Walter Matthau
Walter Matthau: A Life of Laughter and Drama
=============================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Walter Matthau was born Walter Matuschanskayasky on October 1, 1920, in New York City. He is often referred to as Walt or Wally by friends and family.
Birth and Death Dates
October 1, 1920 – July 1, 2000
Nationality and Profession(s)
Walter Matthau was an American actor of stage and screen, best known for his distinctive voice, comedic timing, and versatility in a wide range of roles. He is often associated with the "odd couple" genre, where he paired with fellow actor Jack Lemmon to create some of the most beloved comedies of all time.
Early Life and Background
Born to Jewish immigrants from Poland, Walter Matthau grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side. His early life was marked by poverty and hardship, but his natural talent for acting was encouraged by his parents. He attended high school in New York City, where he developed a passion for music and drama.
Major Accomplishments
Walter Matthau's career spanned over five decades, with numerous iconic roles that showcased his unique blend of humor and pathos. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1976 for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Philip Schrijver in "Serpico"
Receiving four Tony nominations for his work on Broadway
Being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960Notable Works or Actions
Some of Walter Matthau's most memorable performances include:
"The Odd Couple" (1968) – where he starred alongside Jack Lemmon as Felix Unger, a neat-freak roommate who clashes with his sloppy neighbor
"Grumpy Old Men" (1993) – a comedy classic that pitted Matthau against Walter Brennan and Jack Lemmon in a battle of wits
"Harvey" (1970) – an adaptation of the classic play where Matthau played Elwood P. Dowd, a charming but eccentric man who befriends a giant invisible rabbit
Impact and Legacy
Walter Matthau's impact on American comedy is immeasurable. He brought a unique brand of humor to the screen, one that was both irreverent and endearing. His collaborations with Jack Lemmon are particularly noteworthy, as they created a chemistry that continues to delight audiences today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Walter Matthau's quotes are often cited for their wit and insight into the human condition. He had a way of poking fun at himself and the absurdities of life, making him a beloved figure in American entertainment. His impact extends beyond his on-screen performances, as he inspired generations of actors to pursue careers in comedy.
Matthau's legacy can be seen in the countless comedies that followed in his footsteps, from "The Apartment" to "Analyze This." He may have passed away in 2000, but his spirit lives on through the laughter and memories he shared with audiences around the world.
Quotes by Walter Matthau
If you're sitting around and doing Chekhov and the cat walks in, you must pay attention to the cat. You cannot continue the dialogue of Chekhov without including the cat. So on live television, we'd automatically go into ad-lib gear.
I told Simon, 'I don't want to play Oscar. I want to play Felix because Oscar is too easy. He gets all the laughs. Felix is a hard part; that's the part I want to play.'
I wasn't handsome. I didn't have good clothes. I used to wonder why people would hire me when they could get college graduates and Oxford scholars. Then it became apparent that when I got up on a stage, people actually wanted to look at me.
Working for the screen is almost like being in the Army: you set your mind to it, and you do it.
Doing a movie is like eating five hundred canapes at a cocktail party - you're never really full. You don't feel as though you've eaten a meal, and yet you can't eat any more.
Of course I gamble, to make the games interesting. But five hundred dollars a game, tops. Or sometimes a thousand. No heart attack bets.
Sometimes it takes me six months before I find out what a line means, even if the writing is superficial... To do a play right, really, I'd like to take two years of rehearsal. You study the character by living with him.
I've made $50 million over the years as a movie star, if you'll pardon the expression, and I've given most of it to the bookies.