Damn glad to meet you My seven decades in the Hollywood trenches

You'll recognize Tim Matheson, whether as Otter from National Lampoon's Animal House or V.P. John Hoynes from The West Wing--or even, going further back, as a friend of Beaver's in Leave It to Beaver or as the voice of animated superhero Jonny Quest. His memoir, more a chronicle of his professional life than a true autobiography, is full of on-set stories, friendships and inspirations, successes and failures. The author (who was billed as Tim Matthieson, his given name, until a typo in a movie's credits changed it for him) writes conversationally, as though he's sitting across the table from us and telling us about his life and career. He's self-depreciating without being annoying, and more than willing to accept how big a role luck might have played in his career, from when age or typecasting required him to try something different to when a new role came along. He's also comfortable admitting he's a pretty talented actor. He's extremely likable, and his memoir is a pure delight. Highly recommendable to fans of Hollywood stories.

The West Wing actor Matheson (Jonny Quest Speaks) reflects on his career in this endearing autobiography. Matheson was raised in 1950s Glendale, Calif., by a single mother who struggled with alcohol and making ends meet. His entertainment career began when his mother contacted the agent representing her boss's son, hoping he could get Matheson work. After booking a tiny part on Window on Main Street at 14, Matheson landed meatier roles on Leave It to Beaver and My Three Sons, and was quickly enamored with the business of make-believe: "Real-world Tim slept on a pullout couch and first had to walk through a closet to brush his teeth. Fake-world Tim now had a cool marble fireplace." In addition to covering his well-known roles--Animal House's Eric Stratton gets special attention--Matheson catalogs lessons he learned on self-respect and close listening from such industry giants as Lucille Ball and Clint Eastwood. He also provides hard-won insights on his personal relationships ("Stop being a jerk and so self-involved") that come across like the aphoristic advice of a favorite uncle. This peek inside the Hollywood dream factory effortlessly balances glamor and gumption. Agent: Peter McGuigan, Ultra Literary. (Nov.)