The Life of Actor and Producer Tim Matheson
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Tim Matheson, born December 31, 1947, is an American actor, director, and producer known for his diverse roles in film and television, including his iconic portrayal of Eric "Otter" Stratton in "National Lampoon's Animal House" and his Emmy-nominated performance as Vice President John Hoynes in "The West Wing."
Matheson's Early Hollywood Start
en.wikipedia.org
Tim Matheson, born Timothy Lewis Matthieson on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California, began his acting career at a young age.
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The son of Sally and Clifford Matthieson, a training pilot, Matheson made his television debut at 13 in the CBS series "Window on Main Street" (1961-1962).2
His early career was marked by notable voice acting roles, including the lead character in the animated series "Jonny Quest" (1964) and Jace in "Space Ghost" (1966).2
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These early experiences in both live-action and voice acting laid the foundation for Matheson's diverse and enduring career in the entertainment industry.5 sources
Tim Matheson Voiced Jonny Quest in the 1964 Animated Series
imdb.com
Tim Matheson provided the voice for the titular character Jonny Quest in the original 1964 animated series "Jonny Quest."
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As an 11-year-old American boy, Jonny was portrayed as intelligent, brave, and adventurous, with skills in judo, scuba diving, and handling firearms.3
Matheson's voice work helped bring the character to life, contributing to the show's popularity during its initial run on ABC in the mid-1960s and subsequent reruns on various networks throughout the following decades.2
In later iterations of the franchise, such as "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest" in 1996, the character was voiced by different actors, including JD Roth.1
5 sources
Tim Matheson's Iconic Role as Otter in 'National Lampoon's Animal House'
blu-ray.com
Tim Matheson's breakthrough role came in 1978 when he portrayed Eric "Otter" Stratton in the comedy film "National Lampoon's Animal House." This performance cemented his status as a talented comedic actor and remains one of his most iconic roles.
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Matheson's portrayal of the charming and womanizing Otter became an instant fan favorite, contributing significantly to the film's enduring cultural impact.3
Following this success, Matheson appeared in Steven Spielberg's "1941" (1979), reuniting with his "Animal House" co-star John Belushi.2
These roles in high-profile comedies helped establish Matheson as a recognizable face in Hollywood and paved the way for his diverse career in both film and television.5 sources
Tim Matheson as Vice President John Hoynes in 'The West Wing'
remindmagazine.com
Tim Matheson portrayed Vice President John Hoynes in the acclaimed television series "The West Wing." Hoynes, a Democratic politician from Texas, served as Vice President under President Josiah Bartlet from 1999 to 2003.
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A former two-term Senator with presidential ambitions, Hoynes was known for his political savvy and complex relationship with the Bartlet administration.3
His character grappled with personal challenges, including being a recovering alcoholic who attended private AA meetings.3
Hoynes' tenure as Vice President ended in resignation after he revealed classified information to a lover who planned to write a book.3
Matheson's portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination, showcasing the character's depth and the actor's skill in bringing Hoynes' political maneuvering and personal struggles to life.5
5 sources
Related
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What were the key events that led to John Hoynes' downfall in the show
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