Willem Dafoe, actor: “I’ve learned I have a distinctive face, something that I didn’t know”
The actor admits in an interview that he didn’t know his appearance was so distinctive.
Willem Dafoe is the eternal Green Goblin. No matter how many years go by, his role in Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy has forever marked his path in modern cinema. But the actor has a long career playing somewhat peculiar characters. Because his face, yes, his face is so different from the average that it greatly defines the personality of his roles. Everyone knew about his personal brand except himself.
This is how Willem Dafoe learned that his face was different
In a conversation with Sunday Today, the actor shares a funny anecdote that allowed him to learn how his face was perceived by other people. “I’ve learned I have a distinctive face. Something that I didn’t know. I always remember, I was on the subway. Years ago, when New York was still pretty rough. I was taking my kid, by subway, from downtown to the Bronx Zoo. And some guys got on the train.”
He continues: “and they’re sitting there, and they’re looking at me. And they’re looking kinda… rough. Even with my son here, these guys are gonna… roll me for money or something. Something bad is gonna happen. ‘Cause they were looking kinda mean. And they were looking at each other. Then I heard one of them say, ‘Yeah, it must be him. Nobody looks like that motherfucker!’ That’s when I knew.”
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When he lowers his head and starts smiling, it’s genuinely frightening. It’s not something you learn to do: you’re born with it. That’s why he’s landed such important roles in blockbuster films like ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ (1988) and ‘American Psycho’ (2000).
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