History of Christopher Walken in Timeline

Christopher Walken is a highly acclaimed American actor renowned for his distinctive voice, unique mannerisms, and versatile performances across stage and screen. He has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. His extensive filmography has generated over $1.6 billion in United States box office revenue, establishing him as a significant figure in the entertainment industry. Walken has also earned nominations for Tony Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1963: Meeting Georgianne Thon

Christopher Walken met Georgianne Thon during a tour of West Side Story in Chicago in 1963.

January 1969: Marriage to Georgianne Thon

In January 1969, Christopher Walken married Georgianne Thon in New York City.

1973: Views on Sexuality

In 1973, Christopher Walken discussed his views on sexuality in an interview with After Dark, stating he thinks of himself as bisexual.

November 29, 1981: Natalie Wood's Death

On November 29, 1981, Christopher Walken was present on Robert Wagner's yacht with Natalie Wood the night she disappeared and was later found dead by drowning. Walken was not considered a suspect. The boat's skipper Dennis Davern stated that Walken appeared to be single and was unaware he was married until reading about it later.

1983: Starring Role in The Dead Zone

Christopher Walken starred in The Dead Zone in 1983 where his character predicts deaths and catastrophes.

1992: Spoofing Role in SNL sketch

In 1992, Christopher Walken spoofed his role from The Dead Zone (1983) in an SNL sketch titled "Ed Glosser: Trivial Psychic".

1998: Co-starring in New Rose Hotel

In 1998, Christopher Walken co-starred in the film 'New Rose Hotel'.

2001: Music Video and Film Roles

In 2001, Christopher Walken had a music video performance in Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice", directed by Spike Jonze. He also played roles in the films 'Joe Dirt', 'America's Sweethearts', and 'Scotland, PA'.

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April 2002: Best Video of All Time

In April 2002, Christopher Walken's music video performance in Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" was awarded Best Video of All Time by UK music TV channel VH1.

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2002: Film Roles and Award Nominations

In 2002, Christopher Walken starred in the film 'Poolhall Junkies' and 'Catch Me If You Can'. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Catch Me If You Can and was nominated for a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor in The Country Bears

2003: Foo Fighters SNL appearance

Christopher Walken appeared on SNL with the Foo Fighters as musical guest in 2003.

2003: Film Roles and Razzie Nominations

In 2003, Christopher Walken appeared in 'The Rundown', 'Gigli', and 'Kangaroo Jack'. He received Razzie nominations for Worst Supporting Actor for his roles in 'Gigli' and 'Kangaroo Jack'.

2003: Ranked in Top Movie Stars

In 2003, Christopher Walken was voted Number 34 in Channel 4's countdown of the 100 greatest movie stars of all time.

2003: Recurring SNL Sketch

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

September 2004: SNL DVD Release

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

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2004: Film Roles in 'Envy', 'Around the Bend', 'Man on Fire' and 'The Stepford Wives'

In 2004, Christopher Walken starred in 'Envy', 'Around the Bend', 'Man on Fire' and 'The Stepford Wives'. In 'Man on Fire', his character Paul Rayburn refers to John Creasy's (Denzel Washington) actions as 'Creasy's art'.

2005: Film Roles in 'Domino' and 'Wedding Crashers'

In 2005, Christopher Walken appeared in the films 'Domino', playing Mark Heiss, and 'Wedding Crashers', playing Secretary Cleary.

September 2006: Presidential Hoax

In September 2006, Christopher Walken addressed a hoax that started in August 2006 claiming he was running for President of the United States.

2006: Film Roles in 'Click' and 'Man of the Year'

In 2006, Christopher Walken played Morty, a sympathetic inventor in the comedy/drama 'Click', and appeared in 'Man of the Year' with Robin Williams and Lewis Black.

2006: All About Walken stage show

In 2006, Walken inspired the stage show, All About Walken: The Impersonators of Christopher Walken, created by actor/comedian Patrick O'Sullivan in Hollywood.

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

In 2007, Christopher Walken co-starred in the film adaptation of 'Hairspray' and played Feng in 'Balls of Fury'.

2007: Turning Down the Role of Ray Ruby

In 2007, Christopher Walken turned down the role of Ray Ruby in the film 'Go Go Tales'.

April 5, 2008: Walken Family Reunion Sketch

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

2008: Stars in Disaster! attraction

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

2008: Role in 'Five Dollars a Day'

In 2008, Christopher Walken was in the film 'Five Dollars a Day', in which he played a con man.

2009: The Maiden Heist Debuts

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

2010: Broadway Return and Tony Nomination

In 2010, Christopher Walken returned to Broadway in Martin McDonagh's play 'A Behanding in Spokane' and received a Tony Award nomination.

November 2011: Natalie Wood Case Re-opened

In November 2011, the case surrounding Natalie Wood's death was re-opened. Christopher Walken was once again not considered a suspect and fully cooperated with the authorities during the investigation in November 2011.

2011: Role in 'Kill the Irishman'

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

2012: Film Roles and GQ Award

In 2012, Christopher Walken costarred in the film 'Stand Up Guys'. Also in 2012, Walken was selected as a "GQ" Man of the Year.

2012: Film Roles in 'Seven Psychopaths' and 'A Late Quartet'

In 2012, Christopher Walken reunited with Martin McDonagh for the film 'Seven Psychopaths' and also played in 'A Late Quartet'.

2013: "Made From Cool" Campaign

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

2014: Appearances in Turks & Caicos and Jersey Boys

In 2014, Christopher Walken appeared in 'Turks & Caicos' and 'Jersey Boys'.

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 Disaster! attraction

In 2015, the "Disaster!" theme park attraction at Universal Studios Florida, which featured Christopher Walken, closed.

2016: Voice Role in 'The Jungle Book' and roles in 'Eddie the Eagle' and 'Nine Lives'

In 2016, Christopher Walken voiced King Louie in Disney's 'The Jungle Book', sang "I Wan'na Be Like You", 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 the critically panned 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: Return in The Outlaws

Christopher Walken returned in 2022, playing the role of Frank in the second series of the BBC One/Amazon Prime Video comedy 'The Outlaws'.

2022: Supporting Role in Severance and Emmy Nomination

In 2022, Christopher Walken had a supporting role as Burt Goodman in the Apple TV+ series 'Severance', earning him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

October 28, 2023: SNL Cameo and Introduction of Foo Fighters

On October 28, 2023, Christopher Walken returned to SNL for the first time in 15 years in a cameo role as the "Spirit of Halloween" and introduced the musical guest Foo Fighters.

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

In 2024, Christopher Walken portrayed Emperor Shaddam IV in the film 'Dune: Part Two', receiving critical acclaim for his performance.

2025: Walken Discusses Technology Use

In a 2025 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Christopher Walken discussed his limited use of technology, stating he only has a satellite dish and watches 'Severance' on DVDs. He mentioned he does not own a cell phone, email, or use Twitter.

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