Christopher Walken Reflects on Iconic Career and New Role in ‘Severance’

NEW YORK — Christopher Walken, the iconic actor known for his distinctive voice and versatile roles, recently shared insights about his long-standing career and his latest project, the Apple TV+ series ‘Severance‘. In an interview, Walken discussed the complexities of his character and what the on-screen relationships mean to him.

At 81, Walken’s career has spanned decades and produced some of film’s most memorable performances. In ‘Severance’, which explores the duality of identity through its characters, Walken portrays Burt, a retired employee of a mysterious biotech company. The most recent episodes have seen Burt’s emotional reunion with his colleague Irving, played by John Turturro. The scenes have been described as tender and, at times, unexpectedly romantic.

“John and I – we’re not unlike a married couple in real life,” Walken remarked, reflecting on his longstanding friendship with Turturro that dates back to the 1980s. Their relationship has deepened over the years, providing a strong foundation for their on-screen chemistry.

Walken explained that the portrayal of Burt’s character differs from the darker roles he often inhabits, stating, “It’s been different for me. Usually I’m up to no good in movies, but now I’m playing a nice, romantic person.” He also noted that playing a gay character, though a first for him, felt natural. “The truth is that I don’t really make a distinction there. Straight? Gay? That’s never been very interesting to me. People love each other,” he added.

His diverse filmography includes cult classics and award-winning films such as ‘Pulp Fiction‘, ‘Annie Hall‘, and ‘The Deer Hunter‘, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1979. Walken is often recognized for his unique delivery and the eerie charisma he brings to each role. When asked about the frequent impersonations he receives on the street, he responded with humor. “People come up to me and they impersonate me to my face,” he said, marking it as both amusing and a form of tribute.

Reflecting on how his career began, Walken shared his journey from being a child actor to an award-winning star. Born Ronald Walken in Queens, New York, to Scottish and German immigrants, his life has been filled with unexpected twists. “I ran away to join the circus and did tame lions,” he chuckled, recalling the fascinating tales of his early career.

Now, as a seasoned actor, Walken continues to embrace his craft despite hinting at retirement being a distant thought. “Acting is all I do,” he noted, emphasizing his dedication to the art. “If I stop, what would I do?” Even with changing trends in the industry, Walken maintains a profound respect for storytelling and its ability to connect people.

As ‘Severance’ progresses with new episodes released every Friday, viewers are eager to see how Walken’s character evolves. The blend of emotional depth and unique storytelling in the series demonstrates Walken’s ability to adapt and redefine his craft amid a shifting entertainment landscape.