Willem Dafoe, born William James Dafoe on July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin, is an American actor. He is the seventh of eight children. He studied drama at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, but left after a year and a half to join experimental theatre company Theatre X.
Dafoe’s early acting career was significantly shaped by his involvement with Theatre X, a Milwaukee-based experimental theatre group. He toured with the company for several years, honing his craft and developing a reputation for his intense and committed performances. This period instilled in him a strong foundation in avant-garde and unconventional acting techniques.
Dafoe made his film debut in 1980 in Michael Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate, though his scene was cut. His breakthrough role came in 1986 with Oliver Stone’s Platoon, where he portrayed Sergeant Elias Grodin. This portrayal earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Dafoe has starred in a wide range of films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Some of his most recognized roles include:
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