A lot of famous kids follow in their parents’ footsteps, but there are some who prefer to live their lives out of the spotlight. Actor William James Dafoe, or as he prefers to call himself, Willem Dafoe, is one of the most critically acclaimed artists in Hollywood. The Spider-Man: No Way Home actor has starred in over 100 movies since the start of his career, which is an impressive rap sheet for any entertainer.
One of his most notorious and sought-after qualities is his distinct gravelly voice that apparently directors can’t seem to get enough of. Most people might've thought his only son Jack Dafoe would’ve followed in the great actor’s footsteps. However, Dafoe’s son chose a career that has nothing to do with arts or Hollywood for that matter. Though, that doesn’t mean Jack Dafoe is completely opposed to sharing the spotlight with his famous father from time to time.
Updated on February 18, 2022: Willem Dafoe has been a succesful working actor for more than four decades, but 2021 might just have been the biggest year of his career to date. Not only did he star in the critically acclaimed films The French Dispatch and Nightmare Alley, but he also appeared in the highest-grossing movie of the year (and the sixth-highest-grossing movie of all time) Spider-Man: No Way Home. Willem Dafoe's only child, a son named Jack, turns 40 this year, which may come as a shock to those who remember Jack Dafoe from his appearances on the red carpet with his father when he was just a teenager. Despite his father's big year, Jack has largely stayed out of the news recently, which seems to be just how he likes it.
Jack Dafoe Is An Environmentalist
Just like every parent, Willem Dafoe supports his son’s career choice. Jack Dafoe may not be a Hollywood superstar like his old man and mother, a famous American director of experimental dance and theatre. Though, he sure as heck makes money like an up and coming Hollywood star. Instead of taking on any acting roles, the 38-year-old is busy fighting social issues, saving the environment, and researching new ways to improve healthcare systems. What parent could discourage their child from doing so much good in the world?
Clearly, Jack Dafoe’s parents raised him right, even with all the pressures that come with being related to two megastars. Additionally, the 38-year-old is the host of the New York City Apollo Alliance, an organization that promotes clean energy and better jobs, which are two aspects that attracted him to the position in the first place. While helping build back communities and making a difference in the world, Dafoe is also taking home some major income. The public-policy researcher has a combined net worth of $600,000 from both jobs. It’s not as much as his father makes, but Jack Dafoe is pretty financially secure.
Jack Dafoe Loves Going To Red Carpet Appearances With His Father Willem Dafoe
Just because Jack Dafoe hasn’t reached celebrity status like his father, doesn’t mean he can’t walk the red carpet. The public policy researcher has been seen accompanying his father to all the red carpet events. The father-son duo has been spotted at high-profile events like the West Independent Spirit Awards and the Oscars. How cool that must be to attend big Hollywood events like that with your parents. Additionally, the two like to post their favorite moments at red carpet events on social media. Jack Dafoe and his father posted a photo of them attending the after party of the Closing Night Gala Presentation and the North American Premiere of At Eternity’s Gate. The father and son posed for the cameras in all smiles, clearly having a blast. Jack Dafoe definitely lives the best of two worlds and seems to handle his brief time in the spotlight with great composure.
The Cutest Celebrity Father-Son Duo Ever
Most kids want to get away from their parents as soon as they turn 18. However, Jack Dafoe never went through the dreaded teenage phase with his father. The public-policy researcher and his famous dad have been inseparable since anyone can remember. Despite that neither Jack Dafoe and his father currently have any social media handles any more, that doesn’t mean the internet hasn’t archived all their best family moments.
In many family photos, the two are seen spending quality time together, all while posing for the cameras. In one old-timey photograph, the Aquaman actor is seen holding a much younger Jack Dafoe while attending the Disney Premiere of Oliver & Company on November 13, 1988. Getty Images showcases several of the father and son duo’s best moments at the showing. In other photos, the Spider-Man actor and his son shared another sweet moment on the red carpet back in October 1996 when the two attended the NYC Prada Store Opening. A pubescent Jack Dafoe gives an embarrassed smile as his father pecks him on the cheek. These two make the greatest father-son-duo in Hollywood.
While much isn’t known about Willem Dafoe’s son, fans can tell just how close the two truly are. Clearly, Jack has a great relationship with his father, despite his father splitting from his mother after spending 27 years together. Interestingly, his mother Elizabeth LeCompte is nowhere to be found in any of his family photos on Getty Images. Jack Dafoe and his father are a team all on their own, and basically love spending time together. Willem Dafoe should win the Father of the Year award, given the close relationship between him and his son. Even as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he still made time for his son and continues to do so today.