Walter Matthau (October 1, 1920 - July 1, 2000)

On Broadway he originated the role of Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple with Art Carney playing Felix Unger in 1965. Ten years prior to that he appeared as Nathan in the revival of Guys and Dolls... He was present during the early days of television appearing on such shows as "Lux Video Theatre", "Mister Peepers", "Suspense", "Campbell Playhouse", "Studio One", "The Philco Television Playhouse", "Robert Montgomery Presents", "The United States Steel Hour", "Climax!", "Route 66", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", "General Electric Theater" and "Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre." His final acting role on television was in 1977 for an episode of "Insight." As himself he appeared on "Saturday Night Live", "The Barbara Walters Special", "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson", "Intimate Portrait", "Private Screenings", "American Masters" and "Larry King Live." His "Larry King Live" appearance aired on February 10, 2000 was his final interview before his death six months later... In 1955 he made his first film appearance in The Kentuckian. His other film credits include Charade, Hello, Dolly!, The Odd Couple, Earthquake, The Sunshine Boys, The Bad News Bears, The Fortune Cookie, JFK, Dennis the Menace, Grumpy Old Men, I.Q., Grumpier Old Men, Out to Sea, The Odd Couple II and Hanging Up. Hanging up was released in 2000 the same year as the actor's passing...he was in poor health during production of the film but managed to complete his obligations... He was a brilliant actor who handled both comedy and drama...after the early days of practice on television he quickly became a very successful film actor. There wasn't an award show he missed during his peak. In 1986 he was present to introduce a tribute to Lucille Ball at the Kennedy Center Honors and in 1989 he was present at the Academy Awards to introduce Lucille Ball and Bob Hope... In Memoriam Remembers: Walter Matthau

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