Tim Matheson, the author of “Damn Glad to Meet You,” discusses his extensive career in Hollywood. Known for his role in “The West Wing,” Matheson reflects on the process of writing his book, likening it to a form of confession where he confronted both his successes and failures. He emphasizes the importance of humanity in his stories, sharing lessons learned from iconic figures like Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason, Bob Hope, Clint Eastwood, and Kurt Russell. These experiences taught him that life and art are about teamwork and collaboration rather than individual stardom.
Matheson highlights the recurring theme in his book that despite changes in Hollywood, some things remain constant. He illustrates this with anecdotes about working with both John Belushi and Chris Farley, noting Farley’s admiration for Belushi. Matheson recounts a memorable meeting with Farley for the movie “Black Sheep,” where Farley’s enthusiasm and spontaneous humor led to Matheson being cast in the film. Farley’s ability to entertain and bring people together left a lasting impression on Matheson.
The title of Matheson’s book, “Damn Glad to Meet You,” is a nod to his character Eric Stratton from “Animal House,” a line frequently quoted by fans. The cover artwork, created by Rick Meyerowitz, who also designed the “Animal House” poster, ties the book to Matheson’s past work.
Reflecting on his role as Vice President John Hoynes in “The West Wing,” Matheson admits he initially thought the show would be uninteresting. However, the experience turned out to be far more engaging than he anticipated, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of working in television.