History of Willem Dafoe in Timeline
Willem Dafoe is a highly acclaimed American actor known for his wide range of roles in both mainstream and independent cinema. He has received numerous awards and nominations, including four Oscar nominations and a Volpi Cup for Best Actor. Dafoe has collaborated extensively with renowned directors like Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, and Wes Anderson. He was also a founding member of the experimental theater group The Wooster Group.
1917: Birth of Willem Dafoe's Father
Willem Dafoe's father, Dr. William Alfred Dafoe, was born in 1917.
1922: Birth of Willem Dafoe's Mother
Willem Dafoe's mother, Muriel Isabel (née Sprissler), was born in 1922.
1953: Release of "The Wild One"
"The Loveless", in which Dafoe starred, paid homage to the 1953 film "The Wild One".
July 22, 1955: Birth of Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe was born on July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin.
1975
This date pertains to the portrayal of filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini in the film "Pasolini," set during his last days before his murder in 1975.
1976: Move to New York and Theatre Involvement
After leaving the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Dafoe moved to New York City in 1976 and began working with experimental theater companies, including Theatre X and The Performance Group.
1977: Relationship with Elizabeth LeCompte Begins
Willem Dafoe entered into a relationship with director Elizabeth LeCompte in 1977. They never married, with Dafoe stating that LeCompte viewed marriage as "ownership."
1980: Film Debut in "Heaven's Gate"
Dafoe made his film debut in "Heaven's Gate" in 1980.
1980: Film Debut in "Heaven's Gate"
Willem Dafoe made his film debut with an uncredited role in "Heaven's Gate" in 1980.
1982: Lead Role in "The Loveless"
Dafoe starred as the leader of an outlaw motorcycle club in the drama "The Loveless" in 1982, his first leading role.
1982: Lead Role in "The Loveless"
Dafoe starred in "The Loveless" in 1982, marking his first leading role in a film.
1982: Birth of Son, Jack
Willem Dafoe's son, Jack, was born in 1982. Jack is the son of Dafoe and director Elizabeth LeCompte.
1983: Cameo in "The Hunger"
Dafoe had a brief cameo appearance in "The Hunger" in 1983.
1984: Antagonist in "Streets of Fire"
Dafoe played the leader of a biker gang and the main antagonist in "Streets of Fire" in 1984.
1984: Role in "Streets of Fire"
Dafoe played the leader of a biker gang in "Streets of Fire" in 1984.
1985: Roles in "Roadhouse 66" and "To Live and Die in L.A."
Dafoe starred in "Roadhouse 66" alongside Judge Reinhold and "To Live and Die in L.A." with William Petersen and John Pankow in 1985.
1985: Roles in "Roadhouse 66" and "To Live and Die in L.A."
Dafoe starred in "Roadhouse 66" and "To Live and Die in L.A." in 1985.
1986: Critical Acclaim for "Platoon"
Dafoe starred in "Platoon" in 1986, a role that earned him critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination.
1986: Breakthrough Role in "Platoon"
Dafoe starred in "Platoon" in 1986, gaining recognition for his role as Sergeant Elias Grodin.
1987: Voice Role in "Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam"
Dafoe lent his voice to the documentary "Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam" in 1987.
1988: Roles in "Mississippi Burning"
Dafoe appeared in "Mississippi Burning" in 1988.
1988: Controversial Role in "The Last Temptation of Christ"
Dafoe portrayed Jesus in "The Last Temptation of Christ" in 1988, a role that sparked controversy for its departure from traditional biblical portrayals.
1988: Roles in "Off Limits" and "The Last Temptation of Christ"
Dafoe starred in "Off Limits" and "The Last Temptation of Christ" in 1988.
1988: Mississippi Burning Release and Controversy
In 1988, Dafoe starred in "Mississippi Burning" as an FBI agent investigating the disappearance of civil rights workers. While his performance was praised, the film sparked controversy for its fictionalized portrayal of events during the civil rights movement.
1989: Role in "Born on the Fourth of July"
Dafoe had a role in "Born on the Fourth of July" in 1989.
1989: Triumph of the Spirit and Born on the Fourth of July
Dafoe starred in "Triumph of the Spirit" in 1989, portraying a Jewish boxer forced to fight in Auschwitz. He also had a small role in "Born on the Fourth of July" as a paraplegic Vietnam veteran.
1990: Appearance in "Wild at Heart"
Dafoe appeared in "Wild at Heart" in 1990.
1990: Cry-Baby and Wild at Heart
Dafoe appeared in "Cry-Baby" as a prison guard and in "Wild at Heart" as a criminal, showcasing his versatility as an actor in 1990.
1991: Flight of the Intruder and Arrive Alive Cancellation
In 1991, Dafoe starred in "Flight of the Intruder," which received negative reviews. He was also set to appear in "Arrive Alive," but the film was canceled during production.
1992: Role in "Light Sleeper"
Dafoe had a role in "Light Sleeper" in 1992.
1992: White Sands and Light Sleeper
Dafoe had two lead roles in 1992: "White Sands," where he played a sheriff impersonating a dead man, and "Light Sleeper," where he portrayed a lonely drug delivery man.
1993: Body of Evidence and Faraway, So Close!
Dafoe starred in the thriller "Body of Evidence" and the German film "Faraway, So Close!" in 1993.
1994: Performance in "Clear and Present Danger"
Dafoe starred in "Clear and Present Danger" in 1994.
1994: Clear and Present Danger and Tom & Viv Release
In 1994, Dafoe appeared in the thriller "Clear and Present Danger" and portrayed T.S. Eliot in the drama "Tom & Viv."
1995: The Night and the Moment Release
Dafoe starred in the period drama "The Night and the Moment" in 1995.
1996: Role in "The English Patient"
Dafoe had a role in "The English Patient" in 1996.
1996: Basquiat and The English Patient
Dafoe made a cameo appearance in "Basquiat" and starred in the war drama "The English Patient" in 1996.
1997: Appearance in "Affliction"
Dafoe appeared in "Affliction" in 1997.
1997: Speed 2: Cruise Control, Affliction, and The Simpsons
In 1997, Dafoe starred in the poorly received "Speed 2: Cruise Control," collaborated with Paul Schrader again on "Affliction," and lent his voice to an episode of "The Simpsons."
1998: Victory Release
The period drama "Victory," filmed in 1994, was finally released in 1998, featuring Dafoe as a European living in Southeast Asia.
1998: Dafoe on Avoiding Typecasting
In 1998, Dafoe discussed his efforts to avoid being typecast as a villain, highlighting his preference for diverse roles.
1998: Lulu on the Bridge and New Rose Hotel
Dafoe had supporting roles in "Lulu on the Bridge" and the cyberpunk drama "New Rose Hotel" in 1998.
1998: Role in "New Rose Hotel"
Dafoe had a role in "New Rose Hotel" in 1998.
1999: Existenz and The Boondock Saints
Dafoe appeared in David Cronenberg's "Existenz" and starred as an FBI agent in the cult classic "The Boondock Saints" in 1999.
1999: Roles in "Existenz" and "The Boondock Saints"
Dafoe starred in "Existenz" and "The Boondock Saints" in 1999.
2000: Role in "American Psycho"
Dafoe had a role in "American Psycho" in 2000.
2000: Academy Award Nomination for "Shadow of the Vampire"
Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "Shadow of the Vampire" in 2000.
2000: Supporting Roles in "American Psycho" and "Animal Factory"
Willem Dafoe took on supporting roles in two films in 2000. He played a private investigator in "American Psycho" and an incarcerated veteran con-man in "Animal Factory," receiving praise for his comic timing in the latter.
2000: Independent Spirit Award for "Shadow of the Vampire"
Willem Dafoe won his first Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his performance in the film "Shadow of the Vampire" in 2000.
2001: Lead Roles as Priests and Critical Acclaim
In 2001, Willem Dafoe starred in two films as a priest: "Pavilion of Women" where he played an American priest in China, and "Edges of the Lord" as a priest protecting a Jewish boy during World War II.
2002: Appearance in "Auto Focus"
Dafoe appeared in "Auto Focus" in 2002.
2002: Iconic Role as Green Goblin in "Spider-Man"
Dafoe gained wide recognition for his portrayal of the supervillain Norman Osborn, also known as the Green Goblin, in "Spider-Man" in 2002.
2002: Collaboration with Paul Schrader in "Auto Focus"
Willem Dafoe collaborated with director Paul Schrader for the third time in the biographical film "Auto Focus" in 2002. He played John Henry Carpenter, a man who develops an unusual friendship with actor Bob Crane.
2002: Green Goblin's Debut in Spider-Man
Willem Dafoe first appeared as the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" released in 2002. This marked his initial portrayal of the character that he would later reprise.
2002: Playing the Green Goblin in "Spider-Man"
Willem Dafoe portrayed the iconic villain Green Goblin in the 2002 superhero film "Spider-Man." His performance, despite challenges with the costume, was met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising his menacing presence and others finding it underwhelming.
2003: Voice Role in "Finding Nemo"
Dafoe provided a voice role in "Finding Nemo" in 2003.
2003: Voice Acting in "Finding Nemo" and Role in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico"
In 2003, Willem Dafoe lent his voice to the animated Pixar film "Finding Nemo," portraying the moorish idol fish Gill. He also appeared in Robert Rodriguez's action film "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" as a drug cartel kingpin.
2004: Role in "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"
Dafoe had a role in "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" in 2004.
2004: Reprising Green Goblin in "Spider-Man 2"
Dafoe reprised his role as the Green Goblin in "Spider-Man 2" in 2004.
2004: Diverse Roles in "The Clearing," "Spider-Man 2," and "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"
In 2004, Willem Dafoe portrayed a sympathetic kidnapper in "The Clearing," reprised his role as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin in "Spider-Man 2," and appeared as the first mate in Wes Anderson's comedy-drama "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou."
2004: Separation from Elizabeth LeCompte
Willem Dafoe and Elizabeth LeCompte ended their relationship in 2004. The couple had been together since 1977 and had one son.
2004: Supporting Roles and Narration Work
Willem Dafoe had a small role in Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator" and narrated the documentary "Final Cut: The Making and Unmaking of Heaven's Gate" in 2004. He also co-starred in the thriller "Control."
2004: Starring in "The Reckoning" and Voice Acting in "James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing"
Willem Dafoe starred in the murder mystery film "The Reckoning" set in the Middle Ages in 2004. He also provided his voice and likeness to the video game "James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing," playing the villain Nikolai Diavolo.
March 25, 2005: Marriage to Giada Colagrande
Willem Dafoe married Italian actress Giada Colagrande on March 25, 2005. The couple had a spontaneous wedding ceremony the day after Dafoe proposed over lunch.
2005: Collaboration with Lars von Trier and Release of "Before It Had a Name"
In 2005, Dafoe collaborated with Lars von Trier on "Manderlay" and starred in "Before It Had a Name," which he co-wrote with his wife, Giada Colagrande, who also directed. He also appeared in "Ripley Under Ground."
2005: Appearance in "XXX: State of the Union"
Willem Dafoe appeared in the action film sequel "XXX: State of the Union" in 2005, playing the US Secretary of Defense.
2006: Notable Roles in "Inside Man" and "American Dreamz"
Dafoe had a supporting role in Spike Lee's "Inside Man" and portrayed the White House Chief of Staff in the satirical comedy "American Dreamz" in 2006. He also starred in a short film within the anthology "Paris, je t'aime."
2006: Performance in "Inside Man"
Dafoe starred in "Inside Man" in 2006.
2007: Diverse Roles and Voice Acting Debut
In 2007, Dafoe appeared in various films, including "Mr. Bean's Holiday," "Go Go Tales," and "The Walker." He also voiced a character in "Tales from Earthsea" and reprised his role as Norman Osborn in "Spider-Man 3."
2007: Green Goblin in "Spider-Man 3"
Dafoe appeared as the Green Goblin once again in "Spider-Man 3" in 2007.
2007: Role in "Mr. Bean's Holiday"
Dafoe had a role in "Mr. Bean's Holiday" in 2007.
2008: Premiere of "Fireflies in the Garden" and Collaboration with Paul Schrader
Dafoe starred in "Fireflies in the Garden," which premiered in 2008 but saw a theatrical release in 2011. He also appeared in Paul Schrader's "Adam Resurrected" and the Greek drama "The Dust of Time."
December 2009: Stage Performance in "Idiot Savant"
Between October and December 2009, Dafoe took to the stage in Richard Foreman's surrealist play "Idiot Savant" at The Public Theater.
2009: Roles in "Antichrist" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox"
Dafoe starred in "Antichrist" and provided a voice role in "Fantastic Mr. Fox" in 2009.
2009: Dafoe Discusses Upbringing
In 2009, Dafoe shared insights into his upbringing, mentioning that he was primarily raised by his five sisters due to his parents' demanding careers.
2010: Collaboration with Giada Colagrande
By 2010, Willem Dafoe had worked with his wife, Giada Colagrande, on two of her films: "Before It Had a Name" and "A Woman." The couple divided their time between Rome, Los Angeles, and New York City. Dafoe obtained Italian citizenship through his marriage to Colagrande.
2010: Film Festival Premieres and Voice Acting
In 2010, Dafoe appeared in "Miral" and "A Woman," both of which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. He also began voicing the Birds Eye polar bear mascot and narrated the documentary "Into the Deep: America, Whaling & the World."
2011: Leading Roles, Commercials, and Stage Performance
Dafoe starred in "4:44 Last Day on Earth" and "The Hunter" in 2011. He also appeared in commercials for Fage and Jim Beam and starred in the play "The Life and Death of Marina Abramović."
2011: Theatrical Release of "Fireflies in the Garden"
Dafoe's film "Fireflies in the Garden," which premiered in 2008, was released theatrically in 2011.
2012: John Carter and Tomorrow You're Gone Release
In 2012, Willem Dafoe starred as Tars Tarkas in Disney's "John Carter," utilizing motion capture. He also co-starred in the crime thriller "Tomorrow You're Gone" with Stephen Dorff and Michelle Monaghan.
2012: Death of Willem Dafoe's Mother
Willem Dafoe's mother, Muriel Isabel, passed away in 2012.
2013: Appearance in "Nymphomaniac"
Dafoe appeared in "Nymphomaniac" in 2013.
2013: Odd Thomas, Beyond: Two Souls, and Nymphomaniac
In 2013, Dafoe took on roles in the supernatural thriller "Odd Thomas," the video game "Beyond: Two Souls" alongside Elliot Page, and Lars von Trier's two-part film "Nymphomaniac." He also appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Mercedes-Benz and starred in student films for a Jameson Irish Whiskey competition.
May 2014: Cannes Film Festival Jury Member
Willem Dafoe served as a jury member for the main competition at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
November 2014: Guest Appearance on The Simpsons
Dafoe made his second guest appearance on "The Simpsons" in November 2014, voicing a school teacher.
2014: Roles in "The Fault in Our Stars", "John Wick", and "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Dafoe had roles in "The Fault in Our Stars", "John Wick", and "The Grand Budapest Hotel" in 2014.
2014: Death of Willem Dafoe's Father
Willem Dafoe's father, Dr. William Alfred Dafoe, passed away in 2014.
2014: A Most Wanted Man, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Bad Country
In 2014, Dafoe co-starred with Philip Seymour Hoffman in "A Most Wanted Man," collaborated with Wes Anderson on "The Grand Budapest Hotel," and appeared in the crime thriller "Bad Country" alongside Matt Dillon.
2015: My Hindu Friend Premiere
Dafoe starred in the late Héctor Babenco's film "My Hindu Friend" (2015), playing a film director who befriends a young boy.
2016: Dog Eat Dog, Finding Dory, and The Great Wall
In 2016, Dafoe starred in the black comedy "Dog Eat Dog" with Nicolas Cage, reprised his voice role as Gill in "Finding Dory," and appeared in "The Great Wall" alongside Matt Damon. He also recreated Marilyn Monroe's iconic white dress scene for a Snickers Super Bowl commercial.
2017: The Florida Project and Award Nominations
Dafoe garnered critical acclaim for his performance in "The Florida Project" (2017), earning him his third Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, as well as nominations for Golden Globe, SAG, and BAFTA awards. He also voiced Ryuk in Netflix's "Death Note" and appeared in "Murder on the Orient Express" and "Justice League."
2017: Academy Award Nomination for "The Florida Project"
Dafoe was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "The Florida Project" in 2017.
2017: Independent Spirit Award for "The Florida Project"
In 2017, Willem Dafoe won his second Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male, this time for his role in "The Florida Project."
2018: Role in "Aquaman"
Dafoe had a role in "Aquaman" in 2018.
2018: Aquaman and At Eternity's Gate
Dafoe played Nuidis Vulko in "Aquaman" and portrayed Vincent van Gogh in "At Eternity's Gate" in 2018, the latter earning him the Volpi Cup for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination.
2018: Academy Award Nomination for "At Eternity's Gate"
Dafoe received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as Vincent van Gogh in "At Eternity's Gate" in 2018.
2019: Motherless Brooklyn and The Lighthouse Premiere
Dafoe appeared in "Motherless Brooklyn" and starred in "The Lighthouse" alongside Robert Pattinson, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim in 2019.
2019: Performance in "The Lighthouse"
Dafoe starred in "The Lighthouse" in 2019.
2020: New York Times Recognition
In 2020, The New York Times ranked Willem Dafoe No. 18 on its list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century.
2021: Role in "Nightmare Alley"
Dafoe had a role in "Nightmare Alley" in 2021.
2021: Return as Green Goblin in "Spider-Man: No Way Home"
Dafoe reprised his role as the Green Goblin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Spider-Man: No Way Home" in 2021.
2021: The French Dispatch, Nightmare Alley, and Togo
Dafoe starred in Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch," Guillermo del Toro's "Nightmare Alley," and "Togo," all released in 2021 after pandemic-related delays. He also narrated the documentary "River."
2021: Spider-Man: No Way Home Release and Critical Acclaim
In 2021, Willem Dafoe reprised his role as Green Goblin in "Spider-Man: No Way Home," receiving widespread praise for his performance. To maintain secrecy, he wore a cloak on set, even startling Tom Holland. Dafoe's portrayal, digitally de-aged for the 2002 version of the character, was highlighted by critics as a standout element of the film.
January 18, 2022: Willem Dafoe Announced as Saturday Night Live Host
On January 18, 2022, Willem Dafoe was announced as the host for the January 29th episode of Saturday Night Live, with Katy Perry as the musical guest.
January 29, 2022: Willem Dafoe Hosts Saturday Night Live
Willem Dafoe hosted Saturday Night Live on January 29, 2022, with Katy Perry as the musical guest.
May 22, 2022: Honorary Doctorate and Commencement Speech at UW-Milwaukee
Willem Dafoe was invited back to his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, on May 22, 2022. He delivered the keynote address at the commencement ceremony and received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree.
2022: The Northman Release
"The Northman," a historical epic directed by Robert Eggers and starring Dafoe, was released in 2022 after pandemic-related delays.
May 12, 2023: Willem Dafoe Cast in "Beetlejuice 2"
On May 12, 2023, Willem Dafoe joined the cast of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" in an undisclosed role, later revealed as Wolf Jackson, a ghost detective and former B-movie star.
October 2023: Voice Role in "The Boy and the Heron" Announced
It was revealed in October 2023 that Willem Dafoe would lend his voice to the character Elder Pelican in Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "The Boy and the Heron."
2023: Appearance in "Poor Things"
Dafoe appeared in "Poor Things" in 2023.
January 8, 2024: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Willem Dafoe received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 8, 2024.