Matheson was raised in the Los Angeles area by a father who had been experiencing severe personal and financial problems since 1996. After growing up and joining the CIA, Matheson remained out of contact with his father and told acquaintances that he was from the east coast of the United States. (TV: Escape to LA) At some point, he and Lyn Peterfield had a romantic relationship. However, as they irritated one another, they ended it. (TV: Rendition) According to Allen Shapiro, any woman Matheson slept with ended up bitter. (TV: End of the Road)