Walter Matthau, born Walter Matthow on October 1, 1920, in New York City, was a towering figure in American cinema and television. His career spanned over six decades, and he is best remembered for his authoritative, grumpy, yet lovable on-screen persona. Matthau’s talent and charisma earned him accolades and a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. From his early days on the stage to his iconic roles in films like “The Odd Couple” and “Grumpy Old Men,” Matthau left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He passed away on July 1, 2000, but his legacy continues to inspire and entertain new generations.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Walter Matthau |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | United States |
| Place of Birth | New York City |
| Date of Birth | 01 October 1920 |
| Age at Death | 79 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Date of Death | 01 July 2000 |
| Place of Death | Santa Monica |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Name | Walter Matthau |
| Birth Name | Walter John Matthow |
| Signature |  |
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
| Height (in centimeters) | 189 cm |
|---|---|
| Height (in meters) | 1.89 m |
| Height (in feet inches) | 6′ 2″ |
FAMILY
| Spouse | Carol Grace |
|---|---|
| Children | Charles Matthau |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | The New School, Seward Park High School |
|---|
CAREER
| Profession | comedian, film actor, film director, character actor, stage actor, television actor, actor, director |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, David di Donatello for Best Foreign Actor |
| Nominations | Academy Award for Best Actor, Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Academy Award for Best Actor, Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play |
| Work Period Start | 1947 |
| Genre | Western film, comedy film |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0000527 |
|---|---|
| Official Website | http://matthau.com/walter-matthau/ |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
Becoming a Hollywood icon was not an easy journey for Walter Matthau. He grew up in a modest family in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, which exposed him to the gritty realities of life early on. Matthau’s early career was marked by numerous rejections and challenges. He served in the Army Air Forces during World War II, which interrupted his budding acting career. Despite these setbacks, Matthau’s persistence and dedication to his craft paid off. He honed his skills through various stage roles and gradually worked his way up to major film and television projects. The cost of becoming a renowned actor was immense, but Matthau’s resilience and talent ultimately led to his success.
Identity before fame
Before he became a household name, Walter Matthau was known for his passion for theater. He studied acting at the Eagle Forum School of Theater Arts and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Matthau’s early performances in New York’s Off-Broadway and Broadway scenes helped him gain valuable experience and recognition. He also worked as a stage manager and understudy, which provided him with a deeper understanding of the theatrical world. These early experiences shaped his identity and laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry.
Timeline
- 1920: Walter Matthau is born on October 1, 1920, in New York City.
- 1942-1945: Serves in the Army Air Forces during World War II.
- 1948: Makes his Broadway debut in the play “A Mischief of Rooks.”
- 1951: First television appearance in the anthology series “General Electric Theater.”
- 1961: Wins the Tony Award for Best Actor for his role in “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers.”
- 1966: Stars in the film “The Fortune Cookie,” his first collaboration with Jack Lemmon, directed by Billy Wilder.
- 1968: Receives his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in “The Fortune Cookie.”
- 1969: Plays Oscar Madison in the film adaptation of “The Odd Couple,” further solidifying his comedic partnership with Jack Lemmon.
- 1993: Wins the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Grumpy Old Men.”
- 2000: Passes away on July 1, 2000, in Santa Monica, California.
Favourites
- Favorite Actor: Walter Matthau often cited Spencer Tracy as one of his favorite actors.
- Favorite Film: He was particularly fond of “Bringing Up Baby,” starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.
- Favorite Director: Billy Wilder was one of his favorite directors, with whom he worked on several notable films.
- Favorite Role: Matthau often spoke about his deep connection to the character of Oscar Madison in “The Odd Couple.”
- Favorite Comedy Partner: His partnership with Jack Lemmon was one of the most celebrated in Hollywood.
- Favorite Stage Play: “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” was a play he cherished for its depth and humor.
- Favorite Hobby: Matthau enjoyed playing golf and was known for his love of the game.
- Favorite Way to Relax: He often found solace in gardening and spending time with his family.
- Favorite Season: Matthau particularly enjoyed the autumn, with its crisp air and vibrant colors.
- Favorite Food: He was known to have a penchant for Italian cuisine, especially pasta dishes.
Controversies
- Temper on Set: Matthau was known for his fiery temper and could be difficult to work with on set, leading to clashes with directors and co-stars.
- Alcoholism: He struggled with alcoholism for many years, which affected his personal and professional life.
- Legal Issues: Matthau was involved in several legal disputes, including a lawsuit over the rights to a film script.
- Public Comments: His outspoken nature occasionally landed him in hot water, such as when he made controversial remarks about the entertainment industry.
- Contract Disputes: He faced several contract disputes with studios and production companies, which sometimes delayed his projects.
- Health Issues: Matthau’s health issues, including heart problems, were often a point of concern and public interest.
- Marital Issues: His first marriage to Grace Knox ended in divorce, and there were public discussions about the reasons behind the split.
- Political Views: Matthau’s political views were often criticized, particularly during the conservative backlash of the 1980s and 1990s.
- Media Controversies: He was occasionally involved in media controversies, such as when he criticized a popular tabloid for spreading false stories about him.
- Financial Scandals: There were rumors of financial mismanagement and controversies surrounding his business ventures.
Control vs chaos
Walter Matthau’s life was a delicate balance between control and chaos. On one hand, he was a disciplined and dedicated actor who took his craft seriously. He meticulously prepared for his roles and was known for his professionalism on set, despite his occasional temper. On the other hand, Matthau’s personal life was marked by moments of chaos, particularly his battles with alcoholism and his tumultuous relationships. His ability to navigate these dualities is a testament to his resilience and the complexity of his character. Whether on screen or off, Matthau’s life was a fascinating study in the dynamics of order and disorder.
Emotional geography
Walter Matthau’s emotional landscape was as varied as the roles he played. He had a deep emotional connection to his family and the city of New York, which provided a sense of grounding and belonging. His relationships with his co-stars, particularly Jack Lemmon, were marked by mutual respect and a shared love for comedy. Despite his gruff exterior, Matthau was known for his warmth and generosity, especially in private. His experiences in World War II and his struggles with alcoholism added layers of complexity to his emotional makeup, making him a multifaceted and deeply human figure both on and off the screen.
FAQs
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What is Walter Matthau best known for?
Walter Matthau is best known for his iconic roles in films such as “The Odd Couple” and “Grumpy Old Men.” He was also celebrated for his comedic partnership with Jack Lemmon and his versatile acting skills.
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When was Walter Matthau born?
Walter Matthau was born on October 1, 1920, in New York City, New York.
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What was Walter Matthau’s first film?
Walter Matthau’s first film appearance was in the 1956 comedy “Me and the Colonel,” directed by Peter Glenville.
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How many Academy Award nominations did Walter Matthau receive?
Walter Matthau received two Academy Award nominations, both for Best Actor, for his roles in “The Fortune Cookie” (1966) and “The Fortune” (1975).
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Did Walter Matthau win any major awards?
Yes, Walter Matthau won several major awards, including a Tony Award for Best Actor for his role in “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for “Grumpy Old Men.”
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What was Walter Matthau’s most famous stage play?
Walter Matthau’s most famous stage play was “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” which earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor.
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How did Walter Matthau’s military service affect his career?
Walter Matthau’s service in the Army Air Forces during World War II interrupted his early acting career but also provided him with valuable life experiences that influenced his later performances.
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What was Walter Matthau’s relationship with Jack Lemmon like?
Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon had a long-lasting and celebrated friendship, both on and off the screen. Their on-screen chemistry was a result of their genuine camaraderie and mutual respect.
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What was Walter Matthau’s approach to acting?
Walter Matthau was known for his meticulous preparation and dedication to his craft. He believed in fully immersing himself in his characters and bringing authenticity to his performances.
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How did Walter Matthau’s personal life influence his acting?
Walter Matthau’s personal life, including his struggles with alcoholism and his deep emotional connections, often influenced his performances. His personal experiences added depth and realism to his on-screen portrayals.
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Did Walter Matthau have any children?
Yes, Walter Matthau had three children: Michael Matthau, Katharine Matthau, and Anna Matthau.
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What was Walter Matthau’s last film?
Walter Matthau’s last film was “Hanging Up” (2000), which was released posthumously in 2000, shortly after his death.
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How did Walter Matthau die?
Walter Matthau died on July 1, 2000, in Santa Monica, California, from heart failure.