History of Willem Dafoe in Timeline
Willem Dafoe is a highly acclaimed American actor recognized for his versatility in portraying a wide range of characters across mainstream and independent films. He has received numerous accolades, including a Volpi Cup Award for Best Actor and an Honorary Golden Bear. Dafoe has also garnered nominations for four Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and four Golden Globe Awards, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
2 hours ago : Willem Dafoe attends Tribeca Film Festival for 'Gonzo Girl' premiere; Patricia Arquette directs.
Willem Dafoe appeared at the Tribeca Film Festival in support of Patricia Arquette's directorial debut, 'Gonzo Girl'. The film received reviews during the festival, highlighting Arquette's venture into directing.
1917: William Alfred Dafoe Birth
In 1917, Dr. William Alfred Dafoe, Willem Dafoe's father, was born.
1922: Muriel Isabel (née Sprissler) Birth
In 1922, Muriel Isabel (née Sprissler), Willem Dafoe's mother, was born.
1953: Reference to The Wild One Film
In 1982, The Loveless film paid homage to the 1953 film The Wild One.
July 22, 1955: William Dafoe's Birth
On July 22, 1955, William James "Willem" Dafoe was born in Appleton, Wisconsin.
1975: Portrayal of Pier Paolo Pasolini's final days in "Pasolini"
In 2014, Willem Dafoe collaborated with Ferrara on the drama "Pasolini", where he played Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini during his last days before his murder in 1975.
1976: Moved to New York City
In 1976, Willem Dafoe moved to New York City after studying drama and joining the experimental theater company Theatre X in Milwaukee.
1977: Relationship with Elizabeth LeCompte
In 1977, Willem Dafoe began a relationship with director Elizabeth LeCompte.
1980: Film Debut in Heaven's Gate
In 1980, Willem Dafoe made his film debut in Michael Cimino's Heaven's Gate, although his role was mostly cut from the film.
1982: Leading Role in The Loveless
In 1982, Willem Dafoe starred as the leader of an outlaw motorcycle club in the drama The Loveless, marking his first leading role.
1982: Birth of Son Jack
In 1982, Willem Dafoe's son, Jack, was born with Elizabeth LeCompte.
1983: Brief Role in The Hunger
In 1983, Willem Dafoe had a brief bit part in The Hunger.
1984: Streets of Fire Role
In 1984, Willem Dafoe played the main antagonist in Walter Hill's action film Streets of Fire.
1985: To Live and Die in L.A. Film Credit
In 1985, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film To Live and Die in L.A.
1985: Roles in Roadhouse 66 and To Live and Die in L.A.
In 1985, Willem Dafoe starred in Roadhouse 66 and To Live and Die in L.A., where he portrayed a counterfeiter named Rick Masters.
1986: Academy Award Nomination for Platoon
In 1986, Willem Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for his role as a compassionate army Sergeant in the war drama Platoon.
1987: Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam Documentary
In 1987, Willem Dafoe provided his voice to the documentary Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam.
1988: The Last Temptation of Christ Film Credit
In 1988, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film The Last Temptation of Christ.
1988: Roles in Off Limits and The Last Temptation of Christ
In 1988, Willem Dafoe starred in Off Limits and portrayed Jesus in Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ, which caused controversy.
1988: Mississippi Burning Release
In 1988, Willem Dafoe starred opposite Gene Hackman in the crime thriller Mississippi Burning, a film that generated controversy regarding its fictionalization of events.
1989: Born on the Fourth of July Film Credit
In 1989, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film Born on the Fourth of July.
1989: Roles in Triumph of the Spirit and Born on the Fourth of July
In 1989, Willem Dafoe starred in Triumph of the Spirit and made a small appearance in Born on the Fourth of July. He was also considered for the role of the Joker in Batman.
1990: Roles in Cry-Baby and Wild at Heart
In 1990, Willem Dafoe made a cameo in Cry-Baby and co-starred in Wild at Heart, where he played a villainous role.
1991: Role in Flight of the Intruder
In 1991, Willem Dafoe starred in the action film Flight of the Intruder, which received negative reviews. He was also slated to star in Arrive Alive, but the film was canceled during production.
1992: Starring Roles in White Sands and Light Sleeper
In 1992, Willem Dafoe had leading roles in White Sands and Paul Schrader's drama Light Sleeper, receiving praise for his performance in the latter.
1993: Roles in Body of Evidence and Faraway, So Close!
In 1993, Willem Dafoe starred in Body of Evidence with Madonna, which was critically panned, and appeared in Wim Wenders' German film Faraway, So Close!.
1994: Roles in Clear and Present Danger and Tom & Viv
In 1994, Willem Dafoe co-starred in Clear and Present Danger and portrayed T.S. Eliot in Tom & Viv.
1995: The Night and the Moment Release
In 1995, Willem Dafoe played an 18th-century writer in the period drama The Night and the Moment.
1996: The English Patient Film Credit
In 1996, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film The English Patient.
1996: Roles in Basquiat and The English Patient
In 1996, Willem Dafoe had a cameo in Basquiat and played an operative in The English Patient, filmed in Tuscany.
1997: Speed 2: Cruise Control and Affliction release
In 1997, Willem Dafoe played a villain in "Speed 2: Cruise Control" and expressed his need to appear in both independent and blockbuster films. He played Geiger, a hacker hijacking a cruise ship. The movie received negative reviews, and Dafoe was nominated for a Razzie. Also in 1997, Dafoe worked with Paul Schrader in "Affliction" and voiced the commandant in "The Simpsons" episode "The Secret War of Lisa Simpson".
1998: New Rose Hotel Release
In 1998, Willem Dafoe starred in Abel Ferrara's cyberpunk drama "New Rose Hotel", playing X, a corporate raider. Despite largely negative reviews, Dafoe's performance was noted as a "compensation".
1998: Victory Released in Europe
In 1998, the film Victory, filmed in 1994, premiered in Europe, in which Willem Dafoe played a role.
1999: Existenz and The Boondock Saints Release
In 1999, Willem Dafoe had a supporting role in David Cronenberg's "Existenz", playing a gas station owner, Gas. He also starred in "The Boondock Saints" as an eccentric FBI agent. The latter received negative reviews but has become a cult film. Dafoe's role in The Boondock Saints was praised by some critics.
2000: American Psycho Film Credit
In 2000, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film American Psycho.
2000: American Psycho and Animal Factory Release
In 2000, Willem Dafoe played a supporting role in "American Psycho" as a private investigator. He also acted in Steve Buscemi's "Animal Factory" as an incarcerated veteran. His performance in Animal Factory was particularly praised by critics.
2000: Academy Award Nomination for Shadow of the Vampire
In 2000, Willem Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for playing Max Schreck in the mystery film Shadow of the Vampire.
2000: Independent Spirit Award for Shadow of the Vampire
In 2000, Willem Dafoe won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his role in Shadow of the Vampire.
2001: Leading Roles as Priests in Pavilion of Women and Edges of the Lord
In 2001, Willem Dafoe took on two leading roles as priests. In "Pavilion of Women", he played an American priest in China. In "Edges of the Lord", he played a priest helping a Jewish boy during Nazi Germany's occupation of Poland.
2002: Release of Spider-Man
In 2002, Willem Dafoe played the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man". He portrayed Norman Osborn, who becomes the Green Goblin after testing a strength enhancer on himself. Reviews of his performance were mixed, with some criticizing the costume.
2002: Spider-Man Film Debut
In 2002, Willem Dafoe portrayed Norman Osborn in the superhero film Spider-Man.
2002: Auto Focus Release
In 2002, Willem Dafoe starred in Paul Schrader's "Auto Focus", portraying John Henry Carpenter, an electronics expert. This marked Dafoe's third collaboration with Schrader.
2002: Green Goblin Role
Like Alfred Molina, Dafoe was digitally de-aged for the character's 2002 self.
2003: Finding Nemo and Once Upon a Time in Mexico Release
In 2003, Willem Dafoe voiced Gill in the animated film "Finding Nemo". He also appeared in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" as a drug lord.
2003: Finding Nemo Voice Role
In 2003, Willem Dafoe voiced a role in the animated film Finding Nemo.
2004: The Reckoning and James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing Release
In 2004, Willem Dafoe acted in "The Reckoning" and lent his voice and likeness to the video game "James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing" as the villain Nikolai Diavolo.
2004: Separation from Elizabeth LeCompte
In 2004, Willem Dafoe and Elizabeth LeCompte separated after a long-term relationship but were never married.
2004: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Film Credit
In 2004, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
2004: The Clearing, Spider-Man 2, and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Release
In 2004, Willem Dafoe co-starred in "The Clearing" as a kidnapper. He reprised his role as Norman Osborn in "Spider-Man 2" and appeared in "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", his first film with Wes Anderson.
2004: The Aviator, Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate, and Control Releases
In 2004, Willem Dafoe had a role in "The Aviator", narrated "Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate", and co-starred in "Control".
March 25, 2005: Marriage to Giada Colagrande
On March 25, 2005, Willem Dafoe married Italian actress Giada Colagrande after meeting on the set of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
2005: Manderlay and Before It Had a Name Release
In 2005, Willem Dafoe co-starred in "Manderlay", beginning a collaboration with Lars von Trier. He also co-wrote and starred in "Before It Had a Name" with his wife, Giada Colagrande.
2005: XXX: State of the Union Release
In 2005, Willem Dafoe co-starred in "XXX: State of the Union" as a U.S. Secretary of Defense attempting a coup. The film was largely panned, but Dafoe did not regret appearing in it.
2006: Inside Man and American Dreamz Release
In 2006, Willem Dafoe had a supporting role in Spike Lee's "Inside Man" and co-starred in "American Dreamz", a comedy satirizing entertainment and politics.
2007: Spider-Man Film Series
In 2007, Willem Dafoe continued portraying Norman Osborn in the superhero film Spider-Man.
2007: Mr. Bean's Holiday, Go Go Tales, and Spider-Man 3 Release
In 2007, Willem Dafoe played a film director in "Mr. Bean's Holiday" and starred in Abel Ferrara's "Go Go Tales". He also voiced a villain in "Tales from Earthsea" and had a cameo in "Spider-Man 3".
2008: Fireflies in the Garden, Adam Resurrected, and The Dust of Time Release
In 2008, Willem Dafoe starred in "Fireflies in the Garden" as an English professor, co-starred in "Adam Resurrected" as a Nazi officer, and starred in "The Dust of Time" as an American film director.
December 2009: Idiot Savant at The Public Theater
Between October and December 2009, Willem Dafoe starred in Richard Foreman's surrealist play, "Idiot Savant", which was performed at The Public Theater.
2009: Antichrist Film Credit
In 2009, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film Antichrist.
2009: Dafoe's Recollection of Childhood
In 2009, Willem Dafoe recalled that his five sisters primarily raised him due to his parents' demanding work schedules as a surgeon and a nurse.
2009: Fantastic Mr. Fox Voice Role
In 2009, Willem Dafoe voiced a role in the animated film Fantastic Mr. Fox.
2010: Appearances in 'Miral', 'A Woman', Birds Eye Commercials and 'Into the Deep'
In 2010, Willem Dafoe appeared in Julian Schnabel's "Miral" and starred in Giada Colagrande's "A Woman". Also in 2010, Dafoe began voicing Clarence, the Birds Eye polar bear mascot in television commercials in the United Kingdom, and narrated Ric Burns' documentary "Into the Deep: America, Whaling & the World".
2010: Dafoe's Reflection on Marriage
In 2010, Willem Dafoe recalled his impromptu marriage to Giada Colagrande, highlighting its spontaneous nature.
2011: Leading roles in '4:44 Last Day on Earth' and 'The Hunter'
In 2011, Willem Dafoe had leading roles in Abel Ferrara's "4:44 Last Day on Earth" and starred in the Australian drama "The Hunter". In 2011, Dafoe began narrating commercials for Fage and starred in a Jim Beam commercial titled "Bold Choices". Dafoe starred alongside Marina Abramović and Gretchen Mol in the play "The Life and Death of Marina Abramović", which premiered at The Lowry in 2011.
2012: Death of Muriel Isabel (née Sprissler)
In 2012, Muriel Isabel (née Sprissler), Willem Dafoe's mother, passed away.
2012: John Carter Film Credit
In 2012, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film John Carter.
2012: Role as Tars Tarkas in 'John Carter' and 'Tomorrow You're Gone'
In 2012, Willem Dafoe played Martian chieftain Tars Tarkas in the Disney film "John Carter", using motion capture. He also co-starred in the crime thriller "Tomorrow You're Gone" in 2012.
2013: Roles in 'Odd Thomas', 'Beyond: Two Souls', 'Out of the Furnace', and 'Nymphomaniac'
In 2013, Willem Dafoe played a police officer in "Odd Thomas" and co-starred in the video game "Beyond: Two Souls". Dafoe played a supporting role in "Out of the Furnace" and appeared in Lars von Trier's "Nymphomaniac". Also in 2013, Dafoe played the devil in a Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl commercial and starred in three short student films as part of a competition sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey.
May 2014: Member of the Jury at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2014, Willem Dafoe served as a member of the main competition jury at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
November 2014: Guest Appearance on 'The Simpsons'
In November 2014, Dafoe made his second guest appearance on "The Simpsons", voicing a new school teacher.
2014: Death of William Alfred Dafoe
In 2014, Dr. William Alfred Dafoe, Willem Dafoe's father, passed away.
2014: Roles in 'A Most Wanted Man', 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' and 'Bad Country'
In 2014, Willem Dafoe portrayed a banker in "A Most Wanted Man", worked with Wes Anderson in "The Grand Budapest Hotel", and starred in "Bad Country" as a detective.
2015: Starred in 'My Hindu Friend'
In 2015, Willem Dafoe starred in Héctor Babenco's final film, "My Hindu Friend", as a film director close to death.
2016: Roles in 'Dog Eat Dog', 'Finding Dory', 'A Family Man', 'Sculpt', and 'The Great Wall'
In 2016, Willem Dafoe starred in "Dog Eat Dog", reprised his voice role in "Finding Dory", played in "A Family Man", starred in "Sculpt", and appeared in "The Great Wall". Also in 2016, Dafoe appeared in a Snickers Super Bowl commercial, recreating Marilyn Monroe's iconic white dress scene.
2017: Starred in 'The Florida Project' and other roles
In 2017, Willem Dafoe co-starred in Sean Baker's drama "The Florida Project", voiced Ryuk in Netflix's "Death Note", narrated "Mountain", co-starred in "Murder on the Orient Express", and played Nuidis Vulko in "Justice League". Dafoe earned his third Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2017.
2017: Academy Award Nomination for The Florida Project
In 2017, Willem Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for playing a motel manager in the film The Florida Project.
2017: Independent Spirit Award for The Florida Project
In 2017, Willem Dafoe won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his role in The Florida Project.
2018: Starred in 'Aquaman' and 'At Eternity's Gate'
In 2018, Willem Dafoe played Nuidis Vulko in a leading role in James Wan's film "Aquaman". The same year, Dafoe played Vincent van Gogh in the biographical drama "At Eternity's Gate", for which he received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor and an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination.
2018: Academy Award Nomination for At Eternity's Gate
In 2018, Willem Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Vincent van Gogh in the biopic At Eternity's Gate.
2018: Honorary Golden Bear
In 2018, Willem Dafoe received an Honorary Golden Bear award.
2019: The Lighthouse Film Credit
In 2019, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film The Lighthouse.
2019: Roles in 'Motherless Brooklyn', 'The Lighthouse', and 'Togo'
In 2019, Willem Dafoe had a supporting role in "Motherless Brooklyn", played a lighthouse keeper in "The Lighthouse", and portrayed Leonhard Seppala in "Togo".
2020: Ranked in The New York Times' List
In 2020, The New York Times ranked Willem Dafoe No. 18 in its list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century.
2021: Starred in 'The French Dispatch' and 'Nightmare Alley', voiced 'River'
In 2021, Willem Dafoe acted in "The French Dispatch" and "Nightmare Alley", and voiced the Australian ABC-television documentary "River".
2021: Reprised Role as Green Goblin in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'
In 2021, Willem Dafoe reprised his role as Green Goblin in "Spider-Man: No Way Home". Upon the release of No Way Home in 2021, Dafoe's reprisal was met with universal acclaim.
2021: Spider-Man: No Way Home
In 2021, Willem Dafoe reprised his role as Norman Osborn in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
January 18, 2022: Dafoe to Host Saturday Night Live
On January 18, 2022, it was announced that Willem Dafoe would host Saturday Night Live on January 29, 2022, featuring Katy Perry as the musical guest.
January 29, 2022: Dafoe Hosts Saturday Night Live
On January 29, 2022, Willem Dafoe hosted Saturday Night Live with Katy Perry as the musical guest.
May 22, 2022: Honorary Degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
On May 22, 2022, Willem Dafoe was invited to serve as the keynote speaker for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's commencement ceremony and received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from his alma mater.
2022: Acted in 'The Northman'
Willem Dafoe acted in Robert Eggers's historical epic "The Northman", released in 2022.
October 2023: Dafoe to Voice Elder Pelican in Miyazaki Film
In October 2023, it was announced that Willem Dafoe would provide the English language voice for Elder Pelican in Hayao Miyazaki's animated film, The Boy and the Heron.
2023: The Boy and the Heron Voice Role
In 2023, Willem Dafoe voiced a role in the animated film The Boy and the Heron.
January 8, 2024: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On January 8, 2024, Willem Dafoe received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
September 6, 2024: Release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
On September 6, 2024, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, featuring Dafoe as Wolf Jackson, was released to critical and commercial success.
October 11, 2024: Release of Saturday Night
On October 11, 2024, Saturday Night, a biographical comedy-drama film where Dafoe portrays David Tebet, was released.
December 25, 2024: Release of Nosferatu
On December 25, 2024, Nosferatu, a gothic horror film starring Dafoe as Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, was released.
2024: Dramatic Reading of Judas
In 2024, Dafoe performed a dramatic reading of a poem titled Judas at the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, staged in front of Peter Paul Rubens' Last Supper painting.
2024: Nosferatu Film Credit
In 2024, Willem Dafoe appeared in the film Nosferatu.
April 25, 2025: Release of The Legend of Ochi
On April 25, 2025, The Legend of Ochi, an A24 fantasy adventure film where Dafoe plays Maxim, is set to be released.
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