Hayden Christensen is a Canadian actor best known for portraying Anakin Skywalker, and later Darth Vader, across the Star Wars prequel trilogy, beginning with Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones in 2002 and continuing through Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. His performance as the young Jedi’s tragic fall to the dark side became one of the defining arcs of the franchise’s saga era.
Before Star Wars, Christensen earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for his lead role in the 2001 drama Life as a House, and further recognition for his portrayal of disgraced journalist Stephen Glass in Shattered Glass. He returned to the Star Wars universe in 2022, reprising Darth Vader in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, and again in 2023’s Ahsoka, both roles introducing his performance to a new generation of fans and reigniting appreciation for his work in the prequels.
Christensen has continued to balance film and television roles across genres since his Star Wars debut. His enduring association with Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader has made him a hugely popular figure on the convention circuit, where fans continue to celebrate one of the saga’s most pivotal and emotionally complex characters.