Career Timeline of Christopher Walken: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Christopher Walken, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Christopher Walken is a highly acclaimed American actor celebrated for his versatile performances across stage and screen. He has received prestigious awards such as an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He has also been nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards and Tony Awards. His films have collectively grossed over $1.6 billion in the United States, underscoring his significant impact and popularity within the entertainment industry.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1983: The Dead Zone Release

In 1983, Christopher Walken starred in "The Dead Zone" where his character can predict deaths and catastrophes.

1992: "Ed Glosser: Trivial Psychic" Sketch

In 1992, Christopher Walken spoofed his role from "The Dead Zone" in a sketch titled "Ed Glosser: Trivial Psychic".

1998: New Rose Hotel Co-Star

In 1998, Christopher Walken co-starred in "New Rose Hotel" with Willem Dafoe, who would later take the role Walken turned down in "Go Go Tales".

2002: Roles in "Poolhall Junkies" and "Catch Me If You Can", Razzie Nomination

In 2002, Christopher Walken played Mike in "Poolhall Junkies" and Frank Abagnale Sr. in "Catch Me If You Can", earning an Academy Award nomination. He also received a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actor for his role in "The Country Bears" in 2002.

2003: SNL Episode with Foo Fighters

In 2003, Christopher Walken hosted an SNL episode where Foo Fighters were the musical guest, during which Dave Grohl pranked Walken.

2003: Role in "The Rundown", Razzie Nominations

In 2003, Christopher Walken starred in "The Rundown" as a ruthless despot. He also received Razzie nominations for Worst Supporting Actor for his roles in "Gigli" and "Kangaroo Jack" in 2003.

2003: Recurring SNL Sketch "The Continental" Ends

Until 2003, Christopher Walken had a recurring SNL sketch called "The Continental", in which he played a "suave ladies' man".

September 2004: Release of "The Best of Christopher Walken" DVD

In September 2004, SNL released a DVD titled "The Best of Christopher Walken" through Lionsgate.

2004: Roles in "Around the Bend", "Man on Fire", and "The Stepford Wives"

In 2004, Christopher Walken starred in "Around the Bend", had a role in "Man on Fire", and played Mike in "The Stepford Wives".

2005: Roles in "Domino" and "Wedding Crashers"

In 2005, Christopher Walken played Mark Heiss in the film "Domino" and Secretary Cleary in "Wedding Crashers".

2006: Roles in "Click" and "Man of the Year"

In 2006, Christopher Walken played Morty in "Click" and appeared in "Man of the Year".

2007: Roles in "Hairspray" and "Balls of Fury"

In 2007, Christopher Walken co-starred in "Hairspray", singing and dancing with John Travolta, and portrayed Feng in "Balls of Fury".

2007: Turning Down the Role of Ray Ruby in Go Go Tales

In 2007, Christopher Walken turned down the role of Ray Ruby in the film "Go Go Tales" because he "didn't want to do it".

April 5, 2008: "Walken Family Reunion" Sketch on SNL

On April 5, 2008, Saturday Night Live included a sketch titled "Walken Family Reunion", which spoofed Christopher Walken's idiosyncrasies.

2008: Starring in Universal Studios Florida's "Disaster!" Attraction

In 2008, Christopher Walken starred in Universal Studios Florida's "Disaster!" theme park attraction as Frank Kincaid.

2008: Role in "Five Dollars a Day"

In 2008, Christopher Walken was in the film "Five Dollars a Day", playing a con man.

2009: The Maiden Heist Debut

In 2009, "The Maiden Heist", a comedy co-starring Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman, and William H. Macy, debuted at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

2010: Broadway Return and Tony Nomination

In 2010, Christopher Walken returned to Broadway in "A Behanding in Spokane" and received a Tony Award nomination.

2011: Role in "Kill the Irishman"

In 2011, Christopher Walken played Alex "Shondor" Birns in the film "Kill the Irishman".

2012: Roles in "Stand Up Guys" and "The Power of Few", GQ Man of the Year

In 2012, Christopher Walken costarred in "Stand Up Guys" and appeared in "The Power of Few". Walken was also selected as a "GQ" Man of the Year in 2012.

2012: Roles in "Seven Psychopaths" and "A Late Quartet"

In 2012, Christopher Walken reunited with Martin McDonagh for "Seven Psychopaths" and played in "A Late Quartet".

2013: "Made From Cool" Campaign with Jack & Jones

In 2013, Christopher Walken became the protagonist in the "Made From Cool" campaign by Jack & Jones.

2014: Roles in "Turks & Caicos", "Jersey Boys", and "Peter Pan Live!"

In 2014, Christopher Walken appeared in "Turks & Caicos", played Gyp DeCarlo in "Jersey Boys", and Captain Hook in "Peter Pan Live!".

2015: Roles in "When I Live My Life Over Again" and "Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser"

In 2015, Christopher Walken starred in "When I Live My Life Over Again" and reprised his role as Clem in "Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser".

2015: Closure of Universal Studios Florida's "Disaster!" Attraction

In 2015, the Universal Studios Florida's "Disaster!" theme park attraction, starring Christopher Walken as Frank Kincaid, closed.

2016: Roles in "The Jungle Book", "Eddie the Eagle", and "Nine Lives"

In 2016, Christopher Walken voiced King Louie in "The Jungle Book" and appeared in "Eddie the Eagle" and "Nine Lives".

2017: Role in "Father Figures"

In 2017, Christopher Walken replaced Bill Irwin in the role of Walter Tinkler in "Father Figures".

2021: Appearance in "The Outlaws"

In 2021, Christopher Walken appeared as Frank in the BBC One/Amazon Prime Video comedy "The Outlaws".

2022: Second series of The Outlaws

In 2022, Christopher Walken appeared as Frank in the second series of the BBC One/Amazon Prime Video comedy "The Outlaws".

2022: Role in Severance and Emmy Nomination

In 2022, Christopher Walken played Burt Goodman in the Apple TV+ series "Severance", earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

October 28, 2023: SNL Cameo as the "Spirit of Halloween"

On October 28, 2023, Christopher Walken returned to SNL in a cameo role as the "Spirit of Halloween".

2024: Portrayal of Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune: Part Two

In 2024, Christopher Walken portrayed Emperor Shaddam IV in the film "Dune: Part Two" to critical acclaim.

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