From the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco, California
Walter Matthau signed
room service receipt for 1/2 Grapefruit, Stewed prunes, Poached salmon, Toasted
English muffin with butter on the side, Tea with lemon. Matthau also wrote “Tip
20%” and his signature appears right underneath.
He has signed using his business signature which you would see on his checks.
A fantastic document from earlier in his career where he wrote more than just his name, and showing that he was a decent tipper.
Inclded is a Certificate of Authenticity from Investment Research Institute.
Someone, possibly the server, Lucas, wrote Walter Mathau [misspelling his name] at the bottom of the document, along with the year, 1972.
Walter Matthau, the iconic actor with the rumpled face and sharp wit, was a Hollywood legend. Here's a glimpse into his life:
Early Life and World War II (1920-1946):
Born Walter John Matthow in 1920 on New York's Lower East Side, Matthau's family originated from Jewish immigrants.
He started acting as a teenager in Yiddish theater.
After high school, he took on various jobs while his passion remained theater.
World War II saw Matthau serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a radioman-gunner.
Break into Acting and Rise to Fame (1946-1960s):
After the war, he studied at the New School for Social Research's Dramatic Workshop alongside actors like Tony Curtis and Rod Steiger.
The late 1940s marked his professional debut, and within a few years, he was on Broadway.
He landed his film debut in 1955, but it was the 1960s that brought him acclaim.
The Odd Couple and Award Recognition (1960s-1970s):
The iconic role of Oscar Madison in Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" (both on Broadway and film) solidified Matthau's comedic talent in the mid-1960s.
He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Billy Wilder's "The Fortune Cookie" (1966).
Throughout the 60s and 70s, Matthau starred in various films, showcasing his versatility in comedies, dramas, and thrillers.
Later Career and Legacy (1980s-2000):
The 1980s saw him in fewer films, but he delivered memorable performances in movies like "The Bad News Bears" (1976).
The 1990s witnessed a resurgence in popularity with films like "Grumpy Old Men" (1993) where he often partnered with Jack Lemmon.
Walter Matthau passed away in 2000, leaving behind a rich legacy of captivating performances that continue to entertain audiences.
Matthau's career was marked by his signature deadpan humor, cynicism often laced with warmth, and his ability to portray a range of characters. He remains an enduring figure in American cinema.