Walter Matthau: The Legacy of Hollywood's Most Iconic Grump
With a signature "hangdog face" and an unmatched ability to portray world-weary characters, Walter Matthau became one of the most recognizable figures in American cinema and theater. From his early days as a radioman-gunner in World War II to his status as a multi-award-winning actor, Matthau's career was defined by a unique blend of cynicism and charm.
He is perhaps best remembered for his legendary professional and personal partnership with Jack Lemmon. The New York Times described their collaboration as one of Hollywood's most successful pairings, spanning 10 films including the timeless The Odd Couple (1968) and Grumpy Old Men (1993).
Key Facts
- Full Name: Walter John Matthow (also known as Walter Matuschanskayasky).
- Active Years: 1948–2000.
- Major Awards: One Academy Award, one BAFTA, and two Tony Awards.
- Military Service: Served as a radioman-gunner in the U.S. Army Air Forces (1942–1945).
- Defining Partnership: Starred in 10 films with lifelong friend Jack Lemmon.
- Notable Roles: Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple and Coach Morris Buttermaker in The Bad News Bears.
Early Life and Military Service
Born on October 1, 1920, Matthau's path to stardom was interrupted by the Second World War. Between 1942 and 1945, he served in the United States Army Air Forces, stationed across England, Germany, and France. Upon his demobilization, he returned to the United States with a singular focus: pursuing a career in acting.
The Rise of a Versatile Performer
Matthau's early career was characterized by a wide range of roles. He made his motion picture debut in 1955's The Kentuckian and appeared in A Face in the Crowd (1957), a critical hit directed by Elia Kazan. While he often played villains or supporting characters in his early years—including a role in Elvis Presley's King Creole (1958)—his presence was always commanding.
Conquering Broadway and Hollywood
Matthau found immense success on the stage, winning two Tony Awards: first for A Shot in the Dark (1962) and later for originating the role of Oscar Madison in Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (1965). This role became a cornerstone of his identity, blending slovenliness with wit.
In 1966, he achieved cinematic peak recognition by winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Billy Wilder's The Fortune Cookie. He continued to receive critical acclaim with nominations for Kotch (1971) and The Sunshine Boys (1975).
Diversifying His Portfolio
Though known for comedy, Matthau was no stranger to stark drama. He appeared in the nuclear tension of Fail Safe (1964) and the crime thriller The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974). However, the 1970s saw him lean further into comedy, most notably as the disgruntled coach in The Bad News Bears (1976).
Later Years and Enduring Partnerships
Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Matthau remained a staple of the screen. He played Albert Einstein in I.Q. (1994) and George Wilson in Dennis the Menace (1993). His partnership with Jack Lemmon continued until the end, with the duo appearing in Grumpy Old Men and The Odd Couple II.
Beyond acting, Matthau contributed to the future of cinema by serving on the advisory board of the National Student Film Institute.
Personal Life and Struggles
Matthau's personal life was marked by both family and hardship. He was married twice: first to Geraldine "Geri" Grace Johnson (1948–1959) and later to Carol Marcus (1959–2003). He had three children, including son Charles, who eventually directed his father in several films.
He also struggled with compulsive gambling. In 1961 alone, he lost approximately $183,000 betting on spring-training baseball, a debt that took him six years to repay.
Health and Passing
Matthau faced several health challenges in his later years, including heart-bypass surgery in 1976 and bouts of double pneumonia. On June 30, 2000, he suffered a heart attack at home. He passed away on July 1, 2000, at the age of 79. His death was attributed to cardiac arrest and atherosclerotic heart disease, with renal disease and atrial fibrillation as contributing factors.
Career Summary
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Major Awards | Oscar (Best Supporting Actor), BAFTA, 2 Tony Awards |
| Defining Role | Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple |
| Frequent Collaborator | Jack Lemmon (10 films) |
| Military Branch | U.S. Army Air Forces (Radioman-gunner) |
| Final Resting Place | Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many movies did Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon make together?
They starred in 10 films together, though some counts include 11 if counting Kotch, in which Lemmon has a brief cameo as a sleeping passenger.
What awards did Walter Matthau win during his career?
Matthau won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (The Fortune Cookie), a BAFTA Award, and two Tony Awards for his work on Broadway.
What was Walter Matthau's role in the military?
During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Matthau served as a radioman-gunner in the U.S. Army Air Forces, with service in France, Germany, and England.
Did Walter Matthau have any children who entered the film industry?
Yes, his son Charles (Charlie) Matthau became a director and directed his father in several motion pictures.
What caused Walter Matthau's death?
Matthau died of cardiac arrest and atherosclerotic heart disease, with end-stage renal disease and atrial fibrillation listed as significant contributing factors.