Unlike many actors who plan the next phase of their career, Christopher Walken never plans too far ahead. At 82, the legendary actor has spent decades taking roles as they come, trusting that the next opportunity will find him. He reveals that he takes the job, which is the next big thing, and gets to work. For Walken, the thrill of acting is not in seeking the next big film.
This unconventional approach has led to an impressive career, as his recent performances in Dune: Part Two and Severance prove that even after all these years, Walken continues to captivate audiences. As he celebrates another year, Walken remains a familiar face on screen. But when asked what comes next, his answer is simple: “I have no idea, but I never have.”
Christopher Walken has played different roles in his career
Due to his style, Walken’s career has been quite unpredictable, it’s hard to stereotype him with a particular role. From The Deer Hunter to Catch Me If You Can, his roles have ranged from intense to comedic. He has played gangsters, dancers, and even a loving father figure in Hairspray. If there’s anything fans never stop praising him about, it is his range and dexterity in acting.
One of his most talked-about performances in recent years is his portrayal of Burt Goodman in Severance. His on-screen chemistry with John Turturro, who plays Irving Bailiff, has blown the minds of viewers. However, Walken shared that their long friendship has been helpful in making their scenes feel real. “We didn’t have to work to make it believable,” he shares. “You see that John and I know and like each other.”
His next focus is to stay alive and healthy
For Walken, acting isn’t just a career. He doesn’t own a cell phone or send emails. Instead, he enjoys simple pleasures like watching old movies. “Maybe it’s because that’s what my technology gives me,” he jokes. This down-to-earth attitude might seem unusual in today’s tech-driven world, but it’s a part of what makes Walken different.
With Severance renewed for a third season and a reunion with John Travolta in That’s Amore!, Walken isn’t slowing down at 82. Still, he keeps his focus on the present. “I’m looking forward to being healthy and staying alive,” he says with a laugh. For an actor who has built a career on taking things as they come, that mindset has worked just fine.