Walter Matthau
Actor
About Walter Matthau
Walter Matthau was born Walter John Matthow on October 1, 1920, in New York City's Lower East Side to Russian Jewish immigrant parents. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio operator and cryptographer in Europe. After the war, he began his acting career on Broadway, making his debut in 1950's 'The Liar' and gradually building a reputation in theater. His film career began in the mid-1950s with mostly villainous roles in films like 'The Kentuckian' (1955) and 'Elmer Gantry' (1960). The turning point came when director Billy Wilder cast him opposite Jack Lemmon in 'The Fortune Cookie' (1966), for which Matthau won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This launched one of cinema's most beloved comedic partnerships, leading to classics like 'The Odd Couple' (1968), 'The Front Page' (1974), and 'Buddy Buddy' (1981). Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Matthau became synonymous with the curmudgeonly but lovable character, delivering memorable performances in films like 'The Bad News Bears' (1976) and 'Hopscotch' (1980). He experienced a major career resurgence in the 1990s with the 'Grumpy Old Men' films, reuniting with Jack Lemmon for their final collaborations. Matthau continued working until his death from a heart attack on July 1, 2000, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most distinctive and beloved character actors.
The Craft
On Screen
Matthau was renowned for his distinctive blend of world-weary cynicism and underlying warmth, often playing curmudgeonly characters with hidden hearts of gold. His acting style was characterized by impeccable comedic timing, deadpan delivery, and the ability to convey complex emotions through subtle facial expressions and body language. He had a unique talent for making potentially unlikable characters deeply sympathetic, using his natural gruffness and rumpled appearance to create instantly recognizable personas. Matthau's approach was notably understated, often achieving maximum comedic effect through minimal effort and a seemingly effortless naturalism that made his performances feel spontaneous and authentic.
Milestones
- Broadway debut in 'The Liar' (1950)
- First major film role in 'The Kentuckian' (1955)
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'The Fortune Cookie' (1966)
- Iconic partnership with Jack Lemmon beginning with 'The Odd Couple' (1968)
- Star of 'The Bad News Bears' (1976)
- Career resurgence with 'Grumpy Old Men' (1993)
- Tony Award for 'A Shot in the Dark' (1962)
- Final film 'Hanging Up' (2000)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor - The Fortune Cookie (1966)
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play - A Shot in the Dark (1962)
- Golden Globe for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy - The Sunshine Boys (1976)
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor - The Odd Couple (1969)
- National Board of Review Award for Best Actor - The Odd Couple (1968)
- Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor - The Odd Couple (1968)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actor - The Odd Couple (1968)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actor - The Sunshine Boys (1976)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor - Kotch (1971)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor - The Bad News Bears (1977)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor - Grumpy Old Men (1994)
- BAFTA nomination for Best Actor - The Fortune Cookie (1966)
- BAFTA nomination for Best Actor - Plaza Suite (1971)
- Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor - Miniseries or Movie - The Incident (1990)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1978)
- American Film Institute Life Achievement Award (1996)
- Kennedy Center Honors (1998)
- National Medal of Arts (1996)
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (1999)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Walter Matthau fundamentally changed the landscape of American comedy by proving that audiences would embrace curmudgeonly, imperfect protagonists. His success paved the way for more realistic, character-driven comedies that moved away from the traditionally handsome, polished leading men of Hollywood's golden era. Matthau's partnership with Jack Lemmon created a new template for male comedic duos, influencing countless pairings in subsequent decades. His portrayal of the 'loveable grouch' in films like 'The Odd Couple' and 'Grumpy Old Men' helped redefine mature masculinity in American cinema, showing that vulnerability and cynicism could coexist with charm and likability. Beyond film, Matthau's style influenced television comedies, particularly sitcoms featuring grumpy but endearing characters.
Lasting Legacy
Walter Matthau's legacy endures through his extensive filmography and his lasting influence on comedy performance. He is remembered as one of cinema's greatest character actors, a performer who could elevate any material with his distinctive blend of wit and warmth. His collaborations with Jack Lemmon are considered among the finest comedic partnerships in film history. Matthau's ability to find humanity in flawed characters set a new standard for comedic acting that continues to inspire performers today. The 'grumpy old man' archetype he perfected has become a staple of American comedy, appearing in countless films and television shows. His work remains popular through regular television broadcasts and streaming, introducing new generations to his unique talents.
Who They Inspired
Matthau's naturalistic, understated approach to comedy influenced generations of actors who followed. His technique of using minimal effort for maximum comedic effect has been studied and emulated by performers ranging from Bill Murray to Bryan Cranston. The way Matthau balanced cynicism with heart became a template for actors playing similar roles in both comedy and drama. His success in transitioning from dramatic roles to comedy showed the value of versatility in an actor's career, inspiring many to avoid typecasting. Directors like the Coen Brothers and Alexander Payne have cited Matthau's work as an influence on their character-driven comedies.
Off Screen
Walter Matthau was married twice and had four children. His first marriage to Grace Geraldine Johnson lasted from 1948 to 1958 and ended in divorce. In 1959, he married Carol Marcus, with whom he remained until his death in 2000. Matthau was known for his frugal lifestyle despite his success, often wearing the same clothes and driving modest cars. He was a passionate New York Yankees fan and enjoyed playing poker with his Hollywood friends. Despite his curmudgeonly on-screen persona, friends described him as warm and generous in real life. He suffered a major heart attack in 1966 while filming 'The Fortune Cookie' but recovered and continued working for another 34 years.
Education
Seward Park High School, New York; Columbia University (attended briefly); Dramatic Workshop at The New School (studied under Erwin Piscator); Actors Studio (member)
Family
- Grace Geraldine Johnson (1948-1958)
- Carol Marcus (1959-2000)
Did You Know?
- Changed his name from Matthow to Matthau because he thought it sounded more distinguished
- Worked as a concession stand attendant at a Yiddish theater as a teenager
- Served in the same Army unit as Tony Curtis and Walter Cronkite
- Had a lifelong fear of flying and often traveled by train
- Was offered the role of Clark Griswold in 'National Lampoon's Vacation' but turned it down
- Smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day until quitting in his 60s
- Was a skilled poker player who regularly played with Hollywood legends
- Once worked as a dance instructor for 25 cents an hour
- Had a cameo in 'The Muppet Movie' (1979) that was cut from the final film
- Was nominated for both an Oscar and a Tony in the same year (1966)
- His son Charles directed him in 'The Grass Harp' (1995)
- Was offered the role of Archie Bunker in 'All in the Family' but declined
- Had a distinctive gap between his front teeth that became his trademark
- Was a passionate chess player who often played between takes
- Survived a major heart attack in 1966 that left him clinically dead for several minutes
In Their Own Words
I'm a man of few words, but I've learned that it doesn't matter what you say. It's how you say it.
My mother was a saint. She thought I was a genius. She was wrong about that, but she was right about the other thing.
I don't act, I react. That's the secret. If you're a good reactor, you're a good actor.
I've never been a leading man. I'm a character actor. That's what I am and that's what I'll always be.
The secret to a long marriage is to take it easy and not get too excited about anything.
I'm not a star. I'm a character actor. I'm the guy who comes in and does his job and goes home.
Comedy is harder than drama. You have to be precise. You have to know exactly where the laugh is going to be.
I've always been a character actor. I've never been a leading man. I'm the guy who comes in and does his job and goes home.
The best thing about being a character actor is that you can play so many different kinds of people.
I'm not a funny person. I'm an actor who plays funny people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Walter Matthau?
Walter Matthau was an American actor known for his distinctive comedic style and his frequent collaborations with Jack Lemmon. He won an Academy Award for 'The Fortune Cookie' and became famous for playing curmudgeonly but lovable characters in films like 'The Odd Couple' and 'Grumpy Old Men'.
What films is Walter Matthau best known for?
Matthau is best known for 'The Odd Couple' (1968), 'The Fortune Cookie' (1966), 'Grumpy Old Men' (1993), 'The Bad News Bears' (1976), 'Charade' (1963), 'The Sunshine Boys' (1975), and 'Hopscotch' (1980). His ten-film partnership with Jack Lemmon produced several comedy classics.
When was Walter Matthau born and when did he die?
Walter Matthau was born on October 1, 1920, in New York City and died on July 1, 2000, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 79 from a heart attack.
What awards did Walter Matthau win?
Matthau won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'The Fortune Cookie' (1966), a Tony Award for 'A Shot in the Dark' (1962), a Golden Globe for 'The Sunshine Boys' (1976), and received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1996.
What was Walter Matthau's acting style?
Matthau was known for his deadpan delivery, world-weary cynicism, and ability to find warmth in grumpy characters. His style was understated and naturalistic, using minimal effort for maximum comedic effect, often playing curmudgeons with hidden hearts of gold.
How many films did Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon make together?
Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon made ten films together over three decades, starting with 'The Fortune Cookie' (1966) and ending with 'The Odd Couple II' (1998). Their partnership is considered one of the greatest in comedy film history.
What was Walter Matthau's real name?
Walter Matthau was born Walter John Matthow. He changed his professional name to Matthau early in his career because he thought it sounded more distinguished and would be easier for audiences to pronounce.
Did Walter Matthau have any children who became actors?
Yes, his son Charles Matthau from his second marriage became a film director and directed his father in 'The Grass Harp' (1995). His daughter Jenny also pursued acting, appearing in small roles in several films.
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Films
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