Walter Matthau

Born Walter Matthow to Russian Jewish immigrants in New York City on Oct. 1, 1920, Walter Matthau first began performing in local Yiddish theaters while still in high school. After World War II service, he enrolled in New York's Dramatic Workshop and did summer stock. As his star rose on Broadway, he picked up movie roles starting with 1955's The Kentuckian. A Face in the Crowd and King Creole followed.

In 1965, Neil Simon wrote the Broadway smash "The Odd Couple" with Matthau in mind. The following year, Matthau co-starred with Jack Lemmon in The Fortune Cookie and nabbed the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Among the popular duo's nine screen teamings were the equally successful film version of The Odd Couple and its sequel 30 years later.

Matthau was nominated again for Kotch and The Sunshine Boys (1975). His final appearance was in Hanging Up in 2000. He died July 1, 2000.

Filmography