Willem Dafoe Biography: William James “Willem” Dafoe born July 22, 1955 is an American actor known for his wide-ranging performances in both mainstream blockbusters and independent films. Throughout his prolific career, he has earned numerous accolades, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actor, along with four Academy Award nominations, a BAFTA nomination, and four Golden Globe nominations. In 2018, he was honored with the prestigious Honorary Golden Bear. Originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, Dafoe made his film debut with an uncredited appearance in Heaven’s Gate (1980). He is recognized for his frequent collaborations with renowned auteur directors such as Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, Lars von Trier, Julian Schnabel, Wes Anderson, and Robert Eggers. His Academy Award-nominated roles include a compassionate sergeant in the war film Platoon (1986).
Willem Dafoe Biography
With a legendary career spanning over 150 films, Willem Dafoe is internationally acclaimed for his versatility, bold performances, and fearless approach to acting. His deep artistic curiosity and drive to explore the human experience have led him to a wide array of projects around the world—ranging from major Hollywood productions to intimate independent films. Although he was fired from his early role in Michael Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate (1979), Dafoe went on to work with a remarkable roster of directors that reads like a who’s who of modern cinema, including Kathryn Bigelow, Kenneth Branagh, David Cronenberg, Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, Lars von Trier, Guillermo del Toro, and Yorgos Lanthimos, among many others.
Willem Dafoe Biography Details
| Born |
William James Dafoe
July 22, 1955 (age 69)
Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.
|
| Citizenship |
|
| Occupation |
Actor |
| Years active |
1975–present |
| Net Worth |
40 million Dollar |
| Spouse |
Giada Colagrande
(m. 2005)
|
| Partner |
Elizabeth LeCompte (1977–2004) |
| Children |
1 |
| Relatives |
Donald Dafoe (brother) |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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About Willem Dafoe
William James “Willem” Dafoe is an American actor. Known for his prolific career portraying diverse roles in both mainstream and arthouse films, he is the recipient of various accolades including a.
Willem Dafoe Wiki
- Born: 22 July 1955 (age 69 years), Appleton, Wisconsin, United States
- Spouse: Giada Colagrande (m. 2005)
- Upcoming movie: The Phoenician Scheme
- Children: Jack Dafoe
- Awards: Golden Bear, Volpi Cup for Best Actor
Early Life and Education
Willem Dafoe, born William James Dafoe on July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin, was the son of Muriel Isabel (née Sprissler), a nurse, and Dr. William Alfred Dafoe, a surgeon. Reflecting on his childhood, Dafoe once said, “My five sisters raised me,” noting that both of his parents were often working. His brother Donald also pursued medicine, becoming a surgeon and research scientist. The family’s surname, Dafoe, is an anglicized form of the Swiss-French name Thévou.
Interestingly, different sides of the family pronounced it differently—some said “DAY-foh” while others, including Willem, eventually adopted “də-FOH.” While in high school, he was nicknamed “Willem,” the Dutch variation of William, which he grew to prefer over his birth name. After graduating from Appleton East High School, Dafoe went on to study drama at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He left after a year and a half to join Milwaukee’s experimental theater company Theatre X.
Willem Dafoe Facts
Where does Willem Dafoe live? And how much money does Willem Dafoe earn?
| Birth Date |
22-6-1955 |
| Heritage/origin |
American |
| Ethnicity |
White |
| Religion – believes in God? |
Christian |
| Residence |
He lives together in a house in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States. |
Willem Dafoe Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth |
40 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary |
N/A |
| Product Endorsements |
Esquire Magazine |
| Colleagues |
Gary Oldman, Jamie Bell & Garrett Hedlund |
Willem Dafoe: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status |
Married (Since 2005) |
| Sexuality |
Straight |
| Current Wife of Willem Dafoe |
Giada Colagrande |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives |
Mira Sorvino, Elizabeth LeCompte |
| Has any kids? |
Yes, father of: Jack (32) |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Dr. William Alfred Dafoe (Father)
- Muriel Isabel (Mother)
- Jack Dafoe (Son)
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool friendly fun actor originating from Appleton, Wisconsin, United States has a slim body & triangle face type.
| Hair color |
Light brown |
| Hair type |
Straight |
| Hair Length |
short hair |
| Hairstyle |
chic |
| Distinct feature |
cheekbones |
| Skin Tone/Complexion |
Type II: Fair skin |
| Skin Type |
Normal |
| Beard or Mustache |
Beardless |
| Eye Color |
Blue |
| Does Willem Dafoe smoke? |
Yes, on occasion |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height |
177 cm |
| Weight |
70 kilo |
| Clothing style |
alternative |
| Favorite colors |
black |
| Feet size |
10 |
| Does Willem Dafoe have a tattoo? |
No |
FAQs
Where was Willem Dafoe born and raised?
Willem Dafoe was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin.
What is the origin of Willem Dafoe’s last name?
Dafoe is an anglicized version of the Swiss-French surname Thévou.
Why does Willem Dafoe go by “Willem” instead of “William”?
He was given the nickname “Willem” in high school and eventually preferred it over his birth name.
Did Willem Dafoe finish college?
No, he left the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee after 18 months to pursue theater.
What was Willem Dafoe’s early theater background?
Dafoe began his acting career with Milwaukee’s experimental Theatre X and later joined the avant-garde Performance Group in New York City.
Who mentored Willem Dafoe in theater?
He apprenticed under Richard Schechner, director of The Performance Group, an influential avant-garde theater troupe.
