Christopher Walken Biography

Christopher Walken got his taste for acting at an early age by being an extra on live programmes filmed in New York.

Whilst studying at the Professional Children’s School in Manhattan, he took the decision to specialise in dance.

In 1963, he was offered a role in the Broadway musical ‘Best Foot Forward’ alongside Liza Minnelli, and following this he worked mainly as a dancer in a number of different musicals.

His first major acting role was as King Philip in ‘The Lion in Winter’ in 1966 and, after a rocky start, he went on to win the Clarence Derwent Award. While he continued to work in theatre, it wasn’t until he played Duane Hall in Woody Allen's ‘Annie Hall’ that he reached a major audience.

Walken’s role in ‘The Deer Hunter’ did wonders for his career thanks to the 1978 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Following the award, he appeared in a vast number of high profile films such as ‘A View to a Kill’, ‘Batman Returns’, ‘True Romance’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’.

A part in MGM’s last ever musical, ‘Pennies from Heaven’, gave Walken a chance to show off his dancing talents once again. He was later praised by both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly for his performance in the film.

Walken has also tried his hand as a playwright with his satirical account of the afterlife of Elvis called ‘Him’. Refusing to be pigeon-holed into the role of actor, he also enjoys comedy and has hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ six times, winning a 2001 American Comedy Award.

Despite often playing villains, Christopher Walken says he is “happily married, owns two homes and a station wagon, and pays his bills on time”.

Walken has also attracted a strong cult following during his long career. This stems from his appearance in genre films by directors such as David Cronenberg, Tim Burton and Quentin Tarantino. It may also stem from his odd appearance, quirky mannerisms, and ability to exude menace.

Walken is one of the most imitated men in Hollywood, with entertainers such as Johnny Depp, Robin Williams Eddie Izzard and Kevin Spacey having tried their hands at his deadpan mannerisms.

He has appeared in music videos for artists ranging from Madonna to Fatboy Slim, with the latter's 'Weapon Of Choice' earning him the VH1 Award for Best Actor in a Music Video in 2001.

One of his most famous Saturday Night Live sketches is a spoof of documentary series 'Behind the Music' depicting the Blue Oyster Cult. Walken plays fictional producer Bruce Dickinson, who is obsessed with getting "more cowbell" into the song.

Walken's acting credentials have won him a place in Empire magazine's list of the Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time, as well as prestigious theatre prizes such as the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

He also has the philosophy that one should never turn down a film role, whether the project seems good or bad, as making a movie is always a rewarding experience.