Who Is Walter Matthau? Age, Biography and Wiki
Walter Matthau was born on October 1, 1920, and unfortunately passed away on July 1, 2000. This means that in 2025, he would have been 105 years old had he still been alive. Matthau is best remembered for his iconic roles in classic films such as "The Odd Couple," "The Sunshine Boys," and "Grumpy Old Men." His unique blend of comedic abilities and dramatic talent made him one of Hollywood’s most cherished actors.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1920 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 July, 2000 |
| Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Walter Matthau's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Walter Matthau stood at a height of 6 feet (183 cm) and had a weight that fluctuated throughout his life but typically ranged around 220 lbs (100 kg). His larger-than-life persona was complemented by a striking presence on-screen, characterized by his expressive facial features and distinctive voice.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Walter Matthau was married to actress Carol Grace from 1959 until his death in 2000. He had two children from his previous marriage to Grace Geraldine, and his family remains important in preserving his legacy. Throughout his life, Matthau was known to have had enduring friendships with several other actors, but he maintained a relatively private family life and focused primarily on his career.
His parents were Jewish; his mother, Rose ( Berolsky or Beransky), was a Lithuanian immigrant who worked in a garment factory, and his father, Milton Matuschansky, was a Ukrainian peddler and electrician from Kyiv. They married in New York in 1917.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Walter Matthau had an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million. His earnings came from a successful acting career that spanned over five decades. His iconic roles and contributions to theater and film ensured that he remained a beloved figure in Hollywood.
In 1971, Matthau discussed his longtime compulsive gambling with a writer for The New York Times. In 1961, while doing a two-week television shoot in Florida for Tallahassee 7000, he had lost $183,000, mostly betting on spring-training baseball games.
It took Matthau six years to pay off his "Mafia-connected bookmaker", and he somewhat curtailed his betting in the 1970s, although daily racetrack losses of $400–500 were common.
Career, Business and Investments
Walter Matthau began his career in the early 1940s, transitioning from theater to television and eventually to film. Some of his most notable works include:
- The Odd Couple (1968)
- The Sunshine Boys (1975)
- Grumpy Old Men (1993)
During World War II, Matthau saw active service as a radioman-gunner on a Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber in the U.S. Army Air Forces with the Eighth Air Force in England. He was with the same 453rd Bombardment Group as James Stewart.
While based in England at RAF Old Buckenham, Norfolk, he flew missions to continental Europe during the Battle of the Bulge. He ended the war with the rank of Staff Sergeant and returned home to America for demobilization at the war's end, intent on pursuing a career as an actor.
Social Network
Though social media was not present during his lifetime, Matthau's legacy continues through various fan pages and tribute sites dedicated to his work. There are numerous platforms discussing his films and sharing memorable quotes and moments from his career. Fans often connect on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to celebrate his life and achievements.
Matthau was trained in acting at the Dramatic Workshop of The New School with German director Erwin Piscator. He often joked that his best early review came in a play where he posed as a derelict.
One reviewer said, "The others just looked like actors in make-up, Walter Matthau really looks like a skid row bum!" Matthau was a respected stage actor for years in such fare as Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and A Shot in the Dark, for his performance in the latter winning the 1962 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
Education
Walter Matthau graduated from the City College of New York and later studied acting at the Strasberg Theatre Institute. His education laid the groundwork for his distinctive acting style and approach to complex roles.
As a young boy, Matthau attended a Jewish non-profit sleepaway camp, Tranquillity Camp, where he began acting in the shows that the camp staged on Saturday nights. He also attended Surprise Lake Camp. His high school was Seward Park High School. He acted in several Yiddish theater productions and worked for a short time as a concession stand cashier in the Yiddish Theatre District.
