Christopher Walken Biography: Christopher Walken, born Ronald Walken on March 31, 1943, is a renowned American actor known for his extensive work in both film and theater. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous honors, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, along with nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards. His films have collectively earned over $1.6 billion at the U.S. box office. Walken began gaining recognition through supporting roles in films like The Anderson Tapes (1971), Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976), Roseland (1977), and Annie Hall (1977). He rose to prominence with his portrayal of Nick Chevotarevich, a psychologically scarred Vietnam War veteran, in The Deer Hunter (1978)—a role that earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Christopher Walken Biography
Christopher Walken is a distinguished American actor known for his work on both stage and screen. Recognized for his sandy-colored hair and pale complexion, he is celebrated for portraying complex, often psychologically intense characters, though his wide-ranging talent extends far beyond that typecasting.
Christopher Walken Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Ronald Walken
March 31, 1943 New York City, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Hofstra University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1952–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouse |
Georgianne Thon
(m. 1969) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Christopher Walken
Christopher Walken is an American actor. His work on stage and screen has earned him accolades including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards. His films have grossed more than $1.6 billion in the United States.
Christopher Walken Achievements
He earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful role in The Deer Hunter (1978), a performance that remains one of the most acclaimed of his career. Born in Astoria, Queens, New York, Walken is the son of Rosalie (née Russell), a Scottish immigrant from Glasgow, and Paul Wälken, a German immigrant from Horst who owned and operated a bakery. Walken studied theater and dance at Hofstra University and the ANTA, and earned early recognition with a Theatre World Award for his performance in a revival of Tennessee Williams’ The Rose Tattoo.
Christopher Walken Wiki
- Born: 31 March 1943 (age 82 years), Astoria, New York, United States
- Spouse: Georgianne Walken (m. 1969)
- Height: 1.83 m
- Parents: Paul Walken, Rosalie Russell
- Siblings: Glenn Walken, Ken Walken
Early Life and Education
Christopher Walken was born Ronald Walken on March 31, 1943, in Astoria, Queens, New York City. His mother, Rosalie Russell, was a Scottish immigrant from Glasgow, while his father, Paul Wälken, immigrated from Gelsenkirchen, Germany, and ran Walken’s Bakery in Astoria. He was named after the actor Ronald Colman and raised in the Methodist faith.
Walken and his brothers, Kenneth and Glenn, began their careers as child actors in the 1950s, inspired by their mother’s aspirations for fame. At age 15, Walken became fascinated with Elvis Presley after seeing his photo in a magazine. Captivated by Presley’s appearance and style, he adopted the singer’s hairstyle—and has kept it ever since. He even had a brief stint working as a lion tamer trainee in a circus during his teenage years. He enrolled at Hofstra University but left after just one year when he was offered a role in an off-Broadway revival of Best Foot Forward alongside Liza Minnelli.
Christopher Walken Facts
Where does Christopher Walken live? And how much money does Christopher Walken earn?
| Birth Date | 31-3-1943 |
| Heritage/origin | German- Scottish- |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Other |
| Residence | He owns a house in Wilton, Connecticut . |
Christopher Walken Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 50 million |
| Yearly Salary | 4.5 million |
| Product Endorsements | Fairfax |
| Colleagues | Robert De Niro & Adam Beach |
Christopher Walken: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Married (Since 1969) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Christopher Walken | Georgianne Walken |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Liza Minnelli |
| Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Paul Walken (Father)
- Rosalie Russell (Mother)
- Glenn Walken (Brother)
- Ken Walken (Brother)
Friends
- Robert De Niro
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This talented actor & director originating from Queens, New York City, USA has a slim body & heartshaped face type.
| Hair color | Black |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | short hair |
| Hairstyle | street |
| Distinct feature | eyes |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type I: Light skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Does Christopher Walken smoke? | Yes, regularly |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 183 cm |
| Weight | 75 kilo |
| Clothing style | alternative |
| Favorite colors | black |
| Feet size | 10 |
| Does Christopher Walken have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What inspired Christopher Walken’s signature hairstyle?
Christopher Walken adopted his iconic hairstyle as a teenager after seeing a magazine photo of Elvis Presley. He was so impressed by Presley’s look that he styled his hair to match and has kept it ever since.
Did Christopher Walken work in a circus?
Yes, during his teenage years, Christopher Walken briefly worked as a lion tamer trainee in a circus, showcasing the eclectic range of his early life experiences before becoming an actor.
What did Christopher Walken study before acting?
Before fully transitioning into acting, Christopher Walken trained as a dancer at the Washington Dance Studio. He also briefly attended Hofstra University but left after being cast in an off-Broadway play.
Who were Christopher Walken’s parents?
Christopher Walken’s mother, Rosalie Russell, was a Scottish immigrant from Glasgow, and his father, Paul Wälken, was a German immigrant who operated a bakery in Astoria, Queens.
Did Christopher Walken start acting as a child?
Yes, Walken began his acting career in childhood along with his brothers Kenneth and Glenn. They appeared on television in the 1950s, encouraged by their mother’s dreams of stardom.
Why did Christopher Walken leave college early?
Walken left Hofstra University after just one year when he was offered a role in an off-Broadway revival of Best Foot Forward, starring alongside Liza Minnelli, which jumpstarted his acting career.