Tim Matheson: The Animal House Icon

In 1978, the comedy genre was forever changed with the release of National Lampoon's Animal House, a film that would go on to inspire countless gross-out movies and cement its place in cinema history. Even 40 years later, the impact of this iconic film is still felt today.

For Tim Matheson, who played the charismatic ladies' man Eric 'Otter' Stratton, Animal House was just one of many notable roles in his illustrious career. With a career spanning over five decades, Matheson has entertained audiences with his versatility and range as an actor.

But before he became synonymous with Otter's smooth-talking charm, Matheson got his start in the entertainment industry at a young age. He began acting at 13 on Robert Young's CBS nostalgia comedy series Window on Main Street (1961-1962). This early start laid the foundation for what would become a long and successful career.

Matheson's big break came in the late 1960s, when he starred alongside Kurt Russell in the NBC series The Hunt (1976). He followed this up with supporting roles in various TV shows and films, including Magnum Force (1973) and Yours, Mine, and Ours (1968), where he met his first wife, Jennifer Leak.

In the 1970s, Matheson's career began to gain momentum. He joined the cast of The Virginian in 1969 and played the oldest son in Yours, Mine, and Ours. He also appeared in Leave It to Beaver during the 1962-1963 season and voiced Jonny Quest in the classic cartoon series.

But it was his iconic role as Otter in Animal House that cemented Matheson's status as a comedy legend. The film's blend of chaos, pranks, and rebellion has made it a timeless classic, ranking fifth on Bravo's list of '100 Funniest Movies' and 279th on Empire magazine's list of 'The 500 Best Movies of All Time'.

In addition to his work in Animal House, Matheson is also known for his role as Vice President John Hoynes in the NBC drama The West Wing (1999-2006). He received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his performance and solidified his reputation as a talented dramatic actor.

Throughout his career, Matheson has demonstrated his ability to adapt to different roles and genres. From comedy to drama, he has consistently delivered memorable performances that have endeared him to audiences around the world.

Today, Tim Matheson remains an active and respected member of the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over 50 years, he is a true Hollywood legend, and his iconic role as Otter in Animal House will always be remembered as one of the most unforgettable characters in comedy history.

Tim matheson animal house