Dafoe's early roles include in The Loveless (1982), Streets of Fire (1984), and To Live and Die in L.A. He made his film debut in Heaven's Gate (1980), but was fired during production and was uncredited despite one of his scenes making it into the final cut of the film. He has frequently collaborated with filmmakers Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, Lars von Trier, Julian Schnabel, Wes Anderson, and Robert Eggers.ĭafoe was a founding member of experimental theater company The Wooster Group. Known for his diverse roles in film, he is the recipient of various accolades, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actor as well as nominations for four Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and four Golden Globe Awards. William James ' Willem' Dafoe ( / d ə ˈ f oʊ/ July 22, 1955) is an American actor.
