A white theatrical mask rests beside an upright wooden peg in a shaft of golden light against dark blue.

Original artwork, not a still

Christopher Walken

I’m a better actor now than I ever was, I wish I could have hurried that up, but there’s no way. Anyway, I always wanted to be around for a long time. Like a European actor, I hope I live a long time and that I’m acting until I finish.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker feels their acting has improved with experience, and regrets that such skill cannot be acquired faster. They hope for a long life and a career that lasts until the end, comparing themselves to European actors who keep performing into old age.

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