Born Ronald Walken in Astoria in 1943, the actor began his career as a child performer before adopting his professional name in 1964. With a background in dance and early stage work, he transitioned from anthology television to a multifaceted film career, accumulating over $1.6 billion in United States box office gross across his various screen projects.
Early Television and Stage Training
Raised in Queens, Walken attended the Professional Children's School and later Hofstra University, though he left after one year to pursue acting roles. During the 1950s, he appeared in numerous anthology series and variety programs, often credited as Ronnie Walken. His early stage experience included Broadway roles such as King Philip in 1966's The Lion in Winter, alongside significant Shakespearean performances at the Stratford Festival.
Transition to Feature Film
Walken made his feature film debut in 1969 with Me and My Brother. Throughout the 1970s, he built a diverse filmography including roles in The Anderson Tapes, Next Stop, Greenwich Village, and Annie Hall. He achieved widespread critical recognition for his performance as Nick Chevotarevich in the 1978 film The Deer Hunter, which earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
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Following his breakthrough, he maintained a consistent presence in film and television. His notable works span various genres, ranging from science fiction in The Dead Zone to action in A View to a Kill and King of New York. He appeared in popular cult films such as True Romance, Pulp Fiction, and Sleepy Hollow, while also providing voice work for animated features like Antz and The Jungle Book.
Television and Comedy
Walken became a recurring presence on Saturday Night Live, guest-hosting seven times and originating segments such as the 'More Cowbell' sketch. His television work includes roles in projects like Sarah, Plain and Tall, The Outlaws, and Severance, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He has continued to work in modern series throughout the 2020s.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Astoria
- Original Name: Ronald Walken
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor: 1979
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: 2003
- Education: Professional Children's School; Hofstra University
- Notable Work: The Deer Hunter
- Notable Work: Pulp Fiction
- Notable Work: Catch Me If You Can
Questions readers ask
What was Christopher Walken's first television role?
He played Kevin Acton in the 1953 series Wonderful John Acton.
Did Christopher Walken ever direct?
Yes, he is credited as a film director and also wrote and performed in the 1995 play Him.
When did he change his name to Christopher?
He adopted the name Christopher in 1964 at the suggestion of Monique van Vooren.
Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor — 1979
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role — 2003
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
- Notable work: The Deer Hunter
- Notable work: The Dead Zone
- Notable work: A View to a Kill
- Notable work: King of New York
- Worked as film actor, film director and screenwriter
