Interviewer: “Christopher Walken, you’ve made in these last couple of years - these
two enormously successful films. I happened to have seen, I think, your first professional stage
performance and two other stage performances – you used to be a singer and dancer.”
Christopher: “I did. That’s a long time ago. You must be old!”
Christopher Walken is an acclaimed American actor known for his distinctive voice,
eccentric roles, and versatile talent. Born Ronald Walken on March 31, 1943,
in Astoria, Queens, New York, he embarked on an acting career that spans over five
decades. Walken began in theater and television before making a significant mark in film.
He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Deer Hunter"
(1978), showcasing his ability to portray complex, intense characters. Walken's filmography includes
notable performances in "Catch Me If You Can," "Pulp Fiction," and "Seven
Psychopaths." His unique style and willingness to embrace quirky
and unconventional roles have made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
His dramatic and comedic talents have endeared him to a broad audience,
cementing his status as a versatile and iconic performer. But he’s also been hiding a secret,
and today he’s ready to break his silence…
CHRISTOPHER WALKEN’S LIFE AND CAREER
Christopher Walken has emerged as one of the most distinctive and versatile actors
in Hollywood. His early life and career are marked by a unique blend of influences
and experiences that shaped his remarkable trajectory in the entertainment industry.
Early Life Walken was the middle son of Rosalie,
a Scottish immigrant who ran a bakery, and Paul Walken, a German immigrant and baker. His parents
fostered a creative and supportive environment for their children. Walken and his brothers,
Kenneth and Glenn, were encouraged to participate in artistic pursuits from a
young age. This environment laid the foundation for Walken's future in the performing arts.
At the age of three, Walken and his brothers started performing as child actors in television
shows. He grew up in the golden age of television, with the medium providing a
platform for his early exposure to acting. One of his first roles was in a sketch with
comedian Jerry Lewis on "The Colgate Comedy Hour." This early start in show business gave Walken a
taste of the acting world and solidified his interest in pursuing it as a career.
Education and Training Walken attended the Professional
Children’s School, which catered to young actors, dancers, and musicians. This specialized education
allowed him to balance his academic studies with his burgeoning acting career. Later,
he enrolled at Hofstra University but left after a year to focus on acting.
His early departure from formal education was a testament to his commitment to his craft.
Walken also trained in dance, a skill that would later become one of his trademarks.
He studied at the Washington Dance Studio, where he honed his abilities in tap, ballet,
and modern dance. This diverse training contributed to his fluid physicality and
distinctive movement, which became integral to his acting style.
Early Career Walken's early
career was characterized by a series of eclectic roles in theater, television, and film. He began
his professional career in musical theater, showcasing his dance skills in productions
like "West Side Story" and "Baker Street." These roles highlighted his versatility and ability to
perform in both dramatic and musical contexts. In the early 1960s, Walken adopted the stage
name Christopher, inspired by a role he played in a production of "Christopher
Marlowe." This name change coincided with a period of significant growth in his career.
Walken's television appearances during this time were numerous. He guest-starred
on various popular shows, including "Naked City" and "The Guiding Light."
His work in television helped him build a solid foundation and gain recognition in the industry.
Breakthrough and Notable Roles Walken's breakthrough came with
his performance in the off-Broadway play "The Lion in Winter" (1966), where he played King Philip of
France. This role brought him critical acclaim and opened doors to more significant opportunities.
In 1972, Walken made a notable transition to film with his role in "The Anderson
Tapes," directed by Sidney Lumet. However, it was his performance in Michael Cimino's "The
Deer Hunter" (1978) that truly catapulted him to stardom. Portraying the emotionally
scarred Vietnam veteran Nick Chevotarevich, Walken's haunting performance earned him the
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This role showcased his ability to delve deep into
complex characters and left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
Following his Oscar win, Walken continued to take on diverse and challenging roles. His portrayal of
the eccentric and chilling Max Zorin in the James Bond film "A View to a Kill" (1985) demonstrated
his range as an actor capable of playing memorable villains. Walken's work in "The Dead Zone" (1983),
directed by David Cronenberg, further solidified his reputation for taking on unconventional and
psychologically intense roles. Style and Legacy
Walken's early life and career are marked by his willingness to embrace a wide array of roles,
from musicals to psychological thrillers. His distinctive voice, unusual delivery, and unique
physicality set him apart from his contemporaries. Walken's commitment to his craft and his ability
to immerse himself in diverse characters have made him a beloved and respected figure in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Walken has maintained a strong presence in both film and television,
continually surprising audiences with his choices
and performances. His early experiences, from his childhood in Astoria to his training in
dance and theater, laid the groundwork for a career that is both prolific and remarkable.
Christopher Walken's journey from a child performer to an Academy Award-winning actor
is a testament to his talent, versatility, and enduring appeal. His early life and
career not only reflect his dedication to the performing arts but also highlight
the unique qualities that have made him a true icon in the entertainment industry.
CHRISTOPHER WALKEN FINALLY BREAKS HIS SILENCE ON NATALIE WOOD’S DEATH
Interviewer: “The untimely death of Natalie Wood
during the filming of ‘Brainstorm’ – did that make that entire experience painful for you?”
Christopher Walken was involved in one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries
when he was aboard the yacht Splendour with Natalie Wood and her husband, Robert Wagner,
on the night of Wood’s tragic death. On November 28, 1981, the trio,
along with the yacht’s captain, Dennis Davern, embarked on a weekend trip to Santa Catalina
Island. The night was marked by heavy drinking and a heated argument between Wagner and Wood,
with Walken reportedly caught in the middle of their escalating tensions.
Walken has largely remained silent about the events of that fateful night,
maintaining a public reticence that has only fueled speculation and intrigue. For years,
the circumstances surrounding Natalie Wood’s death remained ambiguous, with the initial investigation
ruling it an accidental drowning. The coroner's report cited alcohol intoxication and the
presence of bruises on Wood's body, which were thought to be consistent with a fall overboard.
However, in a recent and rare move, Walken has broken his silence, stating that Wood’s death
was simply an accident. He emphasized that the combination of alcohol and the conditions on the
yacht led to her tragic fall into the water. Walken described the night as a tragic turn
of events, asserting that there was no foul play involved. His statement aims to put to
rest the various conspiracy theories that have surrounded Wood’s death for over four decades.
Despite Walken’s public assertion of an accidental death, the case has been
subject to renewed scrutiny in recent years. In 2011, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department reopened the investigation, citing new information from Dennis Davern, who claimed
that he had initially lied to the authorities and implicated Wagner in Wood’s death. In 2018,
Wagner was named a person of interest in the case, although no charges have been filed against him.
Detectives have interviewed Walken as part of their ongoing investigation,
but he has requested that the details of his discussions with them remain confidential. He
asked the detectives to promise not to reveal what was discussed, adding another layer of
mystery to an already enigmatic case. This request for confidentiality has left the public and media
to speculate about what Walken might know and why he prefers to keep certain details undisclosed.
Christopher Walken's recent statements and the ongoing investigation highlight the complexity and
enduring fascination with Natalie Wood’s death. While Walken asserts it was an accident, his
request for confidentiality with the detectives suggests there may still be aspects of that night
that remain untold, continuing to captivate and perplex those who follow this Hollywood mystery.
CHRISTOPHER WALKEN TODAY
Peter: “What’s the day like for Christopher Walken? What happens when you wake up”
Christopher: “I get up early…and I…I chase the cat around the house…”
Christopher Walken has been married to casting director Georgianne Thon since January 1969,
marking a relationship that has endured for over five decades. Georgianne is well-known
in the entertainment industry for her work in casting, particularly for the
acclaimed television series "The Sopranos." Their marriage is notable for its longevity
and the mutual respect and understanding that has helped it withstand the pressures of Hollywood.
Today, Christopher Walken remains active in his acting career,
continuing to captivate audiences with his unique style and memorable performances. He
frequently appears in both films and television, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal.
Recent projects include roles in movies like "The War with Grandpa" and appearances
in TV series such as "Severance." Walken’s commitment to his craft remains unwavering,
and he continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Walken and his wife made a conscious decision not to have children. They believed that raising
a family would require them to compromise their careers significantly. In interviews,
Walken has expressed that the life of an actor involves a great deal of uncertainty and financial
instability, which they felt would make it difficult to provide a stable environment for
children. This decision allowed them to focus on their professional lives without the added
responsibilities and challenges of parenting. Their choice underscores the practical
considerations that sometimes influence personal decisions, reflecting a dedication
to their careers and an understanding of the demands of the entertainment industry.
Now, we want to know what you think:
Do you think that Christopher Walken is correct – that Natalie Wood’s death was simply an accident?
Or is there more than meets the eye?