Ep 3. Willem Dafoe

Inside the Actors Studio is a long-running television series that features in-depth interviews with some of the most prolific actors in the industry. With a focus on the actor's craft, each episode is led by the show's host, James Lipton, who guides the conversation through a series of personal and professional anecdotes, insights, and critical analysis of some of the actor's most notable performances.

In season 22, episode 3, James Lipton welcomes celebrated actor Willem Dafoe to the Inside the Actors Studio stage. Over the course of the hour-long episode, Lipton and Dafoe delve into his long and eclectic career, exploring the highs and lows of his experiences in film, theater, and beyond.

Dafoe first gained national attention with his breakthrough role in the 1986 film Platoon, in which he played Sergeant Elias. Since then, he has become one of the most prolific and respected actors working in the industry today, with over 100 film and television credits to his name.

Throughout the episode, Lipton and Dafoe discuss some of his most significant roles, including his portrayals of iconic characters such as Jesus Christ in Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ and the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man. They also explore more recent work, such as his portrayal of Bobby Hicks in The Florida Project and his role in Julian Schnabel's At Eternity's Gate, which earned him his fourth Academy Award nomination.

Beyond his work in film, Dafoe has also become a fixture in the world of experimental and avant-garde theater. He has worked with some of the most influential theater directors of our time, including Robert Wilson and Richard Foreman, and has garnered countless accolades for his work on the stage.

Lipton and Dafoe discuss the unique challenges and rewards of working in experimental theater, as well as the crossover between theater and film in his work. They also explore his work with the Wooster Group, a renowned experimental theater company that Dafoe has been affiliated with for over three decades.

The episode also features rare behind-the-scenes footage of Dafoe preparing for his performances, as well as excerpts from some of his most acclaimed film and theater work. The show provides a unique insight into the actor's process, offering a glimpse into the artistry and commitment that goes into his performances.

Ultimately, the episode is a fascinating exploration of one of the most versatile and respected actors in the industry today. With his trademark intensity and commitment to his craft, Dafoe has become a true icon of American cinema, and this episode of Inside the Actors Studio offers viewers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of his work and his unique approach to the craft of acting.