Don Matheson (August 5, 1929 – June 29, 2014) was an American soldier and policeman who later became a television actor, perhaps best known for his continuing role in Irwin Allen's series Land of the Giants.
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 for injuries suffered in an explosion.
After serving in the military for 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.
After working in a number of plays, television episodes and commercials, Matheson was signed to join the cast of the Land of the Giants. In 1976, he played the role of wealthy industrialist, Cameron Faulker, who married Lesley Williams (Denise Alexander) on General Hospital. 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.
Personal life Matheson married co-star Deanna Lund in 1970, but they were divorced in the late-1970s. Their daughter, Michele Matheson, is an actress and novelist. Matheson was later married to actress Maxine Arnold. He died on June 29, 2014, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles from lung cancer, aged 84.
Filmography
Film +YearTitleRoleNotes1975Murph the SurfHauser1990DragonfightDartois1993Younger and YoungerMax
Television YearTitleRoleNotes1962The Alfred Hitchcock HourJack PiersonSeason 1 Episode 5: "Captive Audience"1962McHale's NavyLt. HarrisEpisode: "Operation Wedding Party"1963The Gallant MenSoldier M.C.Episode: "Tommy"1965, 1967Lost in SpaceIDAK Alpha 12 / Rethso2 episodes1967Death Valley DaysWilliam ClarkEpisode: "The Girl Who Walked the West"1967Voyage to the Bottom of the SeaProtoEpisode: "Deadly Amphibians"1968–1970Land of the GiantsMark Wilson51 episodes1972Emergency!Joseph RemsonEpisode: "Crash"1973ShaftPaul HansonEpisode: "Hit-Run"1974Apple's WayFirst Tree CutterEpisode: "The Tree"1974–1979The WaltonsSargeant Barnes / Coach3 episodes1974General HospitalCameron FaulknerEpisode dated 30 October 19741975The RunawaysHainesTelevision film1976The QuestSam GrantEpisode: "Day of Outrage"1977Bravo TwoMr. MorganTelevision film1977–1981Eight Is EnoughRoss / Robert Decker4 episodes1981, 1987DynastyCommander / Frank Carter2 episodes1982A New Day in EdenLockhartEpisode #1.11984Falcon CrestMr. Padgett10 episodes1985Murder, She WroteChief Steward / Oklahoma Cowboy2 episodes1985Alice in WonderlandThe Red KnightMiniseries1986Hill Street BluesD.A.Episode: "Remembrance of Hits Past"1986Magnum, P.I.Paul MayfieldEpisode: "Novel Connection"1987Six Against the RockGen. MerrillTelevision film1988Days of Our LivesJudge Robert NovakEpisode #1.56561988Santa BarbaraFrank Larson3 episodes1991The New LassieCapt. KelnerEpisode: "The Stranger"1992Somebody's DaughterWilkieTelevision film19997th HeavenRonEpisode: "Nobody Knows..."
References
External links
Notice of death