Willem J. Dafoe is a popular American TV and stage actor, known for his roles in movies like “Platoon”, “Affliction”, “Streets of Fire”, “The English Patient”, “Mississippi Burning”, “The Boondock Saints”, “The Aviator” and “Spider-Man”, to name a few. He was born on 22nd July, 1955 in Wisconsin, United States of America and started his career in 1980.
Early Career
Willem Dafoe started his career in 1980, appearing in an uncredited role in the movie titled “Heaven’s Gate”. In 1982, he appeared in a major role in “The Loveless” and performed his role impressively to catch the attention of film-makers. In 1983, he played the role of Johnny Harte in “Roadhouse 66”, followed by a role in 1984 film “Streets of Fire”. His breakthrough performance came in “Platoon”, released in 1986, for which he earned worldwide fame and critical acclaim.
After the success of “Platoon”, Willem Dafoe appeared in several movies including “Off Limits” in 1986, “Mississippi Burning” in 1988, “Born on the Fourth of July” in 1989, “Wild at Heart” in 1990 and “Flight of Intruder”, released in 1991. His next breakthrough performance came in 2000 movie titled “Shadow of the Vampire”, in which he played the role of Max Schreck. He also appeared in the box office hit movie “Spider Man”, playing the role of Norman Osborn.
Career Highlights
Willem Dafoe earned Academy award nomination in the category for best supporting actor and Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for the movie titled “Platoon”, released in 1986. In 2000, he was again nominated for Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and Online Film Critics Society Award for best supporting actor for his performance in “Shadow of the Vampire”.
Top Ten Movies of Willem Dafoe
- Platoon
- Mississippi Burning
- Born on the Fourth of July
- The English Patient
- Shadow of the Vampire
- Spider-Man
- American Psycho
- Once Upon a Time in Mexico
- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
- Murder on the Orient Express
