But he also turned in high-caliber performances, as he did playing German actor Max Schreck in 'Shadow of the Vampire' (2000), which showcased the wealth of talent he had displayed throughout his varied career. Occasionally, he turned on the camp to play over-the-top villains in 'Speed 2: Cruise Control' (1997) and the 'Spider-Man' series. Throughout his entire career, Dafoe moved easily between showy character turns like a hard-drinking paraplegic in 'Born on the Fourth of July' (1989) and leading roles like T.S.

Following his breakthrough, however, the actor delivered a string of compelling performances, and even courted controversy as Jesus in 'The Last Temptation of Christ' (1988). Prior to that performance, Dafoe used his menacing features and languid delivery to create an air of intensity for a succession of roles as toughs and villains, including in 'The Loveless' (1981) and 'Roadhouse 66' (1984).

After his attention-grabbing performance as a vicious counterfeiter in 'To Live and Die in L.A.' (1985), actor Willem Dafoe soared to stardom and earned an Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Award-winning 'Platoon' (1986).

Willem dafoe in wild at heart