Willem Dafoe Biography

Well-known personality, Willem Dafoe was born as William J. ”Willem” Dafoe. Willem Dafoe is best known for his role as Max Schreck in 2000, metafiction horror film, Shadow of the Vampire, directed by, E. Elias Merhige. As well as Willem was nominated for an Oscar for playing a role in this movie.

Willem Dafoe Early Life and Education

Renowned personality, Willem was born on July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin, United State. He was born to William Alfred Dafoe, father and Muriel Isabel Dafoe, mother and grew up along with his sibling, Donald Dafoe. As a matter of fact, his brother, Donald Dafoe is an American surgeon and research scientist.

Willem completed his elementary education from the Junior School in Appleton, Wisconsin, where is best known as ”Billy”. Besides, Willem enrolled at Appleton East High School.

After completion, his high school, Dafoe went to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he studied drama. After a year, Dafoe left the University and joined the Theater X, an experimental theater company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Willem Dafoe Career

The actor who enjoys a successful career in Hollywood, Willem Dafoe made his first step in the Hollywood, film industry through the 1980 movie named, Heaven’s Gate as Willy. The handsome actor, Willem Dafoe is one who has established himself as a renowned actor in the Hollywood all because of his talent.

Coming from the middle -class background Dafoe had face lots of trouble in the beginning of his career. After his debut movie, Dafoe has featured in numbers of movies and most of them are appreciated by the audience. Some of his hit’s movies,

1. New York Nights(1984)
2. Streets of Fire(1984)
3. Platoon(1986)
4. Wild At Heart (1990)
5. Light Sleepers(1992)
6. The English Patient(1996)
7. Shadow of the Vampire(2000)
8. Spider-Man(2002)
9. Auto Focus(2002)
10. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou(2004)
11. Antichrist(2009)
12. The Hunter(2011) and so on.

Willem Dafoe; Twitter

Currently, Dafoe is busy with his upcoming movie named, Aquaman (2018) as Nuidis Vulko.

Dafoe; Instagram

Besides, Dafoe made his television debut on the television series named, The Hitchhiker as Jeffrey Hunt. Then, Dafoe featured in numerous tv series like,

• Fishing with John(1991)
• The Simpsons(1997)
• American Experience(2010)
• The Simpsons(2014) and much more.

Twitter; Willem Dafoe

Similarly, Willem was honored with numerous Awards from the 2000 movie, Shadow of the Vampire as Max Schreck.

• Fantasporto’s International Fantasy Film Award.
• Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival’s President Award for Outstanding Creative Performance.
• Independent Spirit Award.
• Los Angeles Film Critics Association.
• Phoenix Film Critics Association.
• Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.
• Sitges Film Festival’s Gran Angular Award.

Willem Dafoe Personal Life

Firstly, Willem Dafoe married to his long-term girlfriend named, Elizabeth LeCompte. Besides, his wife is an American director of experimental theater, dance, and media. The couple married in 1977 after dating a couple of years. After a year the couple gave a birth to their first son named, Jack Dafoe born in 1982.

Willem former wife, Elizabeth LeCompte

Unfortunately, Willem and Elizabeth’s married life couldn’t be a success thus they got divorced in 2004. Although the real reason behind Willem’s split with his former wife is not cleared.

Willem and his wife, Giada Colagrande

After that, Dafoe married to Giada Colagrande on March 25, 2005.  Besides, his wife is an Italian film director and actress. Though the husband and wife are reported to live a happy married life without any rumors of a separation.

Willem Dafoe Net Worth

Willem paved his road to success and fame with his hard work and dedication. He made most of his money through his movies and tv series.

Willem Dafoe, Instagram; Living a luxurious life

AS of 2017, his net worth is estimated to be around $30 million.

• American actor
• Willem Dafoe