Christopher Walken: Back to His Broadway Roots

Academy Award-winning actor Christopher Walken is a true Hollywood icon. From his performances in "The Deer Hunter" to "Wedding Crashers," he's been an original on the big screen and is always unforgettable.

Originally a dancer by trade, at 67, Walken has returned to one of his life's loves: Broadway. He appears as Carmichael, a quintessential family man in the play "Behanding in Spokane." Walken has recently received his second Tony nomination for his role.

Walken stopped by "The Early Show on Saturday Morning" to discuss his new role and his long and quirky career.

So what about "Behanding in Spokane" brought him back to Broadway?

Walken told co-anchor Chris Wragge the role was his drive.

"It was obviously a very good part. The other actors are terrific and I like the director. I've been around Broadway my whole life. For this to happen at this time in my career is wonderful."

In his career, Walken has appeared in more than 100 movies and television shows. But does he have a favorite?

He said "The Deer Hunter" changed everything.

"It's a terrific movie," Walken said. "But also it made a big difference in my life. I got better parts, better pay, all that."

As for his immense body of work, Walken credits it to his love of work.

"I like to go to work. And I don't have hobbies, and I don't have children. And I don't like to travel. I like to go to work. It's good to work."

He says he got that from his parents. Walken said his father ran a bakery, worked seven days a week.

Walken recalled, "He loved it."

Wragge pointed out Walken's mother lived to be 104 years old, and his father lived to be 96.

Wragge remarked, "So you've got a lot of years left."

Walken replied, "Well, I hope so."

Then he knocked on his wooden chair.

Walken also commented on some of his other famous appearances, including his dance routine in the "Weapon of Choice" Fatboy Slim music video.

Walken said he took the gig because he had the chance to work with Spike Jonze, whom he called a "terrific director." Walken said he worked on the routine with the choreographer for three weeks to get it right.

Walken also discussed his famous "Saturday Night Live" quote, "I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell."

Walken said he hears that "too much."

He said, "As a matter of fact, on the weekends sometimes, they bring cowbells to the theater and bang them during the curtain call."