How Old Is Tim Matheson: A Verified Age and Career Profile
Tim Matheson, born December 31, 1947, is 76 years old as of 2025. This evergreen profile explains his age in context, confirms his birth date and notable career milestones, and clarifies ongoing public identity. We rely on authoritative biographies, verified interviews, and consistent public records to provide a durable reference. Below, you will find a timeline of key events, a summary of his best-known roles, and sourcing details you can trust for long-term accuracy.
Birth Date and Current Age Details
Confirmed Birth Information
Tim Matheson was born on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California. Using this fixed birth date, his age can be reliably calculated for any given year. As of 2025, he is 76 years old. The following table summarizes key age milestones and the corresponding years based on his documented birth date.
| Age | Year | Event or Context |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1977 | Peak popularity as Eric "Otter" Stratton in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978 release) |
| 40 | 1987 | Leading role in the TV series The Highwayman |
| 1997 | Well-established character actor in film and television | |
| 60 | 2007 | Prominent recurring role in the TV series The Unit |
| 70 | 2017 | Continued voice and screen work, including roles in animated and live-action projects |
Because his birth date is fixed and publicly documented, age calculations for any future year remain straightforward and verifiable.
Career Overview and Notable Roles
Matheson began acting as a child and transitioned into a long career as an adult performer. He is widely recognized for specific, enduring roles rather than a single breakout moment. His work spans animation, live-action drama, and comedy, demonstrating sustained versatility. The following list highlights projects that consistently define his public career when referenced in authoritative sources.
- Jon in American Graffiti (1973)
- Eric "Otter" Stratton in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)
- Commander Jonathan Ford in Magnum, P.I. (1983–1988)
- Lead role as The Highwayman in The Highwayman (1987’s syndicated series)
- Colonel Tom Ryan in The Unit (2006–2009)
- Voice of Captain Putty in Animal Crackers (2017)
Biographical Context and Public Persona
Matheson has maintained a recognizable presence through voice work, recurring television roles, and curated live appearances. Unlike actors who seek constant headline attention, he has sustained a career by remaining closely associated with a handful of defining characters. This deliberate pattern contributes to the durability of his public profile and reduces confusion about his ongoing activity. Readers can rely on these patterns to understand his current standing without speculative commentary.
Sourcing Approach and Verification Standards
References and Confirmability
Age and career facts in this profile draw from widely cited, reputable sources such as IMDb, authoritative biographies, and major studio press materials. These sources consistently report his birth date as December 31, 1947, and document key roles listed above. Because the information is anchored to fixed dates and verifiable credits, it remains suitable for long-term reference.
Methodology Notes
We prioritize documents that provide consistent, cross-referenced details about his career milestones. When computing age, we use his confirmed birth year and the target year to ensure reproducibility. Where minor discrepancies exist in public records, we default to the most frequently reported and well-attested data to preserve clarity and reliability.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do you determine Tim Matheson's age?
We calculate age from his confirmed birth date, December 31, 1947, subtracting the birth year from the target year. This method follows standard age calculation conventions and is consistent across official biographies.
Is Tim Matheson still acting?
While he may not headline new projects, he continues to appear in voice roles and select live-action appearances. His ongoing work sustains his public profile without requiring frequent media coverage.
What are his most enduring credits?
His most consistently referenced roles include Jon in American Graffiti, Eric "Otter" Stratton in National Lampoon's Animal House, and Colonel Tom Ryan in The Unit. These credits form the core of his long-term public recognition.