At 69 years old, four-time Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe is often described as “your favorite actor’s favorite actor.” Renowned for his relentless work ethic and insatiable curiosity, Dafoe is celebrated in the film industry as a unique and transformative presence. His distinctive, angular face and deep tenor voice are unmistakable, making him one of the most recognizable figures in cinema.
Born in Wisconsin and raised in the experimental theater scenes of Milwaukee and New York, Dafoe first made waves in Hollywood with his portrayal of a ruthless counterfeiter in William Friedkin’s 1985 film To Live and Die in L.A.. This performance marked the beginning of his status as one of America’s most important and versatile character actors. Like Christopher Walken or Ralph Fiennes, Dafoe gravitates toward roles others might deem unflattering or unconventional, setting himself apart with his fearless approach.
Since his breakout role as a young biker in Kathryn Bigelow’s The Loveless (1981), Dafoe has appeared in nearly 150 films. While some were blockbusters, others remain obscure, including projects by emerging directors he chose based on instinct. “What’s beautiful about filmmaking is that movies take on lives of their own. They come to life or fade away, but they evolve. You have to be sensitive to that and surrender to the process,” he explained.
Despite his prolific career, Dafoe identifies more as an artist than merely an actor. He continuously fuels his imagination with music, literature, and visual arts. Beyond seeking new perspectives in his roles, he actively supports emerging talent. For example, after watching Robert Eggers’ debut The Witch, Dafoe reached out to collaborate and has since appeared in all of Eggers’ films. Their latest, Nosferatu, will premiere on January 2.
“Eggers builds immersive worlds with a commitment to reinterpreting past stories to reflect today’s world,” Dafoe remarked. “His period films aren’t museum pieces; they draw you in completely. He unites the elements of filmmaking in a seamless way.”
In Nosferatu, Dafoe embodies a rare duality: he previously played a version of the iconic vampire in E. Elias Merhige’s Shadow of the Vampire and now portrays the man who hunts him. Reflecting on this, he said, “While the source material is similar, the impulses are entirely different. Acting requires you to immerse yourself fully in one role, cleanse your mind, and prepare for the next. It’s like falling in love—you can’t carry past relationships into something new.”
Dafoe’s dedication to his craft and his adventurous spirit continue to make him a celebrated icon in the world of film.