Let's talk about staying young at heart! Willem Dafoe may have a few decades under his belt, but the guy’s got the spirit of a 22-year-old kid. At 64, he’s not letting age slow him down. Recently, the legendary actor attended the premiere of The Lighthouse at the Toronto International Film Festival. There, he opened up about his role in the film and how it stacks up against his previous work. “You know, they call my character ‘old,’ but I don’t feel old at all,” Willem joked to Closer Weekly and other reporters. “In fact, sometimes I feel like a spring chicken. So, this role was a bit different for me because I had to lean into something I don’t normally do. But hey, every role is unique, right?”
Embracing the Older Role with a Young Spirit
The Lighthouse, a critically acclaimed film starring Willem alongside Robert Pattinson, features a character who’s older and wiser. But here’s the kicker: Willem didn’t need a drastic transformation to pull it off. “I just slapped on some fake teeth and let this long, gray beard grow out,” he explained. “Surprise, surprise! Every role is different, and this one was no exception. It was physically demanding, but that’s part of the fun. Acting is an adventure, and this movie was no different.”
Working Hard in the Elements
Willem went on to describe the challenges of filming The Lighthouse in the great outdoors. “We could’ve done this movie in a studio, but it wouldn’t have felt the same,” he said. “The elements were a big part of the experience. It was demanding, but that’s what made it so rewarding. You’ve got to embrace the difficulties because they add authenticity to the story. And honestly, that’s what makes acting so exciting—getting out there and living the role.”
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A Long and Rewarding Career
With a career spanning over four decades—starting way back in 1980—Willem has no regrets about where he is today. “Listen, I’ve been lucky enough to find a wide range of interesting projects,” he shared. “I’m feeling great. I love the work I’m doing. I get to travel to amazing places, and I’m always learning something new. This is a really good period for me.”
