**Willem Dafoe** (born July 22, 1955) is an American actor acclaimed for his intensity, versatility, and distinctive screen presence. His career took off in the 1980s with memorable roles, such as Sergeant Elias Grodin in Oliver Stone's *Platoon* (1986), which earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

Known for his ability to portray complex, often eccentric or antagonistic characters, Dafoe made his mark in films like *Wild at Heart* (1990), and in the iconic role of the Green Goblin in *Spider-Man* (2002).

His filmography spans blockbusters and art-house cinema, with acclaimed performances in recent films such as *The Florida Project* (2017), *At Eternity's Gate* (2018), where he portrayed Vincent van Gogh, and *The Lighthouse* (2019), all three earning him Academy Award nominations. His style is characterized by physical and deeply transformative performances. Considered one of the most charismatic contemporary actors, he moves seamlessly between different genres.