Christopher Walken worked as a lion tamer before he became an Oscar winner. Indeed, you have correctly interpreted the sentence. Walken was a lion tamer at a circus when he was a young man. Walken, as the apprentice to the circus owner, was in charge of coordinating the appearance of lions during the performance. An interview with Walken conducted in 2012 by Vanity Fair included the actor reminiscing about the lion he had the opportunity to work with.
A female lion, and her name was Sheba; she was a gentle giant. Walken has made a name for himself in the film industry since his days in the circus by starring in such classics as The Dead Zone, Pulp Fiction, and Sleepy Hollow. Walken’s portrayal as a supporting character in the 1979 cult classic The Deer Hunter earned him an Academy Award.
Christopher Walken is a well-respected actor who receives high marks for his ability to portray a wide range of roles and personalities with a distinct voice that gives each one its own identity, however odd that identity may be.
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Walken has Appeared in a Variety of Critically Acclaimed Films since the Late 1970s.
These include The Dead Zone, Pulp Fiction, Sleepy Hollow, and Seven Psychopaths. His supporting performance in the 1979 cult classic The Deer Hunter earned him his lone Academy Award.
Walken spent several weeks reading accounts on the atrocities of the Vietnam War and subsisting on rice, bananas, and water in order to depict a steelworker who has been mentally damaged by the war. His dedication paid off; his performance in the film catapulted him to fame and fortune.
As a culture, we don’t give much thought to famous people’s pasts until after they’ve already achieved fame.
They were average folks who did things like get groceries and make bank runs on the way home from work.
And, while most of them hopped on the bus every morning to head out to their office job, there are a few who had….let’s call them “more interesting” ways to pay the bills every month.
You might be surprised to learn that some of your favourite actors have side hustled as everything from professional jugglers to strippers.
A Job Among the Hollywood Elite that is Both Surprising And Intriguing?
Lion tamer.
Many people with successful careers in the arts and entertainment industry started off working regular jobs.
However, some have a few more unusual tales before the fame than others.
Back in 1959, When Walken was Only 16 Years Old, He Got a Summer Job as a Lion Tamer Trainee.
At first, it was thought that Walken was attempting to escape his family and join the circus, but he has since denied that this was the case. According to Walken, he “didn’t run away” since he received a job offer he couldn’t refuse.
