Hayden Christensen
is a Canadian actor best known for his starring role as Anakin Skywalker in the
Star Wars prequels, Episode II and III. Spotted as a relative unknown by
director George Lucas, Christensen was singled out for his raw talent – a
career move that’s catapulted him to Hollywood stardom, leading to several
high-profile roles in action films including 2008’s Jumper and 2010’s Takers.
Christensen’s turn as Skywalker was warmly received by critics, earning him the
MTV Movie Award for Best Villain and the Cannes Film Festival Revelation Award.
Born in Vancouver
in 1981, Christensen made his acting debut in 1993 on Canadian television,
starring in several dramatic series throughout his teen years. His breakthrough
came with a major role in Fox Family Network’s Higher Ground, a harrowing story
of abuse that demonstrated his range and capability. Prior to his role in Star
Wars, Christensen appeared in several notable films and television series, such
as Goosebumps, The Virgin Suicides and Life as a House, the latter of which
earned him Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations. Aside from his on-screen
work, the actor has modelled for Louis Vuitton and Lacoste, and helped to
promote RED’s Lazarus Effect Campaign, an initiative aimed at increasing
awareness of the AIDS crisis in Africa.