In his candid memoir, "Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Hollywood Trenches," actor Tim Matheson offers a poignant look back at his friendship with the late comedic icon John Belushi. Matheson, best known for his role as Eric "Otter" Stratton in the 1978 classic "National Lampoon's Animal House," recalls his initial apprehension upon meeting Belushi, expecting an arrogant and demanding star. Instead, he found a gracious and supportive colleague who became a close friend during filming.
Matheson emphasizes that Belushi remained clean during the "Animal House" shoot, adhering to director John Landis' strict no-drug policy on set. However, he acknowledges that Belushi's off-screen life was a different story. He recounts instances of Belushi's excessive partying, including a weekend in Chicago where Belushi was found passed out in his hotel room after a night of revelry.
Matheson's memoir paints a picture of Belushi struggling to navigate the pressures of fame, constantly surrounded by people eager to party with him. He achieved the pinnacle of success with a hit movie, a top-rated television show, and a chart-topping record, but this very success became a trap he couldn't escape. Matheson describes Belushi's desire to evolve beyond his comedic persona and explore more diverse roles, a goal tragically cut short by his untimely death from a drug overdose in 1982 at the age of 33.
Matheson also shares his experience working with Chris Farley, another comedic talent who idolized Belushi. He notes the similarities between the two, recognizing Farley's compulsive behavior and the potential dangers of his addictive tendencies. Sadly, Farley, like Belushi, met a tragic end due to a drug overdose at the young age of 33.
Matheson expresses gratitude for his own survival in the often-tumultuous world of Hollywood, acknowledging the devastating impact of addiction on many of his peers. His memoir serves as a cautionary tale and a tribute to the brilliant but troubled lives of John Belushi and Chris Farley.
