Walter Matthau
Little did I realize that a man who was born with the supposed name of Walter Matasschanskayasky would become my movie idol during my early high school years. Fortunately for my sake, Walter changed his name to Matthau early in his career, a career that spanned five decades and over 60 films. Mr. Matthau was known for his droll comic style filled with sarcasm. His style makes me laugh at him and with him, and therefore lets me laugh at myself and the world around me. I, along with millions around the globe, was saddened by his death. But his work remains as a wonderful reminder to not take our world or ourselves too seriously. Walter Matthau was born on October 1st, 1920 in New York City. His parents were a pair of Russian-Jewish immigrants. His father left home when Walter was only 3 years old. He lived with his older brother and his mother, a garment worker, on the Lower East Side of New York City. Performing was in his blood from the very beginning. Matthau started off by selling soft drinks and playing bit parts at a Yiddish theater at age 11. He was paid 50 cents for each of his occasi
Walter Matthau was, like all of us, far from perfect. He was, however, an extremely gifted performer who brought joy, honest laughter, and pure entertainment to so many of us. He was most famous for his dour, curmudgeon-like exterior, but to those who knew him well, he was warm, caring, and hard working. His dear friend Jack Lemmon perhaps said it best: “I have lost someone I loved as a brother, as a closest friend and a remarkable human being. We have also lost one of the best damn actors we’ll ever see.” Matthau had three children. He had two, David and Jenny, during his 10 year marriage to Grace Johnson. He had one son, Charles, with his wife, actress Carol Marcus. Charles became a film director and directed his father in a couple TV movies, keeping show business in the family. onal onstage appearances. After graduating from Seward Park High School during the Depression, it took him a while to get back into show business. He took government jobs as a forester in Montana, a gym instructor for the Works Progress Administration, and a boxing coach for policemen, all before World W
Some topics in this essay:
Fortune Cookie,
Walter Matasschanskayasky,
Walter Matthau,
Jack Lemmon,
City Performing,
Marcus Charles,
Corps Europe,
York City,
Billy Wilder,
Center Hospital,
fortune cookie,
war ii,
world war,
york city,
supporting roles,
jack lemmon,
walter matthau,
world war ii,
heart attack,
Join now to see the rest of the essay!
Approximate Word count = 746
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
Example Essays Home
