Trivia

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.

His now ex-girlfriend Rachel Bilson gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Briar Rose Christensen, on October 29, 2014.

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.

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.

His favorite scenes to film in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) were the scenes in which he acted with Ian McDiarmid.

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.

His Canadian father is of Danish and English ancestry, while his American mother is half Italian and half Swedish. His maternal grandmother, Rose (Rao), was raised in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Italian immigrants.

Hayden holds dual citizenship in the United States and his native Canada.

He and his girlfriend Rachel Bilson got engaged on December 25, 2008. They ended their engagement in June 2010, but got back together the following year. Later in 2017, the couple split again.

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 wooden post.

He and Jessica Alba visited Bellevue hospital and spent time with little children, bringing them Christmas cheer while filming Awake (2007).

Resides in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.

Christensen grew up playing competitive tennis and hockey, and attended Baythorn Public School and Unionville High School (Markham, Ontario, Canada).

Has a younger sister named Kaylen Christensen (b. 1984), an older sister named Hejsa Christensen (b. 1975) and an older brother named Tove Christensen (b. 1973).

Is the third actor to play Anakin Skywalker, and is the only who has played the non-Vader Anakin more than once. Sebastian Shaw played the role only in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), and had died by the time the prequels were made. Jake Lloyd played Anakin in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). Hayden played the young adult Anakin in both Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Is partially of Swedish descent, as are his on-screen mother Pernilla August and son Mark Hamill from the Star Wars films.

Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002.

Supports Manchester United Football Club.

Is an alumnus of the Arts York Drama Program at Unionville High School, a school that specializes in the creative arts.

On the set of Factory Girl (2006) in Louisiana, he shared a house with co-star Sienna Miller.

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".

Is one of three Star Wars actors who has also appeared in a film directed by a fellow cast member. Frank Oz directed Ian McDiarmid in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) and Terence Stamp in Bowfinger (1999). Hayden appeared in The Virgin Suicides (1999), directed by Sofia Coppola.

One of the youngest competitors in Eco-Challenge Fiji Islands (2003).

No relation to "Swimfan" star Erika Christensen, despite a popular misconception.

Son of David Christensen and Alie Nelson.

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.