Who would have thought that the wild antics of John Belushi and the rest of the 'Animal House' crew would extend beyond the silver screen? Just a few days before filming began for the iconic 1978 college comedy, the cast found themselves crashing a real-life fraternity party at the University of Oregon. Tim Matheson, who played the smooth-talking ladies' man Otter, recalls the incident with a chuckle: “We didn’t realize the frat brothers didn’t want outsiders around. Co-star James Widdoes, in classic over-the-top style, hurled a beer cup at them, sparking a full-blown brawl.”
From Party Crashers to Box-Office Sensations
Thankfully, the actors escaped with nothing more than a few minor injuries. But the film itself? Well, let's just say it left a much bigger impact. When 'Animal House' hit theaters, it shattered box-office records, becoming the highest-grossing comedy of its time. Tim, now 70, recently revisited the film's legacy during a Q&A session after a screening at NJPAC in Newark, N.J. on Feb. 16. He shared how the film truly revolutionized the comedy genre: “It was outrageous, breaking all the rules. 'Animal House' didn’t just entertain—it redefined what comedy could be.”
The cast of Animal House, reunited 25 years after the movie’s release.
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The Genius of John Belushi: Anarchy on Film
Part of the film’s enduring appeal lies in John Belushi’s unforgettable portrayal of Bluto, the embodiment of chaos and hedonism within the Delta House's class of 1962 at the fictional Faber College. Tim reveals an exclusive tidbit to Closer Weekly: “John was the only actor given free rein to improvise. The directors just let him go wild, turning the camera on and capturing pure magic.” Despite his on-screen antics, John was anything but a troublemaker off-camera. “He couldn’t have been a kinder, cooler guy,” Tim reminisces. “John was just one of the guys—always ready with a laugh and a story.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Though John tragically passed away at the young age of 33 in 1982, the bonds formed during the making of 'Animal House' remain strong. “Bruce McGill was my best man, and I’m still super close to James and Peter Riegert,” Tim shares. “It’s like we all went to college together, creating memories that last a lifetime.” Forty years after its release, 'Animal House' continues to captivate new generations. “It’s become a rite of passage,” Tim reflects. “When my daughter called from college to tell me she was at a toga party, I knew the film had struck a chord. Every year, it resonates with a fresh audience, proving its timeless appeal.”
