Walter Matthau: Diamond In The Rough | The Hollywood Collection

The Hollywood Collection
The Hollywood Collection
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Published 2016-02-23
Walter Matthau was barely three when his father deserted the family.

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Poverty and New York street smarts produced a self-deprecating humor that never left. The G.I. Bill let him study acting and by 1951 he earned a New York Drama Critics Award. Television dramas followed and then came Hollywood. When director Billy Wilder cast him opposite Jack Lemmon, a classic partnership was created. In Lemmon, Matthau found an enduring friend and frequent co-star. Matthau’s real-life combination of cynicism and gruff sentimentality was reflected in the performances that brought him to major stardom.

Two-time Academy Award winner, Matthau’s fifty years of show business have earned him the love of millions and the admiration of fellow professionals. Clips used include: A Face in the Crowd, Charade, The Fortune Cookie, The Odd Couple, Cactus Flower, The Sunshine Boys, Hopscotch, Grumpy Old Men and I’m Not Rappaport. In addition to Walter Matthau himself, on-screen interviewees include actors Jack Lemmon, Julie Harris, Ozzie Davis and Roddy McDowell, directors Herbert Ross, Edward Dmytryk, writer Neil Simon and Walter’s son, director Charles Matthau.
All Comments (21)
  • @caseybarnes2082
    What a guy.. took his brothers place in the draft because he knew his brother supported his family. So selfless. Such a great actor.
  • @AuntieSara459
    When Walter smiled his entire face smiled...and so did everyone watching him. 😄
  • @dee_dee_place
    Mr. Matthau's Mom & my Mom were on the same floor at Mount Sinai Hospital, in Miami Beach. He & my Dad would see each other in the hallway & ask for updates on "the Moms". One evening when my Sister, my oldest Niece, & I came to visit Mom, he & his wife, Carol, past us in the lobby. Well, as soon as he saw my Niece, with her flaming red hair, just like Carol's, he immediately came over to us, asked my Sister if he could hold her & started talking with her. My Niece was about 2 at the time. She is now 49 & still talks about how Walter Matthau held her in his arms & had a conversation with her.
  • @lioness7582
    Walter's son, Charlie loved him so much he bought the house beside him just to be near♥️
  • @kevinhealey6540
    In all his films, there was something about him that made him extremely likeable.
  • @saralenamartin5462
    Walter did have it. I worked at a bank in Beverly Hills which was located across from his tailor's shop. One day I saw him, and I ran out of the bank and said hello to him. He was so kind. We stood on that sidewalk for at least 30 minutes talking. Everyone in the bank had their faces pressed against the glass of the windows. It was something. I'll never forget his humor and kindness.
  • @stevenwiederholt7000
    He was in a movie "The Fortune Cookie". He played a lawyer. The line I will always remember "Don't get angry. Sue the bastards."
  • @hensonlaura
    Very endearing to see Walter speak and realize he's just naturally funny. Funny in a quiet, clever way. And no bland fake front put on for the public. A very lovable man.
  • @natlyfranks6856
    I LOVE that Walter Mathau! He was such a funny guy & he was appealing even though he was not a Brad Pitt or Gregory Peck, he had his own sense of being good looking! He broke the mold.
  • @kellyanastasia2752
    My grandmother was a huge Walter Matthau fan. By sheer luck they happen to be shooting the supermarket scene for Grumpier Old Men at a location just down the street from her in St. Paul, MN back in 1995. This 80 year old woman spent an entire day sitting on a folding chair outside the supermarket where they were inside filming waiting to see a glimpse of Matthau. Late in the day he finally emerged accompanied by an assistant, they ushered him quickly into a waiting car before she could even try to speak to him. She wasn't having it. As the car pulled away she ran after it, eventually caught up and started banging on the passenger side window where Matthau was seated yelling "I love you, I love you!" The car came to a stop, Matthau's window rolled down, and he reached out a gave her a huge hug!! Absolutely crazy and unforgettable scene!!!
  • @fluffylobster2916
    I remember being a kid and seeing him for the first time, i just loved him. His face is a work of art and i just couldn't get enough of him. I can't believe there was no mention of his role in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Its my favourite movie of all time.
  • @BruceyWoosey
    A New Leaf with Elaine May and Walter Matthau is one of my Top Ten favourite movies of all time.
  • @davidt9238
    Matthau is great. So much better than most of the on-screen actors nowadays.
  • @joshuawaltz9484
    Man I miss Walter and Jack, so glad they were laid to rest so close to one another. Two once in a lifetime actors.
  • @jimlaguardia8185
    When I (first) saw The Odd Couple movie, I laughed so hard that my abdomen was sore for days. WM was a truly great actor, in every role.
  • @vincenzocherubini2424
    One of the Greatest actors ever, definitely in my top 3. If Walter was in any film, then you could guarantee that it was going to be good, and you can't say that about many actors. A real LEGEND! R.I.P to a truly wonderful man. Thanks for the countless joy you gave me!
  • @merchernel123
    I am an 80s child, but I adore him and his humor. Thank you for this! R.i.p. you darling man. ❤️🙏🏽❤️