Christopher Walken, the acclaimed actor known for his Oscar-winning performances, has made headlines with his fascinating relationship with technology, or rather, his lack of it. During a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Walken revealed, quite candidly, his life without modern gadgets, social media, or mobile phones—a lifestyle choice he appears quite content with.
At 81, Walken has famously never owned any form of mobile phone, nor has he ever ventured onto social media platforms. "I don't have technology. I only have a satellite dish on my house. So I've seen 'Severance' on DVDs they're good enough to send me," he shared, captivating audiences with his old-school charm and practicality.
This intriguing confession came as Walken returned to the spotlight with his role in the popular Apple TV+ series Severance. He casually mentioned his absence from contemporary viewing experiences, noting, "I do not have email or Twitter." While this might seem alien to many, for Walken, it’s simply his way of life. He maintains, thanks to his unique approach, his creative thinking remains unbothered by the distractions of today’s fast-paced digital environment.
Surprisingly, Walken doesn’t feel out of place amid the technology-obsessed culture. "I’ve never had a watch either. But if I need to know the time, I simply ask someone," he noted, showcasing his reliance on human interaction over gadgets. When it’s time to borrow a phone, he follows the same principle; he just asks. This method echoes his resistance to technology, highlighting how it hasn’t stifled his interactions or daily functions.
Walken’s frustration with technology extends back to his days performing on stage. His last theatrical performance was noted to be quite disruptive; during shows, he observed phones ringing, and audience members filming, detracting from the atmosphere. Walking recalled, "That’s when I thought, it’s over. I can’t do it anymore." This pivotal moment led him to scale back his stage acting endeavors.
Interestingly, though Walken does miss live interactions with audiences, he is enjoying acting for television. The actor shared appreciation for his experience on the show Severance, saying, "[SEVERANCE] was a very special job... It was mysterious, but funny and scary, which I’ve always felt was a good combination." He reminisced about the talent on set and the mutual respect forged with co-stars such as John Turturro.
It’s worth mentioning, the very environment Walken thrives within is one where technology takes second priority. Director Ben Stiller instituted a no-phone policy on the Severance set, aligning perfectly with Walken’s principles, alleviating the distractions he’s actively choosing to avoid.
Interestingly enough, Walken isn’t the only celebrity to sidestep modern technological conveniences. Fellow actor Tom Selleck has also stated he’s never sent an email and prefers hand-written correspondence. Similarly, director Christopher Nolan emphasized his choice to work on technology-free scripts, valuing personal interaction over the digital chaos surrounding cinema today.
Given the broader societal discussion on technology, screen time, and the impact of constant connectivity, Walken’s narrative invites reflection. Numerous studies inform the discourse on how excessive digital device use affects cognitive functioning, especially among younger generations. Yet, Walken’s perspective—born from experience—outlines how creativity may flourish outside the bounds of modernity.
Nonetheless, embracing his lifestyle, Walken continues to perform and entertain audiences, albeit on his own terms. Resisting the tidal wave of technology, he remains steadfast, even as today's culture succumbs to the allure of screens. His story becomes not just about technology avoidance but highlights the balance of personal choices within the clamor of progress.