The first star ceremony of the year goes to the veteran actor, known for his diverse roles throughout his career.
With over 150 acting credits to his name, it’s about time Willem Dafoe is honored with his own Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
The ceremony took place on January 8, the first one for 2024. Dafoe’s co-actors and friends Patricia Arquette, Pedro Pascal, Mark Ruffalo, and Camila Morrone were there to celebrate the event with him.
Glowing Tributes
“There’s only one Willem Dafoe,” Arquette said as she began her speech. “Willem is one of those people who exceeds your hopes when you work with him… Some people act to gain success. Willem happens to be successful because he loves to act.”
Pascal also gave a speech, going off script for a bit to talk about how he watched Platoon in the movie theater with his father when he was only 10 years old. “He made me cry so hard my dad sent me to the bathroom… And I still wanted to be an actor.”
“He redefines the concept of rebel and originality by making it about generosity, integrity, kindness, and fun… He has been my greatest teacher.”
A Well-Deserved Honor
“When I was a kid growing up in Appleton, Wisconsin, believe me, I couldn’t envision this day of getting a star on the Walk of Fame,” Dafoe said as he began his own speech.
“It’s real humbling to be here and to be part of this. I love making films. It’s arguably the most collaborative of art forms,” he continued.
After thanking co-workers, friends, and loved ones, Dafoe said “I just want to say, it’s wonderful to be part of this community of artists and entertainers. People that by sharing their experiences, imagining others’ perspectives, telling stories and musing on what is, was, and most importantly, could be, make us feel closer to each other and connect us.”
An Unmatched Filmography
Dafoe made his film debut in 1980 as an extra in Heaven’s Gate. Since then, he’s become both a character actor and a leading man to be reckoned with.
He’s best known for his roles in To Live and Die in L.A., Platoon, The Boondock Saints, the Spider-Man franchise, The Florida Project, and The Lighthouse.
Recently, he starred in Arquette’s 2023 film Gonzo Girl with Morrone. Then on the same day as Dafoe’s star ceremony, his other recent film Poor Things won the Golden Globe for Best Picture for Musical/Comedy. He stars in the movie alongside Ruffalo and Emma Stone.
In Arquette’s speech, she mentioned that Dafoe has received over 120 nominations and accolades for his work as an actor, a feat not many have achieved.
According to Deadline, Dafoe is working with Pascal on a new film, Tropico. His wife Giada Colagrande is also a part of the film as its director.
With seven upcoming projects in the works, the veteran actor shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
Banner image via Instagram @hwdwalkoffame.
