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
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