Actor Christopher Walken's brutally honest answer about choosing to be childless resonates with many
Many couples are opting to go childless in the given era. The reasons behind the same vary and it is important to note that every couple’s preference holds equal value. There is no compulsion to become parents once married and there could be eye-opening and impressive reasons to support the same. Actor Christopher Walken has been with his wife, Georgianne Walken, for around 50 years, per PEOPLE. However, to date, he is firm on his decision to remain childless. Over the years, the “Catch Me If You Can” actor has played innumerable roles, quite a few being that of a father. Nevertheless, he has strong reasons for not having had kids and it’s resonating with many.
Speaking about his role of a dad in “Wedding Crashers" in 2005, the actor noted that he had thought about the idea of being a father, as per Golden Globes. "I was a father (in the film), a good person, the Secretary of the Treasury, which is unusual for me. Also, I don't have children, but I thought, what would I be like if I had a beautiful daughter?" he recalled. He strikingly mentioned, “I don’t have children. And I’m glad that I don’t have children.” He added that he has nephews and nieces whom he adores but he’s “very glad when they leave.” Being married for over five decades, this thought hasn’t changed. Walken loves the quiet that comes with the choice of not being a father.
However, there’s another more on-point reason why he made the conscious decision to not have kids. Walken has a thirst for doing movies that remains unquenched even after spending decades in the industry. He is still eager to work in as many films as possible with zero distractions. Apart from a few health issues, he has no obstacles that keep him from doing what he loves. And a few decades ago, the situation was the same. The actor didn’t want any distractions or hindrances in making the legendary career he has for himself. “When the phone rings and someone says, 'Come do this job', I'll be as fit and ready as I can,” the actor recalled in an interview with The Guardian.
He added that work is the "only thing I do," reported ABC News. "I don't have kids, I don't have hobbies, I don't like to travel but I like to go to work," Walken said. He noted that his career would have "absolutely not” been the same if he had kids. “I'm sure many of the kids I knew as a child would have continued in showbusiness but they had kids of their own and had to do something dependable. I didn't, so I could get by even in periods of unemployment,” he explained. Walken’s decision has given him the opportunity to juggle between the quiet time and the exceptional roles he plays in the film industry.
He has cats to keep him company, along with his wonderful wife and that’s just all about what he asks for. "Every once in a while — I'll be looking out the window and I'll think, 'I feel pretty good. My bills are paid, my wife is healthy and the weather's nice.' That's really all I care about,” he said in an interview with The New York Times. "People say you make your own opportunities. I've never known how to do that. But I squirrel away my nuts for when it comes. And when it does, well, I'm rather good at seizing it,” he remarked.
A lot of people agreed 100 percent with the actor's take on being childless. "Yes! I'm 54 and people are always saying that I look younger. I always say my trick: no kids!" wrote Reddit user u/FemaleGingerCat on the subject. "I know 2 childfree couples that are now in their late 50s and 60s and they look so happy together. They are my relationship goals!" commented u/LeChatNoir04.
