Don Matheson

Don Matheson (August 5, 1929 – June 29, 2014), was an American soldier and policeman who later became a television actor, likely best known for his continuing role in Irwin Allen's series Land of the Giants.

Don Matheson
Matheson in Land of the Giants.
Born(1929-08-05)August 5, 1929
Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
DiedJune 29, 2014(2014-06-29) (aged 84)
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Spouse(s)Deanna Lund
Maxine Arnold

Life and career

Prior to entering acting, Matheson served in the military. While serving in Korea, he was awarded the Bronze Star for valorous leadership and a Purple Heart[1] for injuries suffered in an explosion.

After serving six years, he joined the Detroit Police Department. He then left law enforcement to begin a career in acting. In 1965 Matheson appeared in the Lost in Space episode, "The Sky Is Falling" in the non-speaking role of the alien Retho and then again in 1967 as IDAK Alpha 12 in the episode "Revolt of the Androids". The same year, he appeared as a guest star in the episode "Deadly Amphibians" on the sci-fi TV show's 4th season Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.

In 1967, Matheson was cast as William Clark, with Victoria Vetri as Sacajawea in the episode "The Girl Who Walked the West" of the syndicated television series, Death Valley Days, hosted by Robert Taylor. Dick Simmons played Meriwether Lewis; Victor French was cast as Toussaint Charbonneau, Sacajawea's husband.[2]

After working in a number of plays, television episodes and commercials, Matheson was signed to join the cast of the Land of the Giants. He married co-star Deanna Lund in 1970, but they were divorced in the late 1970s. In 1976, he played the role of wealthy industrialist, Cameron Faulker, who married Lesley Williams (Denise Alexander) on General Hospital. His mistress, Peggy Lowell, was played by Lund. The Cameron character was later murdered. In 1984, Matheson had a regular role in Falcon Crest. He played Richard Channing's henchman for a season. He also appeared briefly in Dynasty.[3]

Family

Matheson was married, secondly, to actress Maxine Arnold.[1]

Death

He died on June 29, 2014, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles from lung cancer, aged 84.[4]

References
  1. Wagner, Joyce (August 30, 1968). "Runaway at 15 Lands Role In a Prime-Time Series". The Kansas City Times. p. 35. Retrieved May 1, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ""The Girl Who Walked the West" on Death Valley Days". Internet Movie Data Base. November 4, 1967. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  3. Don Matheson at IMDb
  4. "Don Matheson, Star of ABC's 'Land of the Giants,' Dies at 84". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 2014-07-08.


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