Net Worth Ranker
What Is Willem Dafoe’s Net Worth?
Willem Dafoe, a celebrated American actor known for his versatility and extensive filmography, has accumulated a considerable fortune over his decades-long career. As of 2024, Willem Dafoe’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. This figure primarily reflects his earnings from acting roles in both mainstream blockbusters and independent films, supplemented by real estate investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born William James Dafoe on July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Muriel and William Dafoe, Willem was one of eight children. His father was an accountant, and his mother was a nurse. The actor’s ancestry is a mix of Scottish, French, English, Irish, and German roots. Willem attended Appleton East High School and later enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee to study drama. However, he left after a year and a half to join Theatre X, an experimental theater group in Milwaukee, marking the start of his professional acting journey. In 1976, Dafoe moved to New York City and apprenticed under Richard Schechner, the founder of The Performance Group. He co-founded The Wooster Group with Elizabeth LeCompte, Jim Clayburgh, and others.
Film Career in the 1980s
Willem Dafoe’s foray into film began with an uncredited role in Michael Cimino’s “Heaven’s Gate” (1980). His first starring role came in “The Loveless.” By 1986, Willem Dafoe delivered a career-defining performance in Oliver Stone’s “Platoon,” portraying Sergeant Elias Grodin. “Platoon” was a box office success grossing $138.5 million. Willem received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his performance, marking a significant milestone in his career. In 1988, he appeared in “Off Limits,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Temptation of Christ,” and “Mississippi Burning.” These early roles established him as a versatile actor capable of handling diverse and challenging characters.
Film Career in the 1990s
In the 1990s, Willem Dafoe expanded his repertoire with roles in various films, including “Cry-Baby,” “Wild at Heart,” and “Flight of the Intruder.” He co-starred in “Clear and Present Danger” (1994), which grossed over $215 million worldwide. In 1996, Dafoe appeared in “The English Patient,” which won the Best Picture Oscar. Dafoe played the villainous John Geiger in “Speed 2: Cruise Control” in 1997. Toward the end of the decade, he took on roles in “Affliction” and “The Boondock Saints,” showcasing his ability to transition between genres and character types.
Film Career in the 2000s and Beyond
The 2000s saw Willem Dafoe taking on some of his most iconic roles. He started the decade with a supporting role in “American Psycho” (2000). In 2000, he also starred in “Animal Factory”. His portrayal of Max Schreck in “Shadow of the Vampire” (2000) earned him his second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. However, his role as the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” (2002) catapulted him to mainstream fame. “Spider-Man” grossed over $821 million worldwide, significantly boosting Dafoe’s visibility and earning potential. He reprised his role as the Green Goblin in subsequent “Spider-Man” films, further solidifying his status as a box-office draw. In 2003, he voiced Gill in “Finding Nemo”, which grossed over $940 million worldwide. Dafoe also worked in “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” “Inside Man,” and “Antichrist.” In 2014, he had roles in “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “John Wick,” and he portrayed Pier Paolo Pasolini in Abel Ferrara’s “Pasolini.” Dafoe received his third Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Florida Project” (2017) and a nomination for Best Actor for “At Eternity’s Gate” (2018), where he played Vincent van Gogh. He continued with roles in “The Lighthouse,” “The French Dispatch,” and “Nightmare Alley.” This prolific output has consistently contributed to his income and Willem Dafoe’s net worth.
Real Estate Investments
Willem Dafoe’s real estate portfolio includes several properties in New York. In 1988 Willem bought a home in Acord, New York, and listed it in September 2008 for $850,000. Dafoe purchased a condo on Perry Street in New York City for $1.6 million in 2005. In 2008, he acquired a one-acre property in Stone Ridge, New York, for $400,000 and later bought an adjacent five-acre plot for $60,000. He listed the combined property for sale in October 2023 for $1.275 million. In April 2014, he purchased a two-bedroom apartment in a luxury building on Jane Street in Manhattan for $3.9 million. These real estate investments contribute to Willem Dafoe’s net worth, reflecting his strategic asset diversification.
Earnings from Films
While specific salary details for many of Willem Dafoe’s earlier roles are not publicly available, his involvement in major blockbusters like the “Spider-Man” franchise has undoubtedly contributed significantly to his earnings. It is estimated that his salary for the first “Spider-Man” film in 2002 was in the low millions. His subsequent appearances in superhero films, along with his consistent work in both studio and independent productions, have ensured a steady income stream. He has 159 acting credits. It can be assumed that the actor makes at least 1 million dollars per role, on average. His roles in Wes Anderson films, such as “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014) and “The French Dispatch” (2021), while potentially lower-paying than blockbuster roles, contribute to his reputation and open doors for more diverse opportunities. His willingness to work on smaller, independent projects also reflects his commitment to artistic expression over solely maximizing financial gain. His role in the film “Platoon” earned him $60,000.
Personal Life
Willem Dafoe was in a relationship with experimental theater director Elizabeth LeCompte from 1977 to 2004. They had a son, Jack, in 1982. He married Italian filmmaker and actress Giada Colagrande in March 2005. The couple splits their time between Rome, Los Angeles, and New York City. His lifestyle, though relatively private, involves travel between these locations and supports his career. There are no indications he owns any private planes.
