Tim Matheson
ActingAbout Tim Matheson
Tim Matheson (born Timothy Lewis Matthieson; December 31, 1947) is an American actor, director and producer. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the smooth-talking Eric 'Otter' Stratton in the 1978 comedy Animal House. His other well-known roles are as Vernon 'Doc' Mullins on Netflix's Virgin River, Henry Kaslan in the remake of Child's Play (2019), Dr. Brick Breeland on CW's Hart of Dixie, Vance Wilder Sr. in National Lampoon's Van Wilder, John Hoynes on West Wing, Al Donnelly in Black Sheep, Alan Stanwyk in Fletch, Officer Phil Sweet in Magnum Force, David Poe in How to Commit Marriage, Mike Beardsley in Yours, Mine & Ours (1968), and Mark Harmon in Divorce American Style. He also voiced the cartoon character roles of Jonny Quest, Jace in Space Ghost and Dino Boy, and Samson in Young Samson & Goliath.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Tim Matheson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: TV Movie
The majority of Tim Matheson's filmography leans towards the TV Movie genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Tim Matheson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Quest, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Tim Matheson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Tim Matheson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Tim Matheson.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Child's Play | Henry Kaslan | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | The Etruscan Smile | Weiss | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | 6 Balloons | Gary | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle | Old Man Vreeke (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Magical Christmas Ornaments | JP Presley | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Killing Reagan | Ronald Reagan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Last Chance for Christmas | Reginald Buckley | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest | The President (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead | Self - Actor / Director / Producer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | No Strings Attached | Eli's Dad #2 | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Behind Enemy Lines III: Colombia | Dodd | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | To Love and Die | James White | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Augusta, Gone | Ben Dudman | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Don't Come Knocking | Producer 1 | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Judas | Pontius Pilate | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | The King and Queen of Moonlight Bay | Al Dodge | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | National Lampoon's Van Wilder | Vance Wilder Sr. | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Mom's on Strike | Alan Harris | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Sharing the Secret | John Moss | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Navigating the Heart | John Daly | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | She's All That | Harlan Siler | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Yearbook: An Animal House Reunion | Self - Otter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Forever Love | Alex Brooks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Sleeping with the Devil | Dick Strang | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Holiday for Love | Jake Peterson | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Buried Secrets | Clay Roff | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Very Brady Sequel | Roy Martin / Trevor Thomas | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Twilight Man | Jordan P. Cooper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Black Sheep | Al Donnelly | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Jonny Quest vs. the Cyber Insects | 4-DAC | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Tails You Live, Heads You're Dead | Detective McKinley | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Shameful Secrets | Daniel | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Quicksand: No Escape | Scott Reinhardt | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Sometimes They Come Back | Jim Norman | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Drop Dead Fred | Charles | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Joshua's Heart | Tom | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Buried Alive | Clint Goodman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Fletch | Alan Stanwyk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Up the Creek | Bob McGraw | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | To Be or Not to Be | Lt. Andre Sobinski | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | 1941 | Capt. Loomis Birkhead | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again | Jeff Reed | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Animal House | Eric 'Otter' Stratton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Quest | Quentin Beaudine | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Last Day | Emmet Dalton | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Magnum Force | Officer Phil Sweet | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Hitched | Clare Bridgeman | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Yours, Mine and Ours | Mike Beardsley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Chinese Junk | Joe Hardy | Average | Similar → |
Tim Matheson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Tim Matheson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Tim Matheson is "The Quest" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Tim Matheson acted in?
Tim Matheson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Tim Matheson?
Other notable films include "Jonny Quest vs. the Cyber Insects", "Mom's on Strike", and "Sleeping with the Devil".