Jerry Lewis influenced Walken to make show business his career. At age 10, he met Lewis on "The Colgate Comedy Hour", where Lewis & Martin were guest hosts. Walken was an extra on the show and was in a skit with Lewis.
Walken initially intended to study dancing instead of acting, but dropped out of Hofstra University after one year when he landed an off-Broadway musical "Best Foot Forward" in 1963.
Ranked #96 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]
Brother of Glenn Walken.
Was George Lucas's second choice for the role of Han Solo in Star Wars (1977)
Brother of Ken Walken.
Worked briefly as a lion tamer in a circus at age 15.
Attended the Professional Children's School.
Has a phobia of going too fast in cars.
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 licence, and $100 were stolen. All items were later found, except for the money.
Was on Natalie Wood's yacht the night she drowned.
Only Oscar-winning actor to portray a primary 007 villain, in A View to a Kill (1985).
He, along with Nick Nolte, were both considered for the role of Han Solo in Star Wars (1977).
In 2001, he boogied down in Fat Boy Slim's music video for "Weapon of Choice".
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