Willem Dafoe is a recognized actor who has featured in numerous roles. Dafoe is recognized for various roles like To Live and Die, The Last Temptations of Christ, Platoon, and Shadow of the Vampire to mention a few.
The star has collaborated with great stars like Abel Ferrara, Julian Schnabel, and Wes Anderson, who have enabled him to gain the limelight and increase his fanbase. Due to his skills, he has received various awards, including Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and numerous Golden Globe Awards.
Dafoe began his acting career through uncredited roles, but with time, he gained experience and began getting credited roles. So, how wealthy is the actor?
Dafoe’s Net Worth
Dafoe is one of the richest actors, with a net worth of $40 million. The famous personality has accumulated his wealth through many years as an actor. Dafoe has been featured in numerous roles in films and arthouse, which have earned him a good income and built his wealth.
Dafoe’s main source of net worth is his long career which has spanned over four decades. Dafoe began acting in Heaven’s Gate an uncredited role, and it enabled him to land more roles. Over the years, he has been awarded various accolades including Academy Awards.
Early Life and Education
William James was born on July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin. His parents were busy due to their professions, but he had a good childhood, thanks to his older sisters. Dafoe’s father was a surgeon, while his mother was a nurse. As a result, his five older sisters took care of him while his parents were working.
Dafoe has a brother who is a surgeon and research scientist. He graduated from Appleton East High School and joined the University of Wisconsin. He studied Drama at the University but left after 18 months to work at Theater X in Milwaukee. He later moved to New York City and focused on his career.
Career
Dafoe’s acting began in the 19080s, with an uncredited role. He had his first starring role in The Loveless when he played the leader of a gang. His other roles like Streets of Fire and The Hunger followed, and they gave him a little exposure.
Dafoe moved from television to film roles in the 90s. he began his film career with a role in Cry-Baby, and followed with other roles in Tom& Viv, White Sands, and Body of Evidence.
Personal Life
Dafoe began his romantic relationship with Elizabeth LeCompte in 1977. They had a son in 1982. The couple had issues which led to their separation in 2004. Dafoe later married actress Giada Colagrande in March 2005 and they have lived together since then.
The couple divides their time between Rome, Los Angeles, and New York City, where they spend most of their time.
Dafoe is known to have bought a few real estate properties including a condo in New York City, which he paid for $1.6 million. In 2008, he paid $400,000 for a one-acre property in Stone Ridge, New York. He listed the property alongside five acres that he had bought from neighbors for $1.275 million.
