Tim Matheson, an American actor, was born Tim Matthieson on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California, a suburb of Los Angeles.

Although perhaps best known for his portrayal of the smooth talking, sex-obsessed Otter in the 1978 comedy Animal House, Matheson's career spans five decades, many genres, and several facets of the entertainment industry.

Beginning his acting career as a child, Matheson provided the voice of Jonny Quest in the original series of that name before going on to act in over a hundred film and television projects. More recently, he guest-starred as Vice President John Hoynes on The West Wing.

He has also directed episodes of Third Watch, Ed, The Twilight Zone, Cold Case, and Without a Trace.

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.

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.

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