Walter Matthau was an American actor born on October 1, 1920, in New York City. He gained fame for his distinctive voice and comedic timing, often portraying grumpy yet lovable characters. Matthau's career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and television shows. He is best known for his roles in classic comedies such as The Odd Couple and Grumpy Old Men. Matthau won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Fortune Cookie in 1966. He continued to entertain audiences until his passing on July 1, 2000.