Willem Dafoe Reveals the Actor Who Shaped His Craft

For anyone keen on a career in acting, Willem Dafoe stands as a solid example of how to keep things fresh and relevant over decades. With more than forty years under his belt, he’s managed to sidestep the usual pitfalls that see many fade into the background as they get older. Instead, Dafoe’s only grown sharper, taking on roles that keep punters talking and critics on their toes. He’s not showing any signs of slowing down, either.

But even the most seasoned performers have their own heroes. Dafoe has often mentioned the impact of Burt Lancaster’s work in The Leopard, but when it comes to the first time he was truly struck by another actor, there’s only one name that comes to mind. In a chat with W magazine, Dafoe shared that his earliest on-screen admiration was for Warren Oates.

“When I saw him perform, I thought, that’s not an actor, that’s a man,”

he said.

“It kind of broke my heart to find out he was actually a trained actor.”

Warren Oates: The Reluctant Star

Oates was a regular in Sam Peckinpah’s Westerns, popping up in classics like The Wild Bunch and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia. He made a name for himself in cowboy flicks, but he was just as convincing without the hat and boots. Born and bred in the States, Oates left a surprising legacy in New Zealand too. His role in Sleeping Dogs helped the film become a local box office hit, kicking off a new era for Kiwi cinema.

He never quite reached the superstar status of some of his peers, but that was part of his charm. Oates had a knack for making audiences believe he was just an ordinary bloke, which Dafoe found especially appealing. In a business where being a big name is often the goal, Oates stood out by not chasing the spotlight. What made him unique was how unremarkable he seemed—at least on the surface.

Authenticity Over Flash

Despite his down-to-earth vibe, Oates was no amateur. He got into acting while studying at the University of Louisville, then headed to New York to sharpen his skills. Still, he never came across as a city slicker trying to play country. Growing up in a small Kentucky town, he brought a genuine quality to his roles. What you saw on screen was pretty close to the real deal—no need for putting on airs.

Dafoe, in many ways, carries on that tradition. He’s shown he can handle just about any part, from comic book villains to historical figures and everyday characters. While he might have a bit more of an artsy streak than Oates, the influence is clear. Dafoe’s approach is all about honesty and depth, much like the man he first looked up to.