When and where was Christopher Walken born?
Ronald Walken was born on the 31st of March 1943 in Astoria, Queens, New York City. His parents were Paul Wälken, a German immigrant who ran a bakery, and Rosalie Russell, a Scottish immigrant.
Common questions about Christopher Walken
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What role earned Christopher Walken an Academy Award?
Christopher Walken won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Nick Chevotarevich in the 1978 film The Deer Hunter. He prepared for the role by consuming only bananas, water, and rice for a month to achieve a gaunt appearance.
How did Christopher Walken get his stage name?
Ronald Walken changed his name to Christopher at a nightclub owned by Monique van Vooren where he worked as a dancer. The suggestion to change his name from Ronnie to Christopher stuck and defined his public persona for the rest of his life.
What famous sketch did Christopher Walken perform on Saturday Night Live?
Christopher Walken appeared in a 1980s spoof of Behind the Music as record producer Bruce Dickinson who demanded more cowbell for the band Blue Öyster Cult. The phrase I gotta have more cowbell became a cultural touchstone and the sketch remains a defining moment of his career.
Who was Christopher Walken married to and when did they marry?
Christopher Walken met Georgianne Thon in 1963 during a tour of West Side Story in Chicago and they married in January 1969 in New York City. The couple has no children and Walken has cited this as one of the reasons for his prolific career.