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'''Hayden Christensen''' (born April 19, 1981) is a [[Canada|Canadian]] [[actor]]. He appeared in [[Canadian content|Canadian television programs]] when he was young, then diversified into American television in the late 1990s. He moved on to minor acting roles before being praised for his role of Sam in ''[[Life as a House]]'', for which he was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award]]. He gained international fame portraying the young adult [[Anakin Skywalker]] ([[Darth Vader]]) in the [[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones|second]] and [[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith|third]] films of the ''[[Star Wars]]'' [[Star Wars prequel trilogy|prequel trilogy]] and David Rice in ''[[Jumper (film)|Jumper]]''.
'''Hayden Christensen''' (born April 19, 1981) is a [[Canada|Canadian]] [[actor]]. He appeared in [[Canadian content|Canadian television programs]] when he was young, then diversified into American television in the late 1990s. He moved on to minor acting roles before being praised for his role of Sam in ''[[Life as a House]]'', for which he was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award]]. He gained international fame portraying the young adult [[Anakin Skywalker]] ([[Darth Vader]]) in the [[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones|second]] and [[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith|third]] films of the ''[[Star Wars]]'' [[Star Wars prequel trilogy|prequel trilogy]] and David Rice in ''[[Jumper (film)|Jumper]]''.


==Early life==
==Biography==
===Early life===
Christensen was born in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]], the son of Alie, a speechwriter for the heads of large companies, and David Christensen, a computer programmer and communications executive. His father is of [[Danish people|Danish]] descent and his mother has [[Swedish people|Swedish]] and [[Italian people|Italian]] ancestry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2002/03/13/bfhayd.xml |title=A force to be reckoned with |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-03-13 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph]]}}</ref> Christensen has an elder brother and sister, Tove and Hejsa, and a younger sister, Kaylen.<ref name="people"/><ref name="telegraph"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800421140/bio |title=Hayden Christensen Biography |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=[[Yahoo!]]}}</ref> Raised outside [[Toronto]] in [[Thornhill, Ontario]], Christensen attended E.J. Sand Public School, Baythorn Public School and
Christensen was born in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]], the son of Alie ([[married and maiden names|née]] Nelson), a speechwriter for the heads of large companies, and David Christensen, a computer programmer and communications executive. His father is of [[Danish people|Danish]] descent and his mother has [[Swedish people|Swedish]] and [[Italian people|Italian]] ancestry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2002/03/13/bfhayd.xml |title=A force to be reckoned with |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-03-13 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph]]}}</ref> Christensen has an elder brother and sister, Tove and Hejsa, and a younger sister, Kaylen.<ref name="people"/><ref name="telegraph"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800421140/bio |title=Hayden Christensen Biography |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=[[Yahoo!]]}}</ref> Raised outside [[Toronto]] in [[Thornhill, Ontario]], Christensen attended E.J. Sand Public School, Baythorn Public School and
[[Unionville High School (Ontario)|Unionville High School]] in [[Unionville, Ontario]], Canada. He was an athlete in high school, playing hockey competitively and tennis on a [[provincial]] level.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite web |first=Linda |last=Lee |title=Film: Up and Coming - Hayden Christensen; Life as the Latest Bearer of the Force |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D05E1DB163EF932A15753C1A9679C8B63 |accessdate=2007-12-12 |date=2001-10-21 |work=[[The New York Times|New York Times]]}}</ref> He spent summers in [[Long Island]] with his maternal grandmother, Rose Schwartz,<ref name="nytimes"/> and attended the [[Actors Studio]] in [[New York]] as well as the [[Arts York]] program for drama at his high school. He was "discovered" when his older sister Hejsa, a former [[trampoline]] champion, was shopping around for an agent after he landed a role in a [[Pringles]] potato chips commercial.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |first=John |last=Hiscock |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/05/13/,/bfhay13.xml |title= Skywalker comes down to earth |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2005-05-13 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref name="nytimes"/>
[[Unionville High School (Ontario)|Unionville High School]] in [[Unionville, Ontario]], Canada. He was an athlete in high school, playing hockey competitively and tennis on a [[provincial]] level.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite web |first=Linda |last=Lee |title=Film: Up and Coming - Hayden Christensen; Life as the Latest Bearer of the Force |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D05E1DB163EF932A15753C1A9679C8B63 |accessdate=2007-12-12 |date=2001-10-21 |work=[[The New York Times|New York Times]]}}</ref> He spent summers in [[Long Island]] with his maternal grandmother, Rose Schwartz,<ref name="nytimes"/> and attended the [[Actors Studio]] in [[New York]] as well as the [[Arts York]] program for drama at his high school. He was "discovered" when his older sister Hejsa, a former [[trampoline]] champion, was shopping around for an agent after he landed a role in a [[Pringles]] potato chips commercial.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |first=John |last=Hiscock |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/05/13/,/bfhay13.xml |title= Skywalker comes down to earth |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2005-05-13 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref name="nytimes"/>


==1993&ndash;2000==
===1993&ndash;2000===
Christensen's first acting role was on the television series ''[[Family Passions]]'', which aired on Canadian television in September 1993, when he was 12.<ref name="filmography">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/haydenchristensen/?view=jobs |title=Hello Magazine Filmography - Hayden Christensen |accessdate=2008-07-01 |work=[[Hello Magazine]]}}</ref> The following year he acquired a minor role in [[John Carpenter]]'s ''[[In the Mouth of Madness]]''.<ref name="filmography"/> From 1995 through 1999, he appeared in several movies and television shows, including ''[[Harrison Bergeron (film)|Harrison Bergeron]]'', ''[[Forever Knight]]'', ''[[Goosebumps]]'', ''[[The Virgin Suicides (film)|The Virgin Suicides]]'', and ''[[Are You Afraid of the Dark?]]''.<ref name="filmography"/>
Christensen's first acting role was on the television series ''[[Family Passions]]'', which aired on Canadian television in September 1993, when he was 12.<ref name="filmography">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/haydenchristensen/?view=jobs |title=Hello Magazine Filmography - Hayden Christensen |accessdate=2008-07-01 |work=[[Hello Magazine]]}}</ref> The following year he acquired a minor role in [[John Carpenter]]'s ''[[In the Mouth of Madness]]''.<ref name="filmography"/> From 1995 through 1999, he appeared in several movies and television shows, including ''[[Harrison Bergeron (film)|Harrison Bergeron]]'', ''[[Forever Knight]]'', ''[[Goosebumps]]'', ''[[The Virgin Suicides (film)|The Virgin Suicides]]'', and ''[[Are You Afraid of the Dark?]]''.<ref name="filmography"/>


He acquired wider notice while starring in [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]'s Family Network television series ''[[Higher Ground (TV series)|Higher Ground]]'' in 2000, portraying a teen who was [[Sexual abuse#Child sexual abuse|sexually molested]] by his [[stepfamily|stepmother]], and then turned to [[drug abuse|drugs]] in his despair.<ref name="filmography"/><ref name="scifi">{{cite web |first=David |last=Welch |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/interviews/sfw8458.html |title=The cast and crew of the latest Star Wars flick aren't cloning around |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-05-20 |publisher=Sci Fi}}</ref>
He acquired wider notice while starring in [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]'s Family Network television series ''[[Higher Ground (TV series)|Higher Ground]]'' in 2000, portraying a teen who was [[Sexual abuse#Child sexual abuse|sexually molested]] by his [[stepfamily|stepmother]], and then turned to [[drug abuse|drugs]] in his despair.<ref name="filmography"/><ref name="scifi">{{cite web |first=David |last=Welch |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/interviews/sfw8458.html |title=The cast and crew of the latest Star Wars flick aren't cloning around |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-05-20 |publisher=Sci Fi}}</ref>


==2001&ndash;2005==
===2001&ndash;2005===
While Christensen's critically acclaimed portrayal of a misunderstood teenager in ''[[Life as a House]]'' (2001) earned him [[Golden Globe]] and [[Screen Actors Guild|SAG]] Award nominations as well as the [[National Board of Review of Motion Pictures|National Board of Review]]'s award for ''Breakthrough Performance of the Year'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/29029 |title=HFPA - Awards Search |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=Golden Globes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sagawards.org/8_award_nom |title=8th Annual SAG Awards Nominees |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=SAG Awards}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/past.cfm?year=2001 |title=National Board of Review of Motion Pictures - Awards 2001 |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=NBRMP}}</ref> the performance didn't receive widespread public notice.<ref name="scifi"/> For his part in the movie, Christensen lost 25 pounds through a special diet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0062876/|title='Star Wars' Star Ordered to Pile on the Pounds |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-12-05 |publisher=IMDB.com |work=Wenn.com}}</ref> He eventually gained the weight back during the filming for ''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2002/05/11/bffive11.xml |title=Top five Star Wars characters |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-11-05 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |year=2005 |title=Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>
While Christensen's critically acclaimed portrayal of a misunderstood teenager in ''[[Life as a House]]'' (2001) earned him [[Golden Globe]] and [[Screen Actors Guild|SAG]] Award nominations as well as the [[National Board of Review of Motion Pictures|National Board of Review]]'s award for ''Breakthrough Performance of the Year'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/29029 |title=HFPA - Awards Search |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=Golden Globes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sagawards.org/8_award_nom |title=8th Annual SAG Awards Nominees |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=SAG Awards}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/past.cfm?year=2001 |title=National Board of Review of Motion Pictures - Awards 2001 |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=NBRMP}}</ref> the performance didn't receive widespread public notice.<ref name="scifi"/> For his part in the movie, Christensen lost 25 pounds through a special diet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0062876/|title='Star Wars' Star Ordered to Pile on the Pounds |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-12-05 |publisher=IMDB.com |work=Wenn.com}}</ref> He eventually gained the weight back during the filming for ''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2002/05/11/bffive11.xml |title=Top five Star Wars characters |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-11-05 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |year=2005 |title=Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>


His role as [[Anakin Skywalker]] (who was previously played by [[David Prowse]], [[James Earl Jones]] (voice), [[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] and [[Jake Lloyd]]) in ''[[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones]]'' (2002) made him a star.<ref name="Hello - Bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/haydenchristensen/? |title=Hello Magazine Profile - Hayden Christensen |accessdate=2008-07-01 |work=[[Hello Magazine]]}}</ref> Although his performance was met with mixed reviews by critics (earning him the [[Razzie]] Award for Worst Supporting Actor in both Episodes II and III) <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121765/awards |title=Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Awards |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=IMDB.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Awards/Razzie_Awards/2006 |title=Razzie Awards: 2006 |accessdate=2008-07-01 |2006-03-04 |publisher=IMDB.com}}</ref> he became very popular among audiences, being named in both [[People (magazine)|''People'' magazine]]'s 50 Most Beautiful People and [[Teen People|''Teen People'']]'s 25 Hottest Stars under 25.<ref name="people">{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20136997,00.html |title=Hayden Christensen: Actor |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-05-13 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> He went on to receive good reviews for 2003's ''[[Shattered Glass]]'', which tells the true story of journalist [[Stephen Glass (reporter)|Stephen Glass]], who was discovered fabricating stories as a writer for ''[[The New Republic]]''.<ref>{{cite web |first=Roger |last=Ebert |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031107/REVIEWS/311070305/1023 |title=Shattered Glass Review |accessdate=2008-07-27 |date=2003-11-07 |publisher=Roger Ebert.com |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jim |last=Schembri |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/Film/Darth-wish/2005/05/19/1116361654630.html |title=Darth wish |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2005-05-20 |publisher=The Age}}</ref> Peter Travers of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' writes "Hayden Christensen is sensational as Glass, finding the wonder boy and the weasel in a disturbed kid flying high on a fame he hasn't earned."<ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Travers |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/5947837/review/5947838/shattered_glass |title=Shattered Glass Review |accessdate=2008-07-27 |date=2003-10-23 |work=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>
His role as [[Anakin Skywalker]] (who was previously played by [[David Prowse]], [[James Earl Jones]] (voice), [[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] and [[Jake Lloyd]]) in ''[[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones]]'' (2002) made him a star.<ref name="Hello - Bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/haydenchristensen/? |title=Hello Magazine Profile - Hayden Christensen |accessdate=2008-07-01 |work=[[Hello Magazine]]}}</ref> Although his performance was met with mixed reviews by critics (earning him the [[Razzie]] Award for Worst Supporting Actor in both Episodes II and III) <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121765/awards |title=Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Awards |accessdate=2008-07-01 |publisher=IMDB.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Awards/Razzie_Awards/2006 |title=Razzie Awards: 2006 |accessdate=2008-07-01 |2006-03-04 |publisher=IMDB.com}}</ref> he became very popular among audiences, being named in both [[People (magazine)|''People'' magazine]]'s 50 Most Beautiful People and [[Teen People|''Teen People'']]'s 25 Hottest Stars under 25.<ref name="people">{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20136997,00.html |title=Hayden Christensen: Actor |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2002-05-13 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> He went on to receive good reviews for 2003's ''[[Shattered Glass]]'', which tells the true story of journalist [[Stephen Glass (reporter)|Stephen Glass]], who was discovered fabricating stories as a writer for ''[[The New Republic]]''.<ref>{{cite web |first=Roger |last=Ebert |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031107/REVIEWS/311070305/1023 |title=Shattered Glass Review |accessdate=2008-07-27 |date=2003-11-07 |publisher=Roger Ebert.com |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jim |last=Schembri |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/Film/Darth-wish/2005/05/19/1116361654630.html |title=Darth wish |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2005-05-20 |publisher=The Age}}</ref> Peter Travers of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' writes "Hayden Christensen is sensational as Glass, finding the wonder boy and the weasel in a disturbed kid flying high on a fame he hasn't earned."<ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Travers |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/5947837/review/5947838/shattered_glass |title=Shattered Glass Review |accessdate=2008-07-27 |date=2003-10-23 |work=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>


Stock footage of Christensen was used in the controversial 2004 DVD release of ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]'', where he was inserted in place of the actor [[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]].<ref name="DVD">{{cite video |year=2004 |title=Star Wars Trilogy: Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> This was an unpopular change for many.<ref name="Brooker">Johnson, Derek. "Star Wars fans, DVD, and cultural ownership: an interview with Will Brooker; Interview," ''[[Velvet Light Trap]]'', 22 September 2005, pg. 36–44.</ref><ref name="Ebert">Ebert, Roger. "Anakin's fans strike back," ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'', 1 May 2005, Sunday Showcase (section), pg. 3.</ref> Christensen insists this was done without his knowledge, an act that is confirmed by [[Lucasfilm]] itself in the featurette "Return of the Jedi: What has changed?" as seen on the official website to commemorate the 2006 DVDs.<ref name="DVD"/>
Stock footage of Christensen was used in the controversial 2004 DVD release of ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]'', where he was inserted in place of the actor [[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]].<ref name="DVD">{{cite video |year=2004 |title=Star Wars Trilogy: Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> This was an unpopular change for many.<ref name="Brooker">Johnson, Derek. "Star Wars fans, DVD, and cultural ownership: an interview with Will Brooker; Interview," ''[[Velvet Light Trap]]'', 22 September 2005, pg. 36–44.</ref><ref name="Ebert">Ebert, Roger. "Anakin's fans strike back," ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'', 1 May 2005, Sunday Showcase (section), pg. 3.</ref> Christensen insists this was done without his knowledge, an act that is confirmed by [[Lucasfilm]] itself in the featurette "Return of the Jedi: What has changed?" as seen on the official website to commemorate the 2006 DVDs.<ref name="DVD"/> In 2004, Christensen appeared as a [[Model (person)|model]] in [[Louis Vuitton]]'s advertising.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/story/hayden-smartens-up-for-louis-vuitton# |title= Hayden Christensen Smartens up for Louis Vuitton|accessdate=2009-10-05 |work=[[Contactmusic.com]]}}</ref>


⚫
===2006&ndash;present===
In 2004, Christensen appeared as a [[Model (person)|model]] in [[Louis Vuitton]]'s advertising.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/story/hayden-smartens-up-for-louis-vuitton# |title= Hayden Christensen Smartens up for Louis Vuitton|accessdate=2009-10-05 |work=[[Contactmusic.com]]}}</ref>

⚫
==2006&ndash;present==
Between 2006 and 2007, he starred in ''[[Awake (film)|Awake]]'', with [[Jessica Alba]], which tells the story of a man who remains awake but paralyzed during [[heart surgery]],<ref name="filmography"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Frank |last=Scheck |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=KKTYHQvY8VpBVtqmN5lrkmvTPLVSF6MM6jQn1FJnxGhWHfS1z11Q!422802220&&rid=10263 |title=Awake: Bottom Line: Sleep won't be an option |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2007-12-03 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> and in ''[[Factory Girl]],'' opposite [[Sienna Miller]] and [[Guy Pearce]].<ref name="filmography"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Howell |url=http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/179873 |title='Factory Girl': Time's up |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2007-02-09 |work=[[Toronto Star|TheStar]]}}</ref> Christensen next starred with [[Samuel L. Jackson]], [[Jamie Bell]] and [[Rachel Bilson]] in the film ''[[Jumper (film)|Jumper]]'', the story of a young man who discovers he has the ability to [[teleport]]; the film was released on February 14, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Kiefer |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/17/movies/17kief.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |title=Oh My God, Can You Rent the Colosseum? |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2006-12-17 |work=[[The New York Times|New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url =http://www.moviehole.net/news/20060722_news_from_comic_con_christense.html | title = Christensen Onboard Jumper? | publisher = Moviehole | date = 2006-07-22 | accessdate = 2006-07-24 }}</ref> Bilson and Christensen co-starred again in the same segment of the film ''[[New York, I Love You]]''. Christensen also appeared opposite [[Mischa Barton]] in ''[[Virgin Territory]]'', which was released directly-to-DVD in North America in August 2008. The film, based on ''[[The Decameron]]'', is about a group of people who escape the [[Black Plague]] epidemic by hiding out in a [[Tuscany|Tuscan]] Villa in Italy.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Foster |url=http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=68131 |title=Virgin Territory (R2) in August |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2008-06-26 |publisher=DVD Times}}</ref>
Between 2006 and 2007, he starred in ''[[Awake (film)|Awake]]'', with [[Jessica Alba]], which tells the story of a man who remains awake but paralyzed during [[heart surgery]],<ref name="filmography"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Frank |last=Scheck |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=KKTYHQvY8VpBVtqmN5lrkmvTPLVSF6MM6jQn1FJnxGhWHfS1z11Q!422802220&&rid=10263 |title=Awake: Bottom Line: Sleep won't be an option |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2007-12-03 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> and in ''[[Factory Girl]],'' opposite [[Sienna Miller]] and [[Guy Pearce]].<ref name="filmography"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Howell |url=http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/179873 |title='Factory Girl': Time's up |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2007-02-09 |work=[[Toronto Star|TheStar]]}}</ref> Christensen next starred with [[Samuel L. Jackson]], [[Jamie Bell]] and [[Rachel Bilson]] in the film ''[[Jumper (film)|Jumper]]'', the story of a young man who discovers he has the ability to [[teleport]]; the film was released on February 14, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Kiefer |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/17/movies/17kief.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |title=Oh My God, Can You Rent the Colosseum? |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2006-12-17 |work=[[The New York Times|New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url =http://www.moviehole.net/news/20060722_news_from_comic_con_christense.html | title = Christensen Onboard Jumper? | publisher = Moviehole | date = 2006-07-22 | accessdate = 2006-07-24 }}</ref> Bilson and Christensen co-starred again in the same segment of the film ''[[New York, I Love You]]''. Christensen also appeared opposite [[Mischa Barton]] in ''[[Virgin Territory]]'', which was released directly-to-DVD in North America in August 2008. The film, based on ''[[The Decameron]]'', is about a group of people who escape the [[Black Plague]] epidemic by hiding out in a [[Tuscany|Tuscan]] Villa in Italy.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Foster |url=http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=68131 |title=Virgin Territory (R2) in August |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2008-06-26 |publisher=DVD Times}}</ref>


Christensen was slated to appear in an adaptation of [[William Gibson]]'s seminal [[cyberpunk]] novel, ''[[Neuromancer]]'', set for a 2009 release, but has since been removed from the IMDB cast list.<ref>{{cite web |first=Monika |last=Bartyzel |url=http://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/09/hayden-christensen-is-william-gibsons-neuromancer/ |title=Hayden Christensen is William Gibson's Neuromancer?! |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2008-01-09 |publisher=Cinematical}}</ref><ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1037220/ Neuromancer] at the [[Internet Movie Database]]</ref> In September 2008 it was announced that Christensen and [[Paul Walker]] signed onto the [[crime drama]] ''[[Takers]]'' set for a 2010 release. He will play a young detective alongside [[Matt Dillon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=48571 |title=Walker and Christensen in Takers |accessdate=2009-10-03 |work=[[Coming Soon]]}}</ref> ''[[Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey]]'' will be the fourth film in which Christensen will co-star again with [[Samuel L. Jackson]].<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312305/ Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey] at the [[Internet Movie Database]]</ref> In October 2009 he started shooting the [[horror film]] ''Vanishing on Seventh Street'', directed by [[Brad Anderson (director)|Brad Anderson]], alongside [[Thandie Newton]] and [[John Leguizamo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i34ed7d659fd0296317532a02cf2c984f |title=Hayden Christensen is 'Street' smart |accessdate=2009-10-02 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>
Christensen was slated to appear in an adaptation of [[William Gibson]]'s seminal [[cyberpunk]] novel, ''[[Neuromancer]]'', set for a 2009 release, but has since been removed from the IMDB cast list.<ref>{{cite web |first=Monika |last=Bartyzel |url=http://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/09/hayden-christensen-is-william-gibsons-neuromancer/ |title=Hayden Christensen is William Gibson's Neuromancer?! |accessdate=2008-07-01 |date=2008-01-09 |publisher=Cinematical}}</ref><ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1037220/ Neuromancer] at the [[Internet Movie Database]]</ref> In September 2008 it was announced that Christensen and [[Paul Walker]] signed onto the [[crime drama]] ''[[Takers]]'' set for a 2010 release. He will play a young detective alongside [[Matt Dillon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=48571 |title=Walker and Christensen in Takers |accessdate=2009-10-03 |work=[[Coming Soon]]}}</ref> ''[[Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey]]'' will be the fourth film in which Christensen will co-star again with [[Samuel L. Jackson]].<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312305/ Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey] at the [[Internet Movie Database]]</ref> In October 2009 he started shooting the [[horror film]] ''Vanishing on Seventh Street'', directed by [[Brad Anderson (director)|Brad Anderson]], alongside [[Thandie Newton]] and [[John Leguizamo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i34ed7d659fd0296317532a02cf2c984f |title=Hayden Christensen is 'Street' smart |accessdate=2009-10-02 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Christensen performed a public service announcement for [[Do Something]]'s Teens for Jeans Campaign in 2008.<ref>{{cite web

Christensen performed a public service announcement for [[Do Something]]'s Teens for Jeans Campaign in 2008.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvUVLGFMWzo&feature=channel_page.html
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvUVLGFMWzo&feature=channel_page.html
| title = Hayden Christensen Promotes Teens for Jeans
| title = Hayden Christensen Promotes Teens for Jeans
Line 48: Line 45:
}}</ref> He was also recently named as the face of [[Lacoste]]'s newest fragrance, Lacoste Challenge.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lacoste-parfums.co.uk/mens-fragrances/lacoste-challenge |title=Hayden Christensen Is New Face of Lacoste |accessdate=2009-07-01 |work=[[Lacoste]]}}</ref>
}}</ref> He was also recently named as the face of [[Lacoste]]'s newest fragrance, Lacoste Challenge.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lacoste-parfums.co.uk/mens-fragrances/lacoste-challenge |title=Hayden Christensen Is New Face of Lacoste |accessdate=2009-07-01 |work=[[Lacoste]]}}</ref>


==Personal life==
===Personal life===
Christensen currently resides in [[Uxbridge, Ontario|Uxbridge]], north of [[Toronto]], [[Canada]]. Christensen and actress [[Rachel Bilson]] became engaged in December 2008, over the holidays.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20259778,00.html |title=Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen are engaged |accessdate=2009-04-20 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref>
Christensen currently resides in [[Uxbridge, Ontario|Uxbridge]], north of [[Toronto]], [[Canada]]. Christensen and actress [[Rachel Bilson]] became engaged in December 2008, over the holidays.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20259778,00.html |title=Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen are engaged |accessdate=2009-04-20 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref>


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| ''[[Takers]]''
| ''[[Takers]]''
| Jake Welles
| Jake Welles
| (post-production)
| (completed)
|-
|-
| ''[[Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey]]''
| ''[[Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey]]''
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Hayden Christensen}}
{{Commons category|Hayden Christensen}}
*{{imdb|0159789}}
*{{imdb name|id=0159789|name=Hayden Christensen}}
* {{ibdb|407377}}
* {{ibdb|407377}}
*{{ymovies name|1800421140}}
*{{ymovies name|1800421140}}

Revision as of 10:32, 17 November 2009

Hayden Christensen
Hayden Christensen in Berlin, May 2005
OccupationActor
Years active1993 – present

Hayden Christensen (born April 19, 1981) is a Canadian actor. He appeared in Canadian television programs when he was young, then diversified into American television in the late 1990s. He moved on to minor acting roles before being praised for his role of Sam in Life as a House, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. He gained international fame portraying the young adult Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader) in the second and third films of the Star Wars prequel trilogy and David Rice in Jumper.

Biography

Early life

Christensen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the son of Alie (née Nelson), a speechwriter for the heads of large companies, and David Christensen, a computer programmer and communications executive. His father is of Danish descent and his mother has Swedish and Italian ancestry.[1] Christensen has an elder brother and sister, Tove and Hejsa, and a younger sister, Kaylen.[2][3][4] Raised outside Toronto in Thornhill, Ontario, Christensen attended E.J. Sand Public School, Baythorn Public School and Unionville High School in Unionville, Ontario, Canada. He was an athlete in high school, playing hockey competitively and tennis on a provincial level.[5] He spent summers in Long Island with his maternal grandmother, Rose Schwartz,[5] and attended the Actors Studio in New York as well as the Arts York program for drama at his high school. He was "discovered" when his older sister Hejsa, a former trampoline champion, was shopping around for an agent after he landed a role in a Pringles potato chips commercial.[3][5]

1993–2000

Christensen's first acting role was on the television series Family Passions, which aired on Canadian television in September 1993, when he was 12.[6] The following year he acquired a minor role in John Carpenter's In the Mouth of Madness.[6] From 1995 through 1999, he appeared in several movies and television shows, including Harrison Bergeron, Forever Knight, Goosebumps, The Virgin Suicides, and Are You Afraid of the Dark?.[6]

He acquired wider notice while starring in Fox's Family Network television series Higher Ground in 2000, portraying a teen who was sexually molested by his stepmother, and then turned to drugs in his despair.[6][7]

2001–2005

While Christensen's critically acclaimed portrayal of a misunderstood teenager in Life as a House (2001) earned him Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations as well as the National Board of Review's award for Breakthrough Performance of the Year,[8][9][10] the performance didn't receive widespread public notice.[7] For his part in the movie, Christensen lost 25 pounds through a special diet.[11] He eventually gained the weight back during the filming for Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.[12][13]

His role as Anakin Skywalker (who was previously played by David Prowse, James Earl Jones (voice), Sebastian Shaw and Jake Lloyd) in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) made him a star.[14] Although his performance was met with mixed reviews by critics (earning him the Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor in both Episodes II and III) [15][16] he became very popular among audiences, being named in both People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People and Teen People's 25 Hottest Stars under 25.[2] He went on to receive good reviews for 2003's Shattered Glass, which tells the true story of journalist Stephen Glass, who was discovered fabricating stories as a writer for The New Republic.[17][18] Peter Travers of Rolling Stone writes "Hayden Christensen is sensational as Glass, finding the wonder boy and the weasel in a disturbed kid flying high on a fame he hasn't earned."[19]

Stock footage of Christensen was used in the controversial 2004 DVD release of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, where he was inserted in place of the actor Sebastian Shaw.[20] This was an unpopular change for many.[21][22] Christensen insists this was done without his knowledge, an act that is confirmed by Lucasfilm itself in the featurette "Return of the Jedi: What has changed?" as seen on the official website to commemorate the 2006 DVDs.[20] In 2004, Christensen appeared as a model in Louis Vuitton's advertising.[23]

2006–present

Between 2006 and 2007, he starred in Awake, with Jessica Alba, which tells the story of a man who remains awake but paralyzed during heart surgery,[6][24] and in Factory Girl, opposite Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce.[6][25] Christensen next starred with Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Bell and Rachel Bilson in the film Jumper, the story of a young man who discovers he has the ability to teleport; the film was released on February 14, 2008.[26][27] Bilson and Christensen co-starred again in the same segment of the film New York, I Love You. Christensen also appeared opposite Mischa Barton in Virgin Territory, which was released directly-to-DVD in North America in August 2008. The film, based on The Decameron, is about a group of people who escape the Black Plague epidemic by hiding out in a Tuscan Villa in Italy.[28]

Christensen was slated to appear in an adaptation of William Gibson's seminal cyberpunk novel, Neuromancer, set for a 2009 release, but has since been removed from the IMDB cast list.[29][30] In September 2008 it was announced that Christensen and Paul Walker signed onto the crime drama Takers set for a 2010 release. He will play a young detective alongside Matt Dillon.[31] Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey will be the fourth film in which Christensen will co-star again with Samuel L. Jackson.[32] In October 2009 he started shooting the horror film Vanishing on Seventh Street, directed by Brad Anderson, alongside Thandie Newton and John Leguizamo.[33] Christensen performed a public service announcement for Do Something's Teens for Jeans Campaign in 2008.[34] He was also recently named as the face of Lacoste's newest fragrance, Lacoste Challenge.[35]

Personal life

Christensen currently resides in Uxbridge, north of Toronto, Canada. Christensen and actress Rachel Bilson became engaged in December 2008, over the holidays.[36]

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1995 In the Mouth of Madness Paper Boy
Street Law Young John Ryan Limited release
1998 The Hairy Bird Tinka's Date
1999 The Virgin Suicides Jake Hill Conley
Free Fall Patrick Brennan Limited release
2001 Life as a House Sam Monroe Young Hollywood Award One to Watch - Male
National Board of Review - Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actor
Nominated - Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture
Nominated - Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role - Motion Picture
Nominated - Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Breakthrough Performance
2002 Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones Anakin Skywalker Cannes Film Festival - Male Revelation
Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor
Nominated - Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor
Nominated - Saturn Award - Cinescape Genre Face of the Future Award
Nominated - Chicago Film Critics Association Awards - Most Promising Performer
Nominated - Teen Choice Awards - Choice Movie Actor: Action/Adventure
Nominated - Teen Choice Awards - Choice Chemistry (Shared with:Natalie Portman)
2003 Shattered Glass Stephen Glass Las Palmas Film Festival - Best Actor (Shared with:Peter Sarsgaard)
Nominated - Satellite Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama
2004 Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (2004 re-release) Anakin Skywalker Replaced original actor (stock footage of head only)
2005 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Anakin Skywalker/ Darth Vader ShoWest - Male Star of Tomorrow
MTV Movie Award for Best Villain
Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor
Nominated - Saturn Award - Best Actor
Nominated - MTV Movie Award for Best Fight (Shared with:Ewan McGregor)
Nominated - Teen Choice Awards - Choice Movie Actor: Action/Adventure
Nominated - Teen Choice Awards - Choice Movie Bad Guy
2006 Factory Girl Billy Quinn Also credited as Musician
2007 Awake Clay Beresford Jr.
Virgin Territory Lorenzo de Lamberti Limited release
2008 Jumper David Rice Nominated - MTV Movie Award for Best Fight (Shared with:Jamie Bell)
2009 New York, I Love You Ben
2010 Takers Jake Welles (completed)
Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey Jammer (voice) (post-production)
Vanishing on Seventh Street Luke (filming)
Television
Year Show Role Notes
1993 Family Passions Skip McDeere Soap opera
1995 Love and Betrayal: The Mia Farrow Story Fletcher Television film
Harrison Bergeron Eric Television film
1996 No Greater Love Teddy Winfield Television film
Forever Knight Andre Episode: Fallen Idol
1997 Goosebumps Zane Two episodes
1999 Real Kids, Real Adventures Eli Goodner Episode: Paralyzed: The Eli Goodner Story
Are You Afraid of the Dark? Kirk Episode: The Tale of Bigfoot Ridge
The Famous Jett Jackson Steven Episode: Popularity
2000 Trapped in a Purple Haze Orin Krieg Television film
Higher Ground Scott Barringer Television drama

References

  1. ^ "A force to be reckoned with". Telegraph. 2002-03-13. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  2. ^ a b "Hayden Christensen: Actor". People. 2002-05-13. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  3. ^ a b Hiscock, John (2005-05-13). "Skywalker comes down to earth". Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  4. ^ "Hayden Christensen Biography". Yahoo!. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  5. ^ a b c Lee, Linda (2001-10-21). "Film: Up and Coming - Hayden Christensen; Life as the Latest Bearer of the Force". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-12-12.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Hello Magazine Filmography - Hayden Christensen". Hello Magazine. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  7. ^ a b Welch, David (2002-05-20). "The cast and crew of the latest Star Wars flick aren't cloning around". Sci Fi. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  8. ^ "HFPA - Awards Search". Golden Globes. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  9. ^ "8th Annual SAG Awards Nominees". SAG Awards. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  10. ^ "National Board of Review of Motion Pictures - Awards 2001". NBRMP. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  11. ^ "'Star Wars' Star Ordered to Pile on the Pounds". Wenn.com. IMDB.com. 2002-12-05. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  12. ^ "Top five Star Wars characters". Telegraph. 2002-11-05. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  13. ^ Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (DVD). 20th Century Fox. 2005.
  14. ^ "Hello Magazine Profile - Hayden Christensen". Hello Magazine. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  15. ^ "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) Awards". IMDB.com. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  16. ^ "Razzie Awards: 2006". IMDB.com. Retrieved 2008-07-01. {{cite web}}: Text "2006-03-04" ignored (help)
  17. ^ Ebert, Roger (2003-11-07). "Shattered Glass Review". Chicago Sun-Times. Roger Ebert.com. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
  18. ^ Schembri, Jim (2005-05-20). "Darth wish". The Age. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  19. ^ Travers, Peter (2003-10-23). "Shattered Glass Review". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
  20. ^ a b Star Wars Trilogy: Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (DVD). 20th Century Fox. 2004.
  21. ^ Johnson, Derek. "Star Wars fans, DVD, and cultural ownership: an interview with Will Brooker; Interview," Velvet Light Trap, 22 September 2005, pg. 36–44.
  22. ^ Ebert, Roger. "Anakin's fans strike back," Chicago Sun-Times, 1 May 2005, Sunday Showcase (section), pg. 3.
  23. ^ "Hayden Christensen Smartens up for Louis Vuitton". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
  24. ^ Scheck, Frank (2007-12-03). "Awake: Bottom Line: Sleep won't be an option". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  25. ^ Howell, Peter (2007-02-09). "'Factory Girl': Time's up". TheStar. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  26. ^ Kiefer, Peter (2006-12-17). "Oh My God, Can You Rent the Colosseum?". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  27. ^ "Christensen Onboard Jumper?". Moviehole. 2006-07-22. Retrieved 2006-07-24.
  28. ^ Foster, Dave (2008-06-26). "Virgin Territory (R2) in August". DVD Times. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  29. ^ Bartyzel, Monika (2008-01-09). "Hayden Christensen is William Gibson's Neuromancer?!". Cinematical. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  30. ^ Neuromancer at the Internet Movie Database
  31. ^ "Walker and Christensen in Takers". Coming Soon. Retrieved 2009-10-03.
  32. ^ Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey at the Internet Movie Database
  33. ^ "Hayden Christensen is 'Street' smart". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2009-10-02.
  34. ^ "Hayden Christensen Promotes Teens for Jeans". Do Something. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
  35. ^ "Hayden Christensen Is New Face of Lacoste". Lacoste. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
  36. ^ "Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen are engaged". People. Retrieved 2009-04-20.

External links

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