With a career stretching back to the days of President Kennedy, actor Tim Matheson has taken his fans on a journey through Hollywood history in his new memoir, Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Hollywood Trenches. At 76, Matheson reflects on an extraordinary career spanning hundreds of roles in television, film, and theater, providing readers with a rare, insider look at the industry’s evolution over the past seven decades.
Matheson’s career kicked off in the early 1960s with appearances on shows like Leave it to Beaver and My Three Sons, setting him on a path to work alongside Hollywood icons including Lucille Ball, Clint Eastwood, Henry Fonda, and Jackie Gleason. Known for playing an impressive variety of roles—including presidents, vice presidents, police officers, and doctors—Matheson has become a beloved fixture in Hollywood. Fans will recognize him from his role as Eric “Otter” Stratton in the cult comedy Animal House, where his line “Damn glad to meet you” has now inspired the title of his memoir. Matheson shares fond memories from the making of Animal House, recounting off-screen hijinks among cast members as they filmed at the University of Oregon, the setting for the fictional Faber College.
The memoir isn’t only about the fun and freedom of Hollywood, though. Matheson includes thoughtful anecdotes about navigating Hollywood’s challenges, as well as guidance on acting and directing. In poignant passages, he reflects on the impact of comedians he was close to who passed away too soon, including John Belushi, John Candy, Chris Farley, and Sam Kinison. Belushi, his Animal House co-star, is a major part of these reflections, and Matheson acknowledges how often fans ask about their time together.
Today, Matheson’s acting journey continues with his role in the hit Netflix series Virgin River, which films in Canada. He expresses deep gratitude for his career and considers himself fortunate to still be telling stories after so many years. "I’ve always found a place to tell a story," he writes, noting that sharing his life and career with fans in his memoir has been a particularly meaningful part of this journey.
With his characteristic warmth, humor, and wisdom, Matheson’s Damn Glad to Meet You offers a vivid glimpse into a life dedicated to the art of storytelling and celebrates a Hollywood legacy spanning generations.
