Tim Matheson Tim Matheson, an American actor, was born Tim Matthieson on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the smooth talking, sex-obsessed Otter in the 1978 comedy Animal House and the 1979 Ten-pin bowling movie, Dreamer, but has had a variety of other well-known roles both before and since. As a teenager, Matheson provided the voice of Jonny Quest in the original animated series of the same name. During the final season of the TV western Bonanza in 1973, Matheson played Griff King, a parolee who tries to reform his life as a ranch hand at the Ponderosa Ranch under Ben Cartwright's watch.
Following his high-profile role in the ensemble cast of Animal House, he also starred in the 1984 comedy movie Up the Creek with Animal House co-star Stephen Furst.
Matheson, along with partner Dan Grodnik, bought National Lampoon in 1989 when the magazine was facing financial decline. They were unable to reverse the decline and sold it in 1991.
He went on to act in over a hundred film and television projects.
From 1999, Matheson had a recurring role as Vice President John Hoynes on The West Wing. In 2003, his character resigned due to scandal, but returned with a goal of running for President, which fell apart after more rumors from his past surfaced.
He played Sheriff Matthew Donner in the shortlived Wolf Lake.
He has also directed episodes of Third Watch, Ed, The Twilight Zone, Cold Case, and Without a Trace.
Matheson appeared in the movie Van Wilder in 2002, playing the father of the title character, who was inspired by his own character in Animal House 24 years earlier.
Matheson is married to Megan Murphy Matheson, with whom he has three children. He was previously married to actress Jennifer Leak.
Don't Come Knocking (2006)
