Tim Matheson: Career, Personal Life, and Current Projects

If you grew up with Animal House or The West Wing, you already know Tim Matheson’s face. Born on December 31, 1947, he started acting at age 13 on Window on Main Street and hasn’t stopped, with a life story as compelling as any character he’s played.

Age: 76 (as of 2024) ·
Born: December 31, 1947 ·
Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) ·
Net Worth: ~$8 million ·
Spouse: Elizabeth Matheson (m. 2018) ·
Children: 3

Six decades, one constant: Matheson’s ability to reinvent himself without losing his everyman appeal. Here are the core facts that ground his story.

What is Tim Matheson most famous for?

Matheson is a rare actor whose face is instantly recognizable to multiple generations — each for a different reason. The most common answer: Eric “Otter” Stratton, the smooth-talking fraternity president in National Lampoon’s Animal House (BroadwayWorld). That 1978 comedy became a cultural touchstone, and Otter’s swagger made Matheson a household name. But his résumé runs much deeper.

What are Tim Matheson’s most iconic roles?

• Jonny Quest (1964–1965) – He voiced the lead in the original Hanna-Barbera adventure series. (TV Guide)
• Otter in Animal House (1978) – The role that turned him into a star. (BroadwayWorld)
• Vice President John Hoynes in The West Wing (1999–2006) – A political drama role that earned him two Emmy nominations. (BroadwayWorld)
• Doc Mullins in Virgin River (2019–present) – A warm, steady presence in the Netflix hit. (First for Women)
• Guest roles on Leave It to Beaver (three episodes) and Bonanza (one episode, age 13). (First for Women)

How old was Tim Matheson in Bonanza?

Matheson was 13 years old when he appeared on Bonanza in 1961. That same year, he landed a regular role on the series Window on Main Street (TV Guide). Already a working actor by age 13, he was raised near the Hollywood sign and described his career as “shaped by coincidence” (First for Women).

The implication: Matheson’s early start laid the foundation for a career that spans generations.

What is Tim Matheson doing now?

In 2024, Matheson is far from retired. He plays Doc Mullins on Virgin River, a role he’s held since 2019, and he’s directing as well. But his biggest recent project is his memoir, Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Hollywood Trenches, released on November 12, 2024 (YouTube interview).

Where does Tim Matheson live now?

He resides in Los Angeles, California, according to multiple interviews (First for Women). He and his wife Elizabeth maintain a home there, close to the industry that has defined his life.

What is Tim Matheson’s net worth?

Estimates vary, but the most commonly cited figure is around $8 million (First for Women). This includes income from acting, directing, and likely his book advance. The exact number isn’t publicly itemized, but it’s consistent with a long career of steady work, not blockbuster paydays.

The pattern: Matheson chooses roles that offer longevity over blockbuster paydays, a strategy that keeps him relevant.

How many times was Tim Matheson married?

Matheson has been married three times, according to First for Women. His first marriage was to actress Jennifer Leak from 1968 to 1971. He then married Megan Murphy in 1985; they had three children together and divorced in 2010. In March 2018, he married Elizabeth Marighetto.

How old is Tim Matheson’s wife?

The exact age of Elizabeth Marighetto is not publicly documented. She is not a public figure, and Matheson has kept her personal details private.

Does Tim Matheson have children?

Yes, he has three children from his second marriage to Megan Murphy: a son, Jake, and two daughters, Emma and Molly. Their names are occasionally mentioned in interviews, but the children generally stay out of the spotlight (First for Women).

Who is Tim Matheson’s wife today?

His current wife is Elizabeth Marighetto, whom he married in March 2018. She is a real estate agent based in Los Angeles (First for Women). The couple appears together at industry events, but Elizabeth maintains a low profile.

What is Tim Matheson’s real name?

His full birth name is Timothy Lewis Matheson (Wikipedia). He has used “Tim Matheson” professionally since his earliest credits.

Are Kurt Russell and Tim Matheson friends?

Yes, Kurt Russell and Tim Matheson are longtime friends. They met as child actors and have remained close for decades. In a 2024 interview, Matheson described their friendship as “a brotherhood” that started when they were both on the Disney lot (YouTube interview).

Is Cameron Matheson kin to Tim Matheson?

No, Cameron Matheson is not related to Tim Matheson. Cameron is a filmmaker and actor, but the shared surname is a coincidence.

What did Tim Matheson think of Lucille Ball?

Matheson worked with Lucille Ball on The Lucy Show early in his career. He has spoken of her as a mentor, calling her “a brilliant comedienne and a generous teacher” (YouTube interview). The experience left a lasting impression on him.

Timeline

• 1947 – Born in Glendale, California (Wikipedia)
• 1961 – First TV role on Window on Main Street (TV Guide)
• 1968 – Married Jennifer Leak; enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (First for Women)
• 1971 – Divorced from Jennifer Leak
• 1978 – Animal House released (BroadwayWorld)
• 1985 – Married Megan Murphy
• 1999–2006 – The West Wing role (BroadwayWorld)
• 2010 – Divorced from Megan Murphy
• 2018 – Married Elizabeth Marighetto
• 2019–present – Virgin River (First for Women)
• 2024 – Published memoir Damn Glad to Meet You (YouTube interview)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Birth date: December 31, 1947 (Wikipedia)
• Notable roles: Animal House, The West Wing, Virgin River (BroadwayWorld)
• Three marriages: Jennifer Leak, Megan Murphy, Elizabeth Marighetto (First for Women)
• Three children (First for Women)
• Memoir released November 12, 2024 (YouTube interview)

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth (estimates vary) (First for Women)
• Age of current wife (First for Women)
• Income breakdown from directing and producing (First for Women)
• Exact details of his children’s ages (not consistently reported) (First for Women)
• Exact year of Marine Corps enlistment not independently verified (First for Women)

Quotes from the archives

“I always wanted to be an actor. My career was shaped by coincidence and timely events, but I knew what I wanted from the start.”

— Tim Matheson, in a 2023 profile by First for Women

“Lucille Ball was a brilliant comedienne and a generous teacher. She took the time to show me how to hit a mark and still be funny.”

— Tim Matheson, recalling his work on The Lucy Show, in a 2024 interview (YouTube)

For fans of Matheson’s fellow actors, check out our profiles on John Cusack: Career, Personal Life & Controversies and Eugene Levy: Ethnicity, Family, Eyebrows, Schitt’s Creek.

Frequently asked questions