The Real Reason Christopher Walken Never Had Any Kids

Christopher Walken is one of those iconic actors whose voice undoubtedly rings in fans’ heads when they hear his name. For over 50 years, he has featured in tons of blockbuster films and carved a name for himself in Hollywood. 

Many of his former co-stars and celebrities who have interacted with Walken have called him a wonderful man and actor. Many fans would assume that he would be the kind of man with a large family and lots of kids, but Walken has never actually had any kids.

He has been married to casting director Georgianne Walken for decades, but the pair never had any children. Fans have speculated the reason for this decision, and Walken recently revealed why.

Read on to find out what the acting legend said. 

During his long acting career, Walken has played many roles and characters, from the ridiculously funny to the serious and intimidating. However, he is mainly known for his roles in dark comedy films, like the character Hans in “Seven Psychopaths.” 

Everyone who has worked with him has also had nothing but praise for his performances. Jon Hamm once called Walken an “absolutely lovely, lovely man” during an interview with Buzzfeed about his experience working with the icon on “Wild Mountain Thyme.”

Hamm also said that he loved his time with Walken and that it was fun to watch Walken experience Ireland for the first time because he clearly loved the place and all the places they went to. 

Walken and his wife, Georgianne Walken, met in 1963 during a touring stage production of “West Side Story,” in which they both acted. In 1969, they got married and have been together ever since. They now live together in Connecticut. 

Many fans think Walken would undoubtedly make a great father, but he and Georgianne never had any kids. He explained to The Guardian that it was a decision they made considering their careers and financial situation. 

He said, “I’m sure many of the kids I knew as a child would have continued in show business, but they had kids of their own, had to do something dependable. I didn’t, so I could get by even in periods of unemployment.”

His decision to not have kids of his own doesn’t hamper Walken from wanting to play the roles of “fathers or grandfathers or uncles” on the big screen. He actually made it clear to The Guardian that he would like the opportunity. 

During an interview with the Hollywood Foreign Press in 2020, Walken assured that he’s very happy with his life. He said, “I do like to work as much as I can because I don’t have children, I don’t have hobbies, I don’t do anything else, and I’m glad I don’t have children.”

He continued, “I have two brothers and they have plenty of children, they come to my house and I am always very glad when they leave.” Walken and his wife do have several cats and are proud pet parents.

At 78-years-old, Walken isn’t ready to walk away from the big screen just yet. He features on Severance, a new Apple TV+ series with Adam Scott, so he’s doing his best to stay fit and healthy. 

Walken started as a dancer, and he recently told The Washington Post that he is still very aware of his dancing past and exercises every day to keep loose and limber. He said, “Not a big deal. But I do it every day for about an hour. I’m sure it’s because I was a dancer. If I don’t do it for some reason, I feel lousy.”

He continued, “That’s part of being a dancer, you get into that groove and your body tells you what to do. There’s a physical mind at work.” He also shared that he got his strong work ethic and dedication from his father but that he loves acting, so that helps.