Hayed Christensen is a Canadian actor, who earned wide recognition for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker also known as Darth Vader in Star Wards film. He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on April 19, 1981. He is the son of Alie Nelson and David Christensen, a speechwriter and a communications executive. Christensen has two sister named Hejsa and Kaylen as well as a brother named Tove. He entered the E.J. Sand Public School and the Baython Public School as well as the Unionville High School in Unionville, Ontario, Canada. As a highschool student, Christensen get involved in various sports like hockey and tennis. In addition, Christensen also attended the Actors Studio in New York and the Arts York, program for drama. It was said that Christensen was discovered when Hejsa, his sister, who is a previous trampoline champion was looking for an agent after she had a spot in one of the commercials of Pringles.
In his acting career, at the young age of 12, Christensen first seen in the TV series called, Family Passions, where he portrayed the role of Skip McDeere in year 1993. It was followed by a role in the 1995 horror film of In the Mouth of Madness, which starred John Trent and Julie Carmen. He continuously appeared in various films and TV series such as Harrison Bergeron and Forever Knights as well as Goosebumps, The Virgin Suicides and Are You Afraid of the Dark. On the other hand, in his early career, Christensen earned wider attentions when he starred in the Canadian TV series called, Higher Ground, where he portrayed the role of Scott, alongside, A.J. Cook and Kandyse McClure. In year 2001, Christensen starred in the drama film called, Life as a House, brought him nominations for a Golden Globe and an SAG Awards. His portrayal on the film also earned him a nomination for the National Board of Reviews’ award for the Breakthrough Performance of the Year.
On the other hand, Christensen made his stage acting debut when he starred together iwht Jake Gyllenhaal and Anna Paquin in the play by Kenneth Lonergan entitled, This is Our Youth. He then made his return on big screen, appearing as the lead role in the drama film of Shattered Glass, where he portrayed the role of Stephen Glass together with the stars of Peter Sarsgaard and Chloe Savigny. The film was initially based on the true story of the journalist Stephen Glass. Moreover, in year 2002, Christensen portrayed the role of Anakin Skywalker in the box office hit series film of George Lucas called, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. He then reprised the said role for the next two sequels of the said film. It was said that Christensen was chose for the role among the big stars like Leonardo DiCarpio and Ryan Phillipe as well as the other candidates who reached the number of 1,500.
His portrayal in the film of Star Wars made Christensen a well-known star. The film also earned him a Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor. Christensen replaced Jared Leto for the lead role of Clayton Beresford in the thriller film called, Awake, which also includes the stars of Jessica Alba, Terrence Howard and Lena Olin. Also, in year 2006, he appeared in the biographical film of Factory Girl, where he portrayed the role of Bob Dylan, together with Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce. Christensen continuously appeared in various films, including the 2009 romantic film of New York, I Love You, where he portrayed the role of Ben. On the following year, he appeared in the crime film of Takers, where he portrayed the role of A.J., alongside Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Jay Hernandez and Matt Dillon. He then voiced the role of Jammer in the animated film of Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey. On the other hand, Christensen recently appeared in the 2011 horror film of Vanishing on 7th Street.
Hayden Christensen Photo Gallery
