"Land of the Giants" Actor Don Matheson 1929-2014 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 07-03-2014, 05:34 PM

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Deanna Lund just sent word about the passing of a friend, one who before he became an actor was a hero in the military. Don Matheson.

Prior to entering acting, Don 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 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 in 1968 as Idak Alpha 12 in the episode Revolt of the Androids. In 1967 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. There he met and married co-star Deanna Lund in 1970. Years later they divorced, however they remained devoted to each other. When we visited Deanna we often saw him and he was always doing chores for her. They had one daughter, Michele who was a child star on TV, became an author and is now a mother of two.

In 1976, Don 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. Cameron was later murdered.

In 1984, Matheson had a regular role in the primetime series Falcon Crest. He played Richard Channing's henchman for a season. He also appeared briefly in another primetime soap, Dynasty. He made appearances on a number of popular shows including a few on The Waltons. In regard to the latter the Walton's director was Harry Harris. Harris was also the director of land of the Giants and became the godfather for Michele Matheson.

In addition to visiting Don in California he was here for two conventions that we ran. A dry sense of humor, he was fun to be around. His last days were painful, however Michele had him move in her home so he could spend time with his grandchildren. We know this was a delight for him.

Prayers are requested for the whole family.

07-03-2014, 05:34 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,338	"Land of the Giants" Actor Don Matheson 1929-2014 Link Deanna Lund just sent word about the passing of a friend, one who before he became an actor was a hero in the military. Don Matheson. Prior to entering acting, Don 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 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 in 1968 as Idak Alpha 12 in the episode Revolt of the Androids. In 1967 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. There he met and married co-star Deanna Lund in 1970. Years later they divorced, however they remained devoted to each other. When we visited Deanna we often saw him and he was always doing chores for her. They had one daughter, Michele who was a child star on TV, became an author and is now a mother of two. In 1976, Don 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. Cameron was later murdered. In 1984, Matheson had a regular role in the primetime series Falcon Crest. He played Richard Channing's henchman for a season. He also appeared briefly in another primetime soap, Dynasty. He made appearances on a number of popular shows including a few on The Waltons. In regard to the latter the Walton's director was Harry Harris. Harris was also the director of land of the Giants and became the godfather for Michele Matheson. In addition to visiting Don in California he was here for two conventions that we ran. A dry sense of humor, he was fun to be around. His last days were painful, however Michele had him move in her home so he could spend time with his grandchildren. We know this was a delight for him. Prayers are requested for the whole family.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.