Christopher Walken
- Born:
- Ronald Walken, March 31, 1943, Astoria, Queens, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Dancer
Early Life and Education
- Born Ronald Walken to Paul Walken and Rosalie Russell.
- Began acting and dancing as a child.
- Studied at the Professional Children's School in New York City.
- Changed his first name to Christopher in the early 1960s.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his stage career in the 1960s.
- Made his film debut in Me and My Brother (1968).
- Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Deer Hunter (1978).
- Received another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Catch Me If You Can (2002).
- Known for his distinctive voice and eccentric acting style.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | The Deer Hunter | Nikanor "Nick" Chevotarevich |
| 1990 | King of New York | Frank White |
| 1994 | Pulp Fiction | Captain Koons |
| 2002 | Catch Me If You Can | Frank Abagnale Sr. |
| 2016 | The Jungle Book | King Louie (voice) |
Stage
- High Spirits (1964)
- The Lion in Winter (1966)
- Hurlyburly (1984)
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Walken is regarded as one of the most unique and versatile actors of his generation. He is known for his captivating screen presence, distinctive voice, and dedication to his craft. One can find the context for his career and legacy, for example, in margery cuyler biography of christopher that examines his impact on the film industry.