Was discovered when his older sister, Hejsa Christensen, a former trampoline champion, was shopping around for an agent. No one was home to baby-sit him so he went along and it was suggested that he get an agent, himself.
A digital rendering of Hayden appears in the 2004 DVD version of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), as the spirit of Anakin Skywalker. This replaced Sebastian Shaw as the ghostly image that appears beside Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda at the end of the film. Hayden said in an interview that he had been unaware of this change.
He, his brother and their friends "kidnap" one another on each of their birthdays, drive to a location unknown to the birthday-boy and then spend the day riding dirt-bikes.
Competed with his sister Hejsa Christensen (the captain), brother Tove Christensen and a family friend in Eco-Challenge Fiji Islands (2003). The Eco-Challenge consists of a 500-kilometer (300 miles) race that included the tasks of hiking, swimming, kayaking and mountain biking their way through the Fiji archipelago. Only 23 out of 81 teams finished this race. Christensen was one of the youngest competitors in the race.
Was a "ball boy" at the Canadian Open tennis matches. Jumped out too soon during a match in which John McEnroe was playing, causing an interruption in play.
He and Jessica Alba visited Bellevue hospital and spent time with little children, bringing them Christmas cheer while filming Awake (2007).
Is the only actor to have portrayed Anakin Skywalker and his Sith alter ego, Darth Vader, in the same movie, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005). All other times, Anakin and Vader have been played by different actors.
He fractured his hand during the filming of a rather violent scene in Life as a House (2001) in which his character hits a wall.
Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002.
In 2005, he was named one of People Magazine's "50 Hottest Bachelors" and also one of Teen People Magazine's "25 Hottest Stars Under 25".
Was ranked #11 on Entertainment Weekly's '30 Under 30' the actors list. (2008).
One of Teen People Magazine's "25 Hottest Stars under 25" in 2002.
One of Teen People's "25 Hottest Stars under 25" in 2002 and 2005.
Quotes[]
Actors are observers. They're trying to have an understanding of human sensibility. And how do you have that accurate observation if you regard yourself as someone of great importance? When you're the one constantly being observed, because they view you as a celebrity? It's all wrong.
All my characters have characteristics I don't know anything about and that's the joy. Being able to justify their actions, and find sympathy in their wrongs, and understand their accomplishments. After Life as a House I took a while off and tried to remember who I was at the beginning of the film. You obsess, and it's exhausting, to lose your sense of self.
All I want is all what my mother wanted for me when she raised me - to be happy. For that, I don't need to be in a relationship. I don't need to have a certain level of respect. I just want to care very much about what I do and be kind to everyone in the process. It's important that I can feel that. That's happiness.
I have two sisters and a mother, obviously, so I grew up with a household of girls. Maybe I have a greater respect for women because of it.
I wish they taught green screen acting classes.
Ewan McGregor and I had very similar first-time light sabre experiences. We both burned ourselves! These things are hot - they're full of batteries!.
It's such a struggle to protect your integrity and dignity in this industry ... they really want to attack your morality and your beliefs. They need you to give up a certain part of yourself before they'll initiate you into 'stardom' ... I've always been kind of a hermit. I find my joy in the little things they want to take away from me. Prior to all this, I took pleasure from being the observer. Now I'm the observed.
I always kind of felt like I had some sort of understanding of everything that was superior to my classmates.
