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Biography
Hayden Christensen became an international film star when George Lucas cast him as Anakin Skywalker in the blockbuster epic STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES. But it was the role of the troubled teenager in Irwin Winkler's 2001 drama LIFE AS A HOUSE that brought Christensen his first critical acclaim, including an award for Best Breakthrough Performance from the National Board of Review and nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award and the Golden Globe Award.
Christensen is currently filming the lead role in 20th Century Fox’s JUMPER for director Doug Liman. The story follows ‘David Rice,’ (Christensen) a “jumper” who can teleport himself around the globe who finds himself relentlessly pursued by a secret organization sworn to kill all “jumpers.” David becomes a key player in a war that has been raging for thousands of years and discovers the secrets and mythology behind his incredible ability. The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson.
Christensen will next bee seen AWAKE opposite Jessica Alba and Terrance Howard, also for The Weinstein Company.
Christensen recently starred in the blockbuster STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH, which continues to break worldwide box-office records. Additionally, he starred as disgraced New Republic journalist Stephen Glass in SHATTERED GLASS, the first feature produced by Forest Park Pictures (Christensen's production company) in partnership with Cruise/Wagner Productions, Baumgarten/Merims Productions and Lions Gate Films.
Christensen broke into acting in an unusual way. His older sister, a Junior World Trampoline champion, had done a commercial endorsement for Pringles. As he recalls, “When she went to meet a talent agent, there was no one to baby-sit me so I went along for the ride.” The agent offered to sign Hayden as well, and at 7 years old, he began acting. By the time he was 12, he had a continuing role in the first Canadian television soap opera, the daily FAMILY PASSIONS.
Christensen was a regular on the Fox Family Channel series HIGHER GROUND, and was featured in Sofia Coppola's acclaimed debut film THE VIRGIN SUICIDES. His other film credits include Sarah Kernochan's ALL I WANNA DO and John Carpenter's IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS.
Christensen was born in Vancouver, and later moved to Toronto where he currently resides.
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