In a recent interview with Elle UK, actress Winona Ryder shared an unusual keepsake from her time working with fellow actor Christopher Walken. During their collaboration on the 2014 film Turks & Caicos, Walken gifted Ryder a rotisserie chicken, which she has since preserved in a rather unconventional way.
Ryder revealed that she kept the chicken’s wishbone for an extended period, stating, “I still have the wishbone and am trying to make it into a necklace.” This quirky anecdote reflects Ryder’s admiration for Walken, whom she described as someone she was “completely enamored” with during their time together. The film, directed by David Hare, featured a stellar cast, including Bill Nighy, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Rupert Graves, and Dylan Baker.
Memorable Experiences with Al Pacino
Ryder also recounted her feelings for another Hollywood icon, Al Pacino, during their work on the films Simone and Looking for Richard. She confessed, “I was absolutely in love with Al Pacino when I was working with him.” This affection blossomed during a workshop for a production of Richard III, which Ryder initially did not realize would become a film.
She reminisced about their time together in New York, where Pacino would take her to various coffee shops. “He was obsessed with coffee, and he would take me all over New York – like, to the weirdest places – to try different coffees,” she explained. Ryder’s admiration for Pacino culminated in a humorous confession of her feelings after he dropped her off one evening. She recalled his gentle rejection, “Aw, honey, noooo,” which she found amusing in retrospect, especially when she later met his younger girlfriend.
Despite the initial awkwardness, Ryder noted that she and Pacino would occasionally play poker together, maintaining a friendly connection over the years. These personal stories highlight not only Ryder’s experiences in Hollywood but also the deep connections she has forged with her colleagues.
Through her anecdotes, Ryder offers a glimpse into the less glamorous, more personal side of celebrity life, where affection and admiration often intertwine with professional relationships.
