Christoph Waltz celebrates 70th birthday

Austrian actor Christoph Waltz celebrates his 70th birthday on October 4. Born in Vienna to a family of artists, Waltz achieved significant international fame later in life, experiencing a major Hollywood breakthrough at age 52.

His career was transformed by director Quentin Tarantino, who cast him as SS officer Hans Landa in ‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009). This role earned him his first Academy Award and Golden Globe. He followed this success with a second Oscar and Golden Globe for his performance in ‘Django Unchained’ (2012).

Known for portraying sophisticated yet menacing villains, Waltz has appeared in major productions including the James Bond film ‘Spectre’ and collaborations with directors such as Wes Anderson and Tim Burton. Before his global success, he maintained a steady career in European theater and television, appearing in various German-language productions.