If you're sitting around and doing Chekhov and the cat walks in, you must pay attention to the cat. You cannot continue the dialogue of Chekhov without including the cat. So on live television, we'd automatically go into ad-lib gear. — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
My mother paid eight dollars a month for rent. When she had it. Mostly we were evicted, because she couldnt afford to pay the eight dollars a month. — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
I still think I'm 28. I'm 73. I think I'm 28, though, except that I won't get into a fight with anybody because I… — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
To be successful in show business, all you need are 50 good breaks. — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
I was playing Russell Long, the senator from Louisiana. I had 12 speech teachers watching me. All the other passengers on the airplane were… — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
Doing a movie is like eating five hundred canapes at a cocktail party - you're never really full. You don't feel as though you've… — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
I always had one ear offstage, listening for the call from the bookie. — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
Every actor looks all his life for a part that will combine his talents with his personality... 'The Odd Couple' was mine. That was… — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
I can relate to anything. I once played Macbeth. I got a lot of laughs, so I quit. — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
Sometimes it takes me six months before I find out what a line means, even if the writing is superficial... To do a play… — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
You see, my father was a Catholic priest, Greek Orthodox, but I think he started out as a Jew, then he became a Catholic… — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
We're writing a book together. She just finished one. Did you read it? Among the Porcupines? — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
I have more talent in my smallest fart than you have in your entire body. — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
My doctor gave me six months to live, but when I couldn't pay the bill he gave me six months more. — Walter Matthau Copy Share Image
