While the world knows Tim Matheson as the charming Eric “Otter” Stratton from National Lampoon’s Animal House or the authoritative VP John Hoynes from The West Wing, his son, Cooper Matheson, remains a mystery to many. As the only son of the Hollywood veteran and his ex-wife, Megan Murphy Matheson, Cooper Matheson has lived most of his life away from the flashing cameras that defined his father’s career. Unlike many celebrity children who chase fame, Cooper Matheson has chosen a quieter path, making him an intriguing figure for fans of the Matheson family.
Quick Facts of Cooper Matheson
| Fact Category | Details |
| Full Name | Cooper Matheson |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Year | 1994 |
| Current Age | ~31 Years Old (as of 2025) |
| Father | Tim Matheson |
| Mother | Megan Murphy Matheson |
| Siblings | Molly Matheson, Emma Matheson |
| Grandfather | Clifford Matthieson |
| Grandmother | Sally Matthieson |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Los Angeles, California |
| Profession | Private (Non-Actor) |
| Famous Relative | Tim Matheson (Actor/Director) |
Who Is Cooper Matheson?
Cooper Matheson is the second child and only son of Tim Matheson and Megan Murphy Matheson. Born in 1994, the Cooper Matheson age is approximately 31 years old as of late 2025. He was raised in a household deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, yet he has managed to keep his personal details largely private.
For those asking, “who is Cooper Matheson?”, he is best defined by his close family ties rather than a public career. He grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by the hustle of show business, but did not follow his father into the limelight.

The Cooper Matheson and Tim Matheson Connection
The relationship between Tim Matheson and Cooper Matheson appears to be one of mutual respect and privacy. Tim Matheson, who released his memoir Damn Glad to Meet You in 2024, has often spoken about the grounding influence of his children.
For Tim Matheson, Cooper Matheson and his sisters were a priority even during the peak of his career. While Tim Matheson was directing episodes of Burn Notice or starring in Virgin River, he made efforts to shield Cooper Matheson from the chaotic nature of celebrity life.
Cooper Matheson’s Mother: Megan Murphy Matheson
Cooper Matheson is the son of Megan Murphy Matheson, who was married to Tim Matheson for 25 years. The couple tied the knot in 1985 and divorced in 2010. Megan Murphy Matheson played a significant role in raising Cooper Matheson and his sisters.
During their marriage, Megan Murphy Matheson and Cooper Matheson were frequently seen together at family events. Despite the divorce, both parents remained committed to co-parenting their three children effectively.
Cooper Matheson Siblings: Molly and Emma
Cooper Matheson is the middle sibling in the family. He has an older sister, Molly Matheson, and a younger sister, Emma Matheson. The trio shares a close bond, having navigated their parents’ high-profile split together.
The Molly Matheson Cooper Matheson dynamic is one of support. Molly Matheson has occasionally been spotted at public events, but like Cooper Matheson, she prefers a low profile.
Similarly, the Emma Matheson Cooper Matheson relationship completes the sibling trio. Together, Molly, Emma, and Cooper Matheson represent the legacy of Tim Matheson‘s longest marriage.
Growing Up as Tim Matheson’s Son
Being the son Cooper Matheson meant attending red carpet premieres at a young age. Archival photos show a young Cooper Matheson attending the premiere of Beverly Hills Ninja in 1997 and A Very Brady Sequel in 1996.
A rare Cooper Matheson picture from these events usually features him standing shyly beside his father and Megan Murphy Matheson. These early glimpses are some of the few public records of his childhood.
Is Cooper Matheson an Actor?
A common search query is “Cooper Matheson actor,” as many assume he followed in his father’s footsteps. However, unlike Tim Matheson, Cooper Matheson does not have a known filmography or acting credits.
While there are other actors with similar names, this specific Cooper Matheson has stayed out of the industry. He has not pursued roles in projects like Virgin River or Hart of Dixie, which his father directed.
The “Megan Murphy Matheson Cooper Matheson” Bond
Megan Murphy Matheson has been a constant presence in her son’s life. After her divorce from Tim Matheson, she maintained a close relationship with her children. The Megan Murphy Matheson Cooper Matheson connection is evident in how the family has remained a tight unit despite the separation.

Current Life and Privacy
Today, Cooper Matheson lives a life far removed from Hollywood headlines. He does not appear to have active, public social media accounts, which fuels curiosity about his daily life.
This privacy suggests that Cooper Matheson values his anonymity. While his father continues to work on major projects like Evil and The West Wing reunions, Cooper Matheson supports him from the sidelines.
Tim Matheson on Fatherhood
Tim Matheson has frequently credited his children, including Cooper Matheson, for saving him from the darker sides of Hollywood fame. In interviews surrounding his memoir, he hinted that fatherhood was his most important role.
The Tim Matheson Cooper Matheson bond is built on this foundation of care. Tim Matheson ensured that Cooper Matheson had a normal upbringing despite the abnormal environment of show business.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Cooper Matheson?
Cooper Matheson is the only son of actor Tim Matheson and his former wife, Megan Murphy Matheson. He was born in 1994. - Is Cooper Matheson an actor?
No, unlike his famous father, Cooper Matheson is not a professional actor and does not have a public filmography. - How old is Cooper Matheson?
Born in 1994, Cooper Matheson is approximately 31 years old as of late 2025. - Who are Cooper Matheson’s siblings?
Cooper has two sisters: an older sister named Molly Matheson and a younger sister named Emma Matheson. - Who is Cooper Matheson’s mother?
His mother is Megan Murphy Matheson, who was married to Tim Matheson from 1985 until their divorce in 2010.
Conclusion
Cooper Matheson may not be a household name like his father, Tim Matheson, but he remains a vital part of the actor’s life story. From his early days on the red carpet with Megan Murphy Matheson to his quiet life as an adult, Cooper Matheson exemplifies a celebrity child who chose privacy over fame. With sisters Molly and Emma by his side, Cooper Matheson continues to live life on his own terms, defined not by his father’s roles, but by his own character.
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