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Tim Matheson

Tim Matheson is an , , and born Timothy Lewis Matthieson on December 31, 1947, in , renowned for his versatile career spanning over six decades in film and television, with breakthrough roles including the charming fraternity brother Eric "Otter" Stratton in the 1978 comedy National Lampoon's Animal House and the complex Vice President John Hoynes on the political drama (1999–2006). Matheson began his acting career as a , making his television debut at age 13 on the series Window on Main Street in 1961 and gaining early prominence by voicing the adventurous in the animated series (1964–1965), as well as Jace on (1966–1968). His transition to live-action included guest appearances on popular shows like and in the 1960s, followed by his film debut in the ensemble comedy Yours, Mine and Ours (1968). Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he solidified his reputation in comedies such as , for which he is perhaps best remembered, and (1985), while also taking on dramatic roles in television movies and series. In addition to acting, Matheson has directed numerous episodes of acclaimed television programs, including , (2002 revival), and , earning two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his West Wing performance in 2002 and 2003. Later career highlights include recurring roles as the shady CIA operative Larry Sizemore on (2007–2013), Mayor Lew Weston on (2011–2015), and the wise physician Doc Mullins on the Netflix series (2019–present), with the seventh season having wrapped production in mid-2025, set for release in 2026, as well as a recurring role in the upcoming series 9-1-1: Nashville (2026). His enduring contributions to entertainment also extend to producing and voice work, reflecting a career marked by adaptability across genres from and to drama and thriller.

Early Life

Family Background

Tim Matheson was born Timothy Lewis Matthieson on December 31, 1947, in , a suburb of . He was the son of Clifford Matthieson, a training pilot, and Sally Matthieson, who managed the household as a homemaker. The family originally bore the surname Matthieson, which Matheson adapted to its current spelling for professional purposes in the entertainment industry. Growing up in , near the heart of , Matheson experienced early proximity to the entertainment world through local cultural influences and the region's vibrant media landscape. During his late teens and early twenties, Matheson served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, enlisting in 1968 and completing at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in , where he rose to the rank of .

Education and Early Interests

Tim Matheson attended local schools in , where he grew up, including in nearby Burbank, from which he graduated in the mid-1960s. During his high school years, Matheson joined the drama club and participated in several school plays, which helped nurture his budding interest in performance. His passion for acting was sparked at a young age, around the sixth grade, by watching television performers such as , , , and , whose Vaudeville-style routines captivated him and made the craft feel like home. This early fascination extended to television shows, which influenced his initial forays into the industry as a teenager. His family provided support for these interests, encouraging his pursuits in the . Matheson did not pursue formal education, attending only briefly before prioritizing his acting career, and instead developed self-taught skills in performance through practical experience. As a teenager, he began initial work in commercials and small television roles around age 12 or 13, which solidified his path toward professional and provided hands-on learning in the field.

Career

Early Acting Roles

Tim Matheson began his professional acting career at the age of 13, debuting as Roddy Miller in the comedy-drama series Window on Main Street (1961–1962), which starred Robert Young as a widowed writer reconnecting with his son in a small town. The short-lived series provided Matheson with his first regular television role, marking his entry into the industry during a time when he was still attending school in . Throughout the 1960s, Matheson built experience through guest spots on prominent family-oriented shows, often portraying youthful, all-American characters. He appeared as , Beaver Cleaver's friend, in two episodes of during its final season (1962–1963), including "Tell It to Ella," where his character navigates schoolyard gossip. Matheson's screen debut arrived in 1968 with the family comedy Yours, Mine and Ours, directed by , in which he played Mike Beardsley, the eldest son of a Navy () whose family merges with that of a nurse () in a chaotic blended household of 18 children. The film, a box-office success that grossed over $25 million, highlighted Matheson's emerging presence as a relatable teen amid ensemble dynamics. As Matheson entered his late teens and early twenties, transitioning from child roles to more mature young adult parts proved gradual and uneven, with irregular work that required him to adapt without the pitfalls of early . He later reflected that avoiding child stardom status spared him common industry hurdles, allowing a steady progression through diverse opportunities. This period emphasized resilience, as he navigated auditions and in an era when many former child performers struggled to evolve beyond juvenile personas.

Breakthrough in Film and Voice Work

Matheson's breakthrough in voice acting came at age 16 when he provided the voice for the adventurous 11-year-old protagonist in the animated series , which aired from 1964 to 1965 and consisted of 26 episodes produced for . Created and designed by comic book artist , the series featured a radio-style recording process where Matheson, initially credited as , performed alongside veteran actors like and , receiving scripts with minimal preparation time. This role, under the mentorship of Joe Barbera, marked a pivotal early opportunity that influenced Matheson's understanding of the entertainment industry and provided financial stability, enabling him to purchase his first home at 17; it also established him as a prominent young voice talent in animation. Building on this success, Matheson contributed to several other Hanna-Barbera projects in the late 1960s, voicing characters such as Jace in (1966–1968), a segment of the anthology series Space Ghost and Dino Boy that aired on , as well as Sinbad Jr. in Sinbad Jr. and His Magic Belt (1965–1966) and Samson in Young Samson and Goliath (1967–1968). These roles, often recorded in ensemble sessions at Hanna-Barbera's studios, showcased his versatility in science fiction and adventure genres, further solidifying his reputation in during a formative period of Saturday morning cartoons. The exposure through these widely syndicated series helped transition Matheson from child performer to a more established artist, honing skills that would later inform his live-action comedy timing. In live-action film, Matheson's defining breakthrough arrived with his portrayal of the charismatic fraternity brother Eric "Otter" Stratton in the landmark comedy National Lampoon's Animal House (1978), directed by , where he delivered the iconic line "Hi, Eric Stratton, rush chairman. Damn glad to meet you." In his 2024 memoir Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Trenches, Matheson recounts attending a real party to prepare for the role, immersing himself in the chaotic energy that defined the film, and describes co-star as "wonderful" and "approachable" on set, contrary to expectations of a "coked-up prima donna." He emphasizes that director Landis enforced a drug-free environment, ensuring Belushi remained clean during filming despite his commitments, which limited his presence to three days a week; this professional dynamic contributed to the film's authentic, high-energy camaraderie that grossed over $141 million and launched Matheson's comedy career. Prior to Animal House, Matheson appeared in supporting roles that honed his comedic presence, such as the oldest son Mike Beardsley in the family comedy Yours, Mine and Ours (1968), a box-office hit starring and that blended humor with domestic chaos. These early film parts, combined with his voice work, built a foundation for his shift toward comedy stardom, allowing him to leverage timing and charm in ensemble settings; later, in the Disney Western comedy The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979), he played the straight-laced Private Jeff Reed alongside and , further demonstrating his ability to anchor lighthearted antics.

Television Successes

Matheson's early television prominence came in the with his lead role as Quentin Beaudine in the Western series The Quest (1976), where he portrayed a young doctor searching for his long-lost sister alongside his brother, played by . The series, which consisted of 15 episodes (11 aired), showcased Matheson's ability to handle action-oriented dramatic roles in a historical setting.) Matheson had a recurring role as Jim Horn in the later seasons of the Western The Virginian (1969–1970). He also guest-starred in an episode of Bonanza in 1972. A significant career highlight arrived in the late 1990s with his recurring portrayal of Vice President John Hoynes on the NBC political drama The West Wing (1999–2006), a complex character whose ambition and moral ambiguities added depth to the ensemble cast. Matheson's performance as the shrewd Texas senator-turned-vice president spanned multiple seasons, earning him two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2002 and 2003. Matheson also had a recurring role as CIA operative Larry Sizemore on the series (2007–2013). Throughout the 2000s, Matheson balanced recurring and guest roles in procedural dramas, including his appearance as Dr. Aaron Morrison in the episode "The Friendly Skies" of (2003) and as Oliver Tate in (2013). These parts highlighted his versatility in supporting tense, character-driven narratives within ensemble formats. In the , Matheson took on a leading role as the gruff yet endearing Dr. Brick Breeland in romantic comedy-drama (2011–2015), playing the established local physician in a small Southern town who clashes with the series' protagonist. Over four seasons, the character evolved from antagonist to paternal figure, contributing to the show's blend of humor and heartfelt ensemble dynamics. Later successes include his portrayal of the wise physician Doc Mullins on the series (2019–present), with the sixth season released in 2024 and production on the seventh season beginning in early 2025. He also guest-starred as Neal Russell in the episode "The Lonely Hearts Club" of the series (2023) and joined the recurring cast of ABC's 9-1-1: Nashville (2025–present) as Edward Raleigh. Matheson's television career during this period marked a clear transition to mature character roles in ensemble dramas, where he often embodied authoritative yet flawed figures, drawing on his earlier comedic roots to infuse nuance into more serious portrayals.

Directing and Producing Ventures

Matheson began directing in the , making his television debut with the episode "Cramming" of in 1984. He expanded his behind-the-camera work in the 2000s, helming episodes of acclaimed series such as , including the season 6 episode "" in 2006. He also directed multiple episodes of , including "Broken Rules" in 2007 and "Double Booked" in 2008, often overlapping with his acting role as the recurring character Sizemore, which allowed him to blend on-screen presence with behind-the-camera . His early directing work emphasized efficient storytelling and character-driven pacing, drawing from his decades of acting experience to guide performers through complex scenes. In 2010, Matheson directed the pilot episode of Covert Affairs for USA Network, setting the tone for the espionage drama starring Piper Perabo and establishing his reputation for handling high-stakes action sequences. He continued this momentum with Hart of Dixie on The CW, directing over a dozen episodes between 2011 and 2015, including the season 1 finale "Heart to Hart" and season 2 premiere "I Fall to Pieces," where his involvement extended to mentoring the cast—particularly younger actors like Rachel Bilson—by sharing insights on emotional authenticity gained from collaborations with legends like Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. Matheson's approach to directing prioritized actor support, fostering a positive set environment to enhance performances, as he noted in reflections on his craft: "You really learn to direct in the editing room," underscoring his focus on post-production refinement. Matheson's directing ventures expanded into streaming with Netflix's , where he helmed episodes like "Everybody Has a Secret" and "Unexpected Endings" starting in 2019 and continued directing several episodes per season through 2024, contributing to the series' intimate portrayal of small-town life while drawing on his acting tenure in the show as Doc Mullins. More recently, he directed episodes of in 2019–2021, applying his mentoring style to guide ensemble dynamics in emotionally layered narratives. Throughout these projects, Matheson has credited his acting background for his empathetic directorial style, emphasizing collaboration and belief in performers' potential to elevate material.

Personal Life

Marriages and Relationships

Tim Matheson was first married to actress from 1968 to 1971; the couple met while co-starring as step-siblings in the 1968 film Yours, Mine and Ours. Their marriage ended after three years, with Leak passing away in 2024 at age 76. Matheson's second marriage was to Megan Murphy, lasting from 1985 until their divorce in 2010 after 25 years together. The split was reportedly contentious and emotionally taxing for Matheson, who later described it as grueling due to the acrimony involved. In March 2018, Matheson married Elizabeth Marighetto, a script supervisor, in a ceremony in Los Angeles; the couple resides in Hollywood, California. In his 2024 memoir Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in Hollywood, Matheson shares anecdotes from his earlier romantic life, including a brief encounter with actress around the time of his 33rd birthday in the 1980s.

Family and Children

Tim Matheson has three children from his second marriage to Megan Murphy: daughters (born 1987) and (born 1988), and son Cooper (born 1993). He has no children from his first marriage to or his third marriage to Elizabeth Marighetto. Matheson has described raising his children amid a demanding Hollywood career as challenging, often likening himself to a "traveling salesman" who prioritized weekend returns home despite frequent work trips to locations like and . To foster family unity, he instituted traditions such as phone-free dinners and biweekly meetings to address events, resolve disagreements, and instill values like honesty and goal-setting, which his children adopted as a strong . In 1994, shortly after Cooper's birth, Matheson relocated with his wife and children from to , seeking a quieter environment away from 's intensity to better support family life. Following his 2010 divorce from Murphy, Matheson emphasized effective co-parenting by separating personal emotions from parental responsibilities and avoiding negative discussions about the other parent in front of the children, ensuring their relationships with both remained intact. He has credited his family with profound personal growth, noting that fatherhood reshaped his priorities and influenced career decisions, such as structuring work around family needs and recognizing them as the most important aspect of his life. This focus helped his children develop resilience and focus, mirroring his own professional perseverance.

Memoir and Personal Reflections

In 2024, Tim Matheson published his debut memoir, Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Trenches, through , a division of , on November 12. The 384-page hardcover, priced at $30, chronicles his extensive career while interweaving personal anecdotes and lessons learned over seven decades in the industry. Key chapters delve into his experiences on the set of the 1978 comedy National Lampoon's Animal House, recounting the pre-filming fraternity brawl that set the tone for production, the cast's hijinks while filming at the , and a memorable frat party in Eugene. Matheson reflects on the film's transformative impact on American comedy, stating, “I realized I’d witnessed… a whole new direction of comedy in America,” and highlights his close collaboration with co-star , noting, “You came for some Belushi stories... He’s who I’m asked about more than anyone else I’ve ever worked with.” Matheson uses the to introspect on navigating the excesses of , particularly his deliberate avoidance of the rampant that ensnared many peers. He contrasts his path with that of Belushi, as well as , , and , crediting his restraint to a strong sense of self-belief and supportive community ties that kept him grounded amid the temptations. These reflections underscore a theme of personal resilience, as Matheson acknowledges early career missteps—such as being perceived as “too soft” for certain roles—but frames them as essential to his growth and endurance in a volatile industry. The book also explores Matheson's evolving priorities around family and gratitude for his professional longevity, portraying film sets as a “stable family” and refuge during personal challenges, with Matheson affirming, “The movie set became my home.” He expresses profound appreciation for mentors like and , who guided his trajectory, and for the opportunities that sustained his , remarking, “I’ve been lucky. I know that,” and “I’ve always found a place to tell a story.” Regarding aging in , Matheson addresses the demands of at 77, emphasizing , , and communal bonds as vital, especially in his ongoing role on Netflix's , and concludes that success stems from “believing in yourself.” The memoir has received positive reception for its candid and entertaining insights, described as “enjoyable and illuminating” by reviewer Adam Parker and a “pure delight” in early reader feedback. Endorsements from figures like , who praised its encouragement “to keep dreaming,” and , who called it “fascinating, hilarious, and often very moving,” highlight its appeal as an inside look at Hollywood's evolution. Promotional events, such as a , 2024, appearance at Alamo Drafthouse in , drew enthusiastic crowds, affirming its resonance with fans interested in Matheson's introspective take on a life in .

Recognition and Legacy

Awards and Nominations

Tim Matheson has been recognized with several nominations for his television and film performances, though he has not won major acting awards. His most notable accolades include two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for portraying John Hoynes on , in 2002 and 2003. In 2006, Matheson received the Spirit of Youth Award from the National Runaway Switchboard in recognition of his advocacy efforts supporting at-risk youth. Further nominations came from the in 2016, where he was nominated for in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series for his role as in Killing Reagan. The film The Etruscan Smile (2018), in which Matheson played a supporting role, won Best Ensemble Cast at the 2018 Boston Film Festival. These honors underscore Matheson's enduring reputation for delivering nuanced character work, particularly in dramatic television roles, despite lacking major wins.

Cultural Impact and Recent Projects

Tim Matheson's portrayal of Eric "Otter" Stratton in the 1978 comedy National Lampoon's Animal House cemented his iconic status in American film, contributing to the movie's role as a cultural touchstone for college rebellion and humor. The film, which grossed over $141 million and was selected for preservation in the in 2001 for its historical and aesthetic significance, popularized elements like parties and anti-authority antics that influenced subsequent youth-oriented comedies such as and . His early voice work as in the 1964 Hanna-Barbera animated series further amplified his influence on youth entertainment, helping to pioneer adventure-driven that blended with realistic storytelling for young viewers. As one of the first prime-time animated programs aimed at children, the series showcased Matheson's youthful energy in a role that introduced global exploration and gadgetry to audiences, fostering a legacy of sophisticated cartoons that inspired later works in the genre. In recent years, Matheson has sustained his prominence through his ongoing role as Dr. Vernon "Doc" Mullins in Netflix's (2019–present), where he plays the gruff yet compassionate town doctor; production on season 7 wrapped in July 2025, with the season slated for release in early 2026, ahead of the show's renewal for an eighth season in July 2025, marking it as Netflix's longest-running scripted original series. Additionally, he joined the recurring cast of ABC's 9-1-1: Nashville as the ruthless Southern patriarch Edward Raleigh, with the series premiering on October 9, 2025.

Filmography

Film Roles

Tim Matheson's film career began in the late with supporting roles in -oriented comedies. In 1968, he portrayed Mike Beardsley, one of the children in a blended , in the ensemble comedy Yours, Mine and Ours, directed by . His next feature appearance came in 1969 as David Poe in the How to Commit Marriage, where he played the son of a divorcing couple entangled in absurd marital schemes. By the early 1970s, Matheson transitioned to more dramatic supporting parts, including Officer Phil Sweet in the action thriller (1973), a sequel in which he assisted Clint Eastwood's inspector against vigilante cops. The late 1970s marked his breakthrough in comedic leads, starting with Eric "Otter" Stratton, a suave fraternity brother, in the iconic college comedy National Lampoon's Animal House (1978), which established his reputation for charming, roguish characters. That same year, he starred as Kevin Hawkins in , a teen comedy about high school rivals forming a band. In 1979, Matheson appeared in three films: as Captain Loomis Birkhead in Steven Spielberg's wartime farce , Private Jeff Reid in the Disney Western comedy The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, and the title role of Harold "Dreamer" Nuttingham, a small-town bowler aspiring to professional success, in the sports drama Dreamer. The 1980s solidified Matheson's versatility in comedy and light drama, often playing affable everymen or romantic interests. He starred as Michael Donovan in the romantic comedy A Little Sex (1982), Lieutenant Andre Sobinski in the remake of To Be or Not to Be (1983), and Bob McGraw in the college raunch comedy Up the Creek (1984). Notable among these was his role as Alan Stanwyk in Fletch (1985), a mystery-comedy where he played the seemingly perfect suspect in a murder plot, showcasing his dry wit opposite Chevy Chase. He also appeared as Dr. Roy Basch in the medical satire The House of God (1984) and Stuart in the thriller Impulse (1984). Later in the decade, Matheson took on Jack O'Neill in the parody Speed Zone (1989). In the 1990s, Matheson continued with eclectic supporting roles, including Charles, the husband in the dark fantasy Drop Dead Fred (1991), Steve Kelso in the sci-fi adventure Solar Crisis (1993), and Al Donnelly, a political aide, in the political comedy Black Sheep (1996). He played the villainous Roy Martin/Trevor Thomas in A Very Brady Sequel (1996), Harlan Siler in the teen rom-com She's All That (1999), and Marty in the marital drama The Story of Us (1999). Entering the 2000s and beyond, Matheson shifted toward authoritative father figures and character parts. He portrayed Vance Wilder Sr., the wealthy but neglectful father, in the college comedy (2002). In 2011, he appeared as Dr. Metzner in the No Strings Attached. Matheson returned to ensemble blockbusters as the elderly Milton Bulkin (who transforms into the avatar Sam) in (2017). Subsequent roles included Mr. Sherwood in the drama 6 Balloons (2018), Carl in the heartfelt indie The Etruscan Smile (2018), and Henry Kaslan, a devoted father, in the horror remake (2019). As of 2025, no new releases for Matheson have been announced.

Television Roles

Matheson began his television career as a , debuting in the anthology series Window on Main Street (1961–1962), where he portrayed Roddy Miller alongside Robert Young. He followed with guest appearances in classic sitcoms, including multiple episodes of (1957–1963) as a young neighbor and (1960–1972) in various child roles during the early 1960s. These early spots established him in family-oriented programming before transitioning to more prominent parts. In the late 1960s and 1970s, Matheson took on recurring roles in Western series, starting with Jim Horn, a young ranch hand, in The Virginian (1969–1970) for 29 episodes. He then joined Bonanza (1959–1973) as Griff King, the estranged stepson of Ben Cartwright, appearing in 16 episodes from 1972 to 1973 and earning praise for his dramatic intensity in family conflict storylines. Matheson headlined the adventure series The Quest (1976), playing a young doctor searching for his sister in the Old West across 15 episodes, though the show lasted only one season. Throughout the decade, he also appeared in TV movies such as The D.A.: Conspiracy to Kill... (1971) and The Last Day (1975), showcasing his versatility in legal and historical dramas. The 1980s saw Matheson balance series leads and TV films, starring as detective Rick Tucker in the fantasy-tinged sitcom (1982–1983) for 13 episodes opposite . He later led the short-lived comedy Just in Time (1988) as a time-traveling advisor, appearing in 21 episodes. Notable TV movies from this period include (1982, though primarily theatrical, with TV airings) and suspense thrillers like (1984). Into the 1990s, he focused on made-for-TV productions, including the legal drama Breach of Conduct (1994) as a military officer and the Buried Alive (1990), where he played a scheming husband. Other representative TV films were A Kiss to Die For (1993) and Sleeping with the Devil (1997), highlighting his frequent casting in psychological thrillers. Matheson's prominence grew in the 2000s with a key recurring role as John Hoynes in (1999–2006), appearing in 17 episodes across five seasons as the ambitious but flawed politician, a part that occasionally overlapped with his directing duties on the series. He made guest appearances in procedural dramas, such as Todd Hoffstead in Without a Trace (2003, 1 episode) and a suspect in (2006, 1 episode). Additional TV movies included (2002) and Augusta, Gone (2006), where he portrayed concerned fathers in family crises. In the 2010s, Matheson starred as the curmudgeonly obstetrician Dr. Brick Breeland in the romantic comedy (2011–2015), delivering 76 episodes of Southern charm and medical expertise in the small-town ensemble. He continued with TV films like Christmas She Wrote (2020) and the biopic Killing Reagan (2016), in which he embodied President during the assassination attempt. Matheson's recent television work centers on the drama (2019–present), where he plays the wise veterinarian Dr. Vernon "Doc" Mullins, a series regular across six seasons through 2025, contributing to the show's exploration of rural life and personal healing. He appeared in a recurring role as Edward Raleigh, a ruthless southern businessman, in the spin-off series 9-1-1: Nashville (2025), expanding his presence in ensemble procedurals.

Voice and Animation Roles

Tim Matheson began his career in the early 1960s, providing the youthful voice for the title character in the animated series , which aired from 1964 to 1965. As the adventurous 11-year-old explorer , Matheson's performance helped define the character's energetic and curious personality across 26 episodes, marking one of his earliest and most iconic contributions to . He did not reprise the role in later iterations of the series, which featured different voice actors. Prior to Jonny Quest, Matheson contributed additional voices to The Alvin Show (1961–1962), including the lead in the "Sinbad Jr." segment, where he voiced the young sailor embarking on magical adventures. He also lent his voice to Jace, the teen hero in the segments of the anthology series Space Ghost and Dino Boy (1966), portraying a resourceful sidekick in interstellar battles against villains. These roles established Matheson as a versatile young voice talent during the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons. Matheson's animation work became more limited after the 1960s as he transitioned to live-action, but he returned sporadically for notable guest and recurring roles in later decades. In 1993, he voiced Gil Mason, a key figure in the "Shadow of the Bat" two-parter of Batman: The Animated Series. He portrayed Maxwell Lord, the manipulative businessman, in an episode of Justice League Unlimited (2004), and Jarvis Kord, father of the Blue Beetle, in Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2009). One of his more extended voice engagements came in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010–2013), where he voiced Brad Chiles, the antagonistic co-founder of Spaced-Out Enterprises, across 13 episodes. Later voice roles included The President in the animated direct-to-video film Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest (2015) and General Dudley, a military leader, in the Netflix animated series Fast & Furious Spy Racers (2019–2020, 4 episodes). These selective appearances highlight his enduring appeal for authoritative or paternal animated characters.

Directorial Works

Tim Matheson transitioned into directing in the , beginning with episodes while continuing his career, and has since amassed over 40 directing credits across prominent series. His work often involves dramatic and procedural genres, showcasing his ability to handle ensemble casts and intricate narratives. One of Matheson's notable early directorial efforts was the 1984 episode "Cramming" of , marking his debut behind the camera for a major network drama. He later directed multiple episodes of , including the 2006 season 7 finale "," a series in which he had previously portrayed John Hoynes. This crossover from to directing on the same show exemplified his growing versatility in political and character-driven storytelling. Matheson directed three episodes of the comedy Psych, including season 2's "65 Million Years Off" (2007) and season 4's "Earth, Wind and... Wait for It" (2009), blending humor with procedural elements effectively. He helmed the pilot episode of the spy thriller in 2010, setting the visual tone for the series starring , which premiered on and ran for five seasons. In the CW dramedy Hart of Dixie (2011–2015), where Matheson starred as Dr. Brick Breeland, he directed several episodes per season, such as season 1's "Heart to Hart" (2012) and season 2's premiere "I Fall to Pieces" (2012), contributing to the show's small-town charm and romantic arcs. Matheson has directed four episodes of Netflix's Virgin River (2019–present), including season 1's "Everybody Has a Secret" (2019), balancing his on-screen role as Dr. Vernon "Doc" Mullins with duties that enhanced the series' emotional depth in rural settings. Beyond these, Matheson's directorial portfolio includes episodes of (five episodes, 2007–2013), (multiple, 2005–2020), Suits (2011–2019), and White Collar (2009–2014), demonstrating his range in action, crime, and legal dramas. He also directed 10 episodes of the 2017 limited series Taken, a prequel to the film franchise. In producing, Matheson served as executive producer on TV movies like Breach of Conduct (1994), a military drama, and Augusta, Gone (2006), a family crisis story, alongside his directorial involvement in some projects. No short films or independent directing projects by Matheson were identified through 2025.

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