Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe is an iconic American actor known for his intense performances and versatility across film, theater, and voice work. Born on July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin, he was the seventh of eight children in a large family. Dafoe discovered his passion for acting in high school and later trained at the experimental theater company Theatre X in Milwaukee before moving to New York City to co-found The Wooster Group, an avant-garde theater troupe.

Dafoe’s film debut came in *Heaven’s Gate* (1980), but his breakout role was as Sgt. Elias in Oliver Stone’s *Platoon* (1986), which earned him his first Academy Award nomination. Known for his distinctive features and intensity, Dafoe has played a wide range of characters, from villains like the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi’s *Spider-Man* (2002) to deeply human roles in films like *The Florida Project* (2017), which earned him another Oscar nomination.

His collaborations with visionary directors, such as Wes Anderson (*The Grand Budapest Hotel*), Lars von Trier (*Antichrist*), and Robert Eggers (*The Lighthouse*), showcase his fearless approach to challenging roles. Dafoe has also earned critical acclaim for his work in smaller, experimental projects and voice acting in films like *Finding Nemo* (2003).

A four-time Oscar nominee, Dafoe remains a prominent figure in Hollywood and independent cinema. His dedication to his craft, willingness to take risks, and unique screen presence have solidified him as one of the most respected actors of his generation.