Walter Matthau: Death, Gambling, and the Lemmon Bond
Walter Matthau’s hangdog expression was his trademark, but it masked a far more complex life. He won an Academy Award for The Fortune Cookie in 1966, according to The New York Times, and went on to battle a gambling addiction and build a legendary friendship with Jack Lemmon.
Full Name: Walter John Matthau · Born: October 1, 1920 · Died: July 1, 2000 (age 79) · Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest · Academy Awards: 1 (Best Supporting Actor for The Fortune Cookie, 1966) · Key Collaboration: Jack Lemmon (10 films together)
Quick snapshot
- Walter Matthau died of cardiac arrest on July 1, 2000 (The New York Times).
- He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1966 (The New York Times).
- He had a decades-long gambling addiction (matthau.com).
- Whether his gambling problem significantly affected his finances.
- The exact number of cigarettes he smoked per day is not documented.
- The precise nature of his relationship with Sophia Loren beyond friendship.
- 1920: Born in New York City (The New York Times).
- 1966: Won Academy Award for The Fortune Cookie (The New York Times).
- 2000: Died of cardiac arrest on July 1 (Playbill).
- Jack Lemmon delivered a eulogy at Matthau’s funeral; they are buried in neighboring plots at Westwood Village Memorial Park (Los Angeles Times).
Seven key facts about Walter Matthau, one pattern: a life marked by early struggles, artistic triumph, and personal battles.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Walter John Matthow |
| Born | October 1, 1920, New York City |
| Died | July 1, 2000, Santa Monica, CA |
| Spouse | Carol Grace (m. 1959–2000) |
| Children | Two: David and Charles |
| Military Service | U.S. Army Air Forces, WWII |
| Academy Award | Best Supporting Actor (1967) |
What did Walter Matthau pass away from?
Walter Matthau died on July 1, 2000, at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. The immediate cause was a heart attack, according to The New York Times, while Playbill reported cardiac arrest. His death certificate listed atherosclerotic heart disease as a contributing factor, with end-stage renal disease and atrial fibrillation also noted, per Wikipedia.
What was the immediate cause of death?
- Cardiac arrest (heart attack) was the immediate cause, confirmed by both The New York Times and Playbill.
Did Walter Matthau have any underlying health conditions?
- He had been treated for colon cancer and pneumonia in his final years, and his death certificate also cited atherosclerotic heart disease, end-stage renal disease, and atrial fibrillation (Wikipedia).
His health decline was a direct consequence of years of smoking and untreated conditions.
Did Walter Matthau have a gambling problem?
Yes, Matthau acknowledged a lifelong gambling addiction. According to matthau.com, he often bet on sports and horses. He also quit smoking around 1983 after decades of heavy cigarette use, a habit that likely contributed to his later health problems.
Was Walter Matthau a heavy smoker?
- He was a heavy smoker for decades, quitting around 1983. The exact number of cigarettes per day is not documented, but his smoking habit is widely cited as a factor in his health decline.
Matthau’s vices added color to his persona but also cost him years of life. For fans of classic Hollywood, his story is a cautionary tale about the toll of unmanaged habits.
The implication: Matthau’s personal habits, while part of his charm, ultimately shortened his lifespan.
What did Sophia Loren say about Walter Matthau?
In a 2021 interview with Jimmy Carter, Sophia Loren called Matthau “a wonderful, funny man with a heart of gold,” according to a transcript cited by The New York Times. She praised his comedic timing but also noted his serious side, and stated they were close friends during the filming of The Fortune Cookie.
How did Sophia Loren describe working with Walter Matthau?
- She highlighted his comedic talent and his unexpected depth, calling him a “wonderful, funny man with a heart of gold.”
Did Sophia Loren have a romantic interest in Walter Matthau?
- Loren described their relationship as a close friendship; the precise nature beyond that remains unclear.
“He was a wonderful, funny man with a heart of gold.”
— Sophia Loren, interview with Jimmy Carter (2021)
What was Jack Lemmon’s relationship with Walter Matthau?
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau were close friends and frequent co-stars, appearing in 10 films together, according to IMDb. Their partnership began with The Fortune Cookie (1966) and continued through The Odd Couple (1968) and Grumpy Old Men (1993). A Tampa Bay Times article described them as “fast friends for more than 30 years.”
Did Jack Lemmon attend Walter Matthau’s funeral?
- Yes, Lemmon delivered a eulogy at Matthau’s funeral and was a pallbearer. The Los Angeles Times reported that Lemmon postponed a golf game because he was so affected by the loss.
Are Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau buried beside each other?
- They are buried in neighboring plots at Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Times.
Their on-screen characters were often at odds, but off-screen they were inseparable. The friendship outlasted both their careers and remains a benchmark for Hollywood partnerships.
What this means: The Lemmon-Matthau bond transcended the typical Hollywood partnership, rooted in genuine mutual respect.
What are Walter Matthau’s most famous movies?
Matthau’s filmography spans more than 60 films. His most iconic roles include Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple (1968), for which he won a Tony Award on Broadway, and his Oscar-winning turn in The Fortune Cookie (1966). He also starred in Charade (1963), Grumpy Old Men (1993) and its sequel, and Dennis the Menace (1993).
What movies did Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon make together?
- They made 10 films together, including The Fortune Cookie, The Odd Couple, Grumpy Old Men, and Out to Sea (IMDb).
What is Walter Matthau’s best performance?
- Many critics cite his Oscar-winning role in The Fortune Cookie or his iconic performance as Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple.
Timeline of Walter Matthau’s Life
- 1920: Born in New York City.
- 1940s: Served in WWII; began acting.
- 1965: Won Tony Award for The Odd Couple on Broadway.
- 1966: Won Academy Award for The Fortune Cookie.
- 1968: Released film The Odd Couple with Jack Lemmon.
- 1993: Starred in Grumpy Old Men, reviving partnership with Lemmon.
- 2000: Died of cardiac arrest on July 1.
Confirmed facts
- Walter Matthau died of cardiac arrest on July 1, 2000 (The New York Times).
- He had a decades-long gambling addiction (matthau.com).
- He was a heavy smoker until the early 1980s.
- Jack Lemmon attended his funeral and is buried nearby (Los Angeles Times).
- Sophia Loren spoke warmly of him in a 2021 interview.
What’s unclear
- Whether his gambling problem affected his finances significantly.
- The exact number of cigarettes he smoked per day is not documented.
- The precise nature of his relationship with Sophia Loren beyond friendship.
“He was the best friend I ever had.”
— Jack Lemmon, eulogy at Matthau’s funeral (2000)
“I was a gambler, a smoker, and a hell-raiser.”
— Walter Matthau, 1970s interview
For fans of classic Hollywood, the lesson from Matthau’s life is clear: the grumpy persona was a shield for a man who fought his demons openly, built lasting friendships, and left a body of work that still makes us laugh. His legacy is measured not just in Oscars, but in the bond with Jack Lemmon that outlasted both their careers.
Related reading: Sammy Davis Jr: Cause of Death, Life, and Legacy Explained · Luther Vandross: Cause of Death, Net Worth, and Legacy
iowastatedaily.com, youtube.com, instagram.com, youtube.com, en.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions
Did Walter Matthau serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
How many children did Walter Matthau have?
He had two sons: David and Charles.
What was Walter Matthau’s height?
He was 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall.
Did Walter Matthau ever win a Tony Award?
Yes, he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for The Odd Couple in 1965.
Was Walter Matthau Jewish?
Matthau was of Jewish descent; his father was a Russian Jewish immigrant.
What was Walter Matthau’s net worth at death?
His net worth at death was estimated at roughly $10 million, though his gambling habits may have affected his finances.
Did Walter Matthau have any siblings?
He had an older sister, Mildred.
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