Christopher Walken has had a very unique career. He won the Academy Award for his dramatic performance in “The Deer Hunter” and gave scene-stealing performances in “Pulp Fiction” and “True Romance.” But he’s also known for his brilliant comedic performances in “Wedding Crashers” and the iconic “More Cowbell” sketch from “Saturday Night Live.”
Walken’s unique speaking style has also made him a popular target for impressionists. He attributes his accent to growing up in Queens, New York, and hanging out with immigrants learning English.
However, you don’t want to impersonate Walken in front of Walken.
“People sometimes do imitations of me in front of me,” Walken told Vanity Fair with genuine confusion. “I always wonder what they’re doing. I don’t recognize it right away. And then I think, Oh, that’s what they’re doing.’”
Walken also has a knack for incorporating some one-of-a-kind noises into his performances. Walken’s “Woah!” and “Yeah!” are trademarks of his off-kilter persona. He also has a unique way of phrasing his dialogue, making some of his lines instantly memorable.
YouTuber Del Calloway compiled some of Walken’s most memorable utterances from 25 films and set them perfectly to music. It’s a wonderful encapsulation of the actor’s singular charisma. The video is reminiscent of a mega-viral compilation made by a HuffPo Entertainment employee of Walken dancing in 50 films.
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Here’s a list of the films that Calloway used for the compilation.
“King of New York”
“True Romance”
“Wild Side”
“The Rundown”
“A View to a Kill”
“Communion”
“Nick of Time”
“Kangaroo Jack”
“Pulp Fiction”
“Joe Dirt”
“The Prophecy”
“Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead”
“Romance & Cigarettes”
“Click”
“Mousehunt”
“Envy”
“Balls of Fury”
“Gigli”
“Poolhall Junkies”
“At Close Range”
“The Prophecy 3: The Ascent”
“Wedding Crashers”
“The Stepford Wives”
“Wayne’s World 2”
“Pennies from Heaven”