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Youth -

Christopher Walken was born Ronald Walken on March 31, 1943 in Astoria, New York. He is pictured here aged 10.

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Child star -

Here is Walken in 1953, aged 10, in an episode of a TV program entitled 'The Wonderful John Acton.' 

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Young adulthood -

Walken is pictured here as a young adult of 22 years old in the mid-1960s, reading a script.

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Shakespeare -

Walken has been a prolific actor in theater, appearing in 'Macbeth,' 'Romeo & Juliet,' 'Hamlet,' and 'Coriolanus.'

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'The Anderson Tapes' -

While still in his twenties, Walken appeared alongside Sean Connery in this 1971 Sidney Lumet neo-noir crime film.

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'Annie Hall' -

Walken appeared as Annie Hall's seemingly highly disturbed brother in Woody Allen's classic Academy Award winning 1977 film.

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'The Deer Hunter' -

This classic 1978 film is widely regarded as one of the best films ever made, and received numerous Academy awards.

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Best Supporting Actor -

Walken is pictured in 1979, holding his Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 'The Deer Hunter.'

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'Heaven's Gate' -

Walken is pictured with his wife at the 1980 premiere of 'Heaven's Gate,' which was a complete financial and critical failure. The film has since been re-edited and critically acclaimed.

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'The Dogs of War' -

The 1980 war film has gained a cult reputation over the years, despite its very poor performance at the box office.

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Natalie Wood -

Walken starred with Natalie Wood in 'Brainstorm,' which was still filming when she died by drowning in late November 1981. 

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'The Dead Zone' -

Walken starred in David Cronenberg's commercially and critically successful film, which is viewed as one of the director's best.

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'A View to a Kill' -

Walken appeared as villain Max Zorin in the 1985 James Bond movie 'A View to a Kill.' He is pictured alongside costar Grace Jones.

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'The Comfort of Strangers' -

Walken appeared alongside Natasha Richardson and Rupert Everett in Paul Schrader's film adaptation of Ian McEwan's book of the same name.

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'King of New York' -

Walken is pictured at a 2005 screening of Abel Ferrara's 1990 cult movie 'King of New York.'

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'Batman Returns' -

Walken is pictured at the premiere of Tim Burton's 1991 film 'Batman Returns.' He appeared as the villain Max Schreck.

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'True Romance' -

Walken's cameo performance in an infamous scene with Dennis Hopper is seen by many as the greatest part of the 1993 film.

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'Pulp Fiction' -

Quentin Tarantino's breakthrough 1994 movie features Walken in a very small and darkly comical part, which justice cannot be paid to in words. It needs to be watched!

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'Things to do in Denver when you're Dead' -

This 1995 classic was not well-received by critics, but has since gained a cult following. Walken delivers a fantastically evil performance.

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'Basquiat' -

Walken is pictured here in 1996, at the premiere of 'Basquiat,' with fellow cast members David Bowie and Gary Oldman. The film was critically well-received.

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'Blast from the Past' -

Walken appeared alongside Alicia Silverstone in this 1999 romantic comedy. It received mixed reviews overall.

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'Sleepy Hollow' -

Walken appeared in Tim Burton's critically acclaimed 1999 movie as The Headless Horseman, a famous mythical figure.

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Kevin Spacey -

Walken is pictured talking to actor Kevin Spacey in 2000. Spacey was notorious for doing impersonations of Walken.

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'Saturday Night Live' -

Walken has presented 'Saturday Night Live' on several occasions. He is pictured here with Christina Aguilera, in 2000.

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'Weapon of Choice' -

Walken appeared in the music video for Fatboy Slim's 2001 single 'Weapon of Choice.' They are pictured together at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.

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'Catch Me if You Can' -

Walken received an Academy Award nomination for his performance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Steven Spielberg's highly acclaimed 2003 film.

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Honors -

Walken is pictured here in 2004 with Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Pollak. He was honored in Hollywood with a hand- and footprints ceremony.

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'Wedding Crashers' -

This raunchy comedy, which stars Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, was well received by critics in general. Walken provides some very funny moments.

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'Stand Up Guys' -

Walken appears in this 2012 comedy gangster film alongside Al Pacino. It received mixed reviews from critics.

Click here to read about Al Pacino's five decades in movies!

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