Christopher Walken

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Details

Date of Birth:
March 31, 1943
Height:
6' 0"
Hometown:
Astoria, Queens

Bio:
Christopher Walken (born Ronald Walken on March 31, 1943) is an American actor, screenwriter, and director. As a teenager, he worked as a lion tamer in a circus, but then turned to theater. He learned to perfect his stage craft, including dancing, at Hofstra University & ANTA. Later, he broke into cinema in 1969, appearing in Me and My Brother. He has since been in over 100 films and television shows, including being a regular guest host on Saturday Night Live. His famous trademark is that he always tries to work a jig (dance) into his movies.

Best Known For:
Christopher is best known for his portrayal of Nikonar “Nick” Chevotarevich in the 1978 movie The Deer Hunter. He is also known for his distinct unusual speech rhythm and sudden off-beat pauses.

Personal Life:
Christopher married Georgianne Walken (Thon) in 1969 after meeting while touring with “West Side Story.” They live in Wilton, Connecticut and have no children.