**Walter Matthau** (1920-2000) was an American actor known for his distinctive comic and dramatic style. His film career was marked by memorable roles.

He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for *The Fortune Cookie* (1966), a film that marked the beginning of his famous and successful collaboration with Jack Lemmon. The two formed an iconic duo in films such as *The Odd Couple* (1968), *Front Page* (1974), and *Grumpy Old Men* (1993).

Matthau excelled at portraying gruff, cynical, and disenchanted characters, often with a touch of vulnerability and subtle comedy. His raspy voice and impeccable timing made him a master of the genre, also distinguishing himself in films such as *Charade* (1963) and *The Bad News Bears* (1976).