Christopher Walken is an American actor renowned for his distinctive voice, eclectic roles, and captivating performances across film, television, and theater. Born Ronald Walken on March 31, 1943, in Queens, New York City, he began his acting career at a young age, making his first film appearance in 1966’s “Barefoot in Athens.”
Walken gained widespread recognition for his role as Nick Chevotarevich, a troubled Vietnam War veteran, in “The Deer Hunter” (1978), earning him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His diverse filmography includes notable performances in “The Dead Zone” (1983), “A View to a Kill” (1985), “Batman Returns” (1992), “Pulp Fiction” (1994), and “Hairspray” (2007). More recently, he starred as Burt Goodman in the Apple TV+ series “Severance” (2022–present), a role that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Beyond his film and television work, Walken has an extensive theater background, having performed in various Broadway productions, including “Sweet Bird of Youth” (1975) and “The Dead” (2000), which earned him a Tony Award nomination. He has also guest-hosted “Saturday Night Live” seven times, creating memorable sketches such as the “More Cowbell” segment.
Despite his fame, Walken leads a relatively private life. He has been married to his wife, Georgianne, for over 50 years and resides in Connecticut. Notably, he has never owned a cellphone, uses neither email nor social media, and does not wear a watch, relying on others for the time.
For a glimpse into his personality and career, you might enjoy this interview where Christopher Walken and John Turturro discuss their longstanding friendship: