can I contact Tim Matheson?
Tim Matheson maintains official pages on Facebook and Instagram. Professional inquiries are typically handled through talent agencies or publicists.
What is Tim Matheson’s height?
Tim Matheson stands at 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), according to multiple biographical sources.
Is Tim Matheson still acting?
Yes. As of 2025, he appears in Netflix’s Virgin River as Mitch and continues to take occasional roles. No retirement has been announced.
What was Tim Matheson like when he was young?
Matheson began acting as a child in the early 1960s, appearing on Leave It to Beaver and My Three Sons. He voiced Jonny Quest at age 16 in 1964.
What role did Tim Matheson play on Leave It to Beaver?
He played Michael Harmon / Mike Harmon in two episodes of Leave It to Beaver in 1962–1963.
Does Tim Matheson have children?
Yes, he has three children with his second wife, Megan Murphy: Molly Lewis, Emma Katherina, and Cooper Timothy.
Sources and Statements
The following sources provided information for this article:
- Wikipedia – Tim Matheson (primary source for biography)
- IMDb – Tim Matheson (filmography and trivia)
- Rotten Tomatoes – Tim Matheson Movies & TV Shows
- TV Guide – Tim Matheson Biography (directing career details)
- TV Insider – Tim Matheson Profile
- TCM – Tim Matheson Overview
Summary: Tim Matheson’s Legacy
Tim Matheson built a career that spans more than six decades, moving from child actor to comedy star to dramatic performer and director. His roles in Animal House, The West Wing, and Jonny Quest define a legacy of versatility. He remains active on screen as of 2026, with no announced plans to retire. For readers interested in similar actors from his era, see Jeff Daniels – Biography, Movies, Net Worth & Family and Ralph Macchio – Age, Net Worth, Wife and Cobra Kai Update.
Sophie Marlowe covers culture, lifestyle and society for BritView.uk.