Matthau: A Life

by Rob Edelman, Audrey Kupferberg

Funny yet down-to-earth, honest yet full of exaggeration, actor Walter Matthau (1920-2000) will always occupy a place in America's heart as one of the great comic talents of his generation. Born Walter Matuschanskayasky into Jewish tenements on New York's Lower East Side, he was a child actor in New York Yiddish theater, and later a World War II Air Force radioman-gunner. He paid dues for ten years on Broadway, in summer stock, and on television before landing his film debut "The Kentuckian" in 1955. By the time of his 1968 casting as cantankerous but lovable slob Oscar Madison in the film version of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple," Matthau had won major Hollywood stardom.Based on dozens of interviews and extensive research, this book covers the breadth of his often-complicated personal life and multi-faceted career, including his unforgettable performances in such films as "The Fortune Cookie," "A Guide for the Married Man," "Plaza Suite," "Charley Varrick," "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three," "The Sunshine Boys," "The Bad News Bears," "California Suite," and "Grumpy Old Men."

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jeff Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy old man...No not really I think Walter lived his life to the fullest, had a big heart but he sure could be ornery!!!

[John White · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of the man, then you'll love this book. It's an honest look at one of the best actors of the 20th Century. Well sourced, a mostly positive look at Walter Matthau's life; however they don't hesitate to discuss his gambling problems and problems from his youth and first marriage b

[Johnny Galt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it!