You know him as the girlfriend stealing wealthy record-label villain in Wayne’s World (1993), and as the saddened yet emotional father of Leonardo DiCaprio in the thriller, Catch Me If You Can (2002). But Ronald Walken, known to most by his nickname “Chris”, is much more than an Oscar winning actor (The Deer Hunter) with striking features and fair as can be complexion. Christopher Walken is a creative and dynamic man whose life has been filled with challenges and victories, and along the way has proven himself to be a profound and intriguing luminary.

Walken’s most controversial role was in the 1990 film King of New York, a Robin Hood-like story in which Walken plays the part of Frank White, a drug lord who was just released from prison. White returns to New York City to regain power and control of the illegal drug trade and uses the profits to work against poverty. The phenomenal cast also includes Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, Steve Buscemi, and other well-known stars.

The film premiered at the New York Film Festival and immediately received both positive and extremely negative reviews. While Roger Ebert loved it, many audience members walked out of the screening and the film had to be edited in order for it not to be considered X-rated. Before it was pulled from theatres, the film only made $2 million, but has acclaimed cult film status, especially with gansta rap fans, ever since. Many rappers began making references to the film in their music, including Jadakiss and The Notorious B.I.G. who referred to himself as “the black Frank White” on his Ready to Die album. The film was re-released on DVD in 2004 and director, Abel Ferrara, has no plans of backing down. He is working on making the prequel to movie based on the rise of Frank White before he was arrested.

Walken got his start acting and dancing at Hofstra University & ANTA where he received a Theatre World award for his role in the revival of "The Rose Tattoo", a play by Tennessee Williams. Soon after, he got his film debut in Me and My Brother in 1969, and continued in the next several years to get parts in credible productions alongside notable actors such as Sean Connery (The Anderson Tapes) and Diane Keaton (Annie Hall).

The Deer Hunter won him Best Supporting Actor in 1978 and won him the hearts of fans and critics alike. In the early 1980’s Walken played the role of villains in films by Stephen King (The Dead Zone) and other dark and sinister movies. With popular parts in recent years such as America’s Sweehearts (2001) and Joe Dirt (2001), Walken has a younger fan base and remains at the top of his acting game with no yield signs ahead.

Strange, but true, facts about Walken:
Jerry Lewis influenced Walken to make show business his career.

Was George Lucas's second choice for the role of Han Solo in Star Wars (1977)

Worked briefly as a lion tamer in a circus at age 15.

Was assaulted in a street in New York in 1980 when he asked two men to turn down their music. His nose was broken in the incident.

Was robbed at the airport in Venice and his The Prophecy II (1998) (V) script, glasses, keys, drivers license, and $100 were stolen.

Was on Natalie Wood's yacht the night she drowned.

Member of "Saturday Night Live" (1975)'s prestigious "Five Timers Club".

Has different-colored eyes (one blue and one hazel). This is a condition known as heterochromia.
A PimpWiz Exclusive By, Lauren Weiss

Labels: Ask Lauren, Lauren Weiss, women