A casual interaction between Willem Dafoe and a TikToker has gone viral, showcasing the four-time Oscar nominee’s grounded approach to fame and acting. The video, uploaded earlier this week, captures Dafoe revealing that he has a personal policy of not advising aspiring actors—a statement that has sparked conversations online.
The clip begins with TikToker Khan complimenting Dafoe on his outfit before asking the actor a seemingly innocent question: “What do you do for a living?” Unfazed, Dafoe responds with a simple, “I’m an actor.” When Khan presses further for his name, Dafoe replies with the same understated demeanour, “Yeah, Willem.” When asked what he loves about his craft, Dafoe shares a thoughtful yet succinct answer: “It’s always different. Nothing’s ever the same.” However, when the TikToker pushes for advice for aspiring actors, Dafoe declines. “I don’t give advice,” he says. “Everybody’s got to find their own … Just, uh, enjoy.”
The interaction, which was uploaded to TikTok, left many viewers amused and inspired by Dafoe’s humility and enigmatic charm. It’s unclear whether the TikToker recognised Dafoe or stumbled upon the encounter by chance. Khan, who has previously interviewed other celebrities in his man-on-the-street-style videos, had a brief run-in with Adam Sandler in September 2024. Sandler, however, didn’t have time for an extended chat.
Willem Dafoe, known for his captivating performances in films like Platoon (1986), Shadow of the Vampire (2000), The Florida Project (2017), and At Eternity’s Gate (2018), has earned four Academy Award nominations over his illustrious career. His ability to inhabit complex characters has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Despite his success, Dafoe’s grounded perspective and preference for letting aspiring actors find their own path reveal the depth of his wisdom—perhaps his most striking characteristic, both on and off-screen.
Social media users had plenty to say about the now-viral interaction. One user joked, “The kids these days, amiright?” while another quipped, “Who doesn’t recognize Willem Dafoe?? 🤨😅😭” Some fans couldn’t help but imagine Dafoe in other iconic roles, with one tweet reading, “Would’ve made the perfect Joker.” Another summed up the general sentiment, calling him, “The last cool guy in Hollywood.”