Jack Dafoe Is Willem Dafoe's Only Son Who's Not Interested in Acting - More About Him

Willem Dafoe's son, Jack Dafoe, chose a path different from his father's, staying away from the entertainment industry. Instead, he pursued a career in public policy and became an environmentalist. Nevertheless, Jack supported his father's craft and appeared with him at red carpet events.

Willem Dafoe has a legendary Hollywood career, which he worked hard to build for several years. He has become one of the most respected actors internationally, with over a hundred on-screen roles.

Throughout his more than four-decade career, Willem has been recognized for his versatility and talent in acting, with several Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild nominations, among others.

Willem Dafoe and Jack Dafoe during the NYFF56 closing Night Gala Presentation & North American premiere of "At Eternity's Gate" on October 12, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Some of his most acclaimed films include "Platoon," "Shadow of the Vampire," "The Florida Project," "At Eternity's Gate," and "Spider-Man." Beyond his success as an actor, Willem is also a loving husband and father to Jack Dafoe, his son from a previous relationship.

Who Is Jack Dafoe, Willem Dafoe's Son?

Jack is Willem's son with Elizabeth LeCompte. His parents' relationship began when Willem fell for his Wooster Group theater director, LeCompte, who was then in a relationship with another actor, Spalding Gray.

He knows how labor relates to climate change and is proud to work in a company that does its part.

"The three of us lived in the same loft," Willem recalled. "But we divided it in half." Their relationship lasted for 27 years, and within that time, they welcomed their only son together, Jack Dafoe.

Elizabeth LeCompte and Willem Dafoe during a Wooster Group Event on April 12, 2000, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Despite having a boy who tied their lives together, Jack's parents never tied the knot. According to Willem, his then-partner perceived marriage as the ownership of one another, hence her decision to remain unwed. He said:

"I respected that, but after a while, I was more interested in getting married than she was. Increasingly, I found it's not so good going around saying: 'I'm with this person, but I'm not married to them.' It's confusing to you and other people."

Unlike his father, Jack, born in 1982, has lived away from the spotlight. He chose a different career path and worked in public policy as a Senior Policy and Research Associate and host of the New York City Apollo Alliance.

As an environmentalist, Jack finds fulfillment in working for an organization encouraging clean, sustainable living and better jobs.

Dennis Dermody and Jack Dafoe during the A Theater of Varieties, The Wooster Group Benefit at The BOX on April 30, 2007, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

According to Hollywood Life, Jack said that Apollo Alliance is trying to "plan for the future of America." Since his years studying at a university, Jack has taken the initiative to become an environmentalist. He knows how labor relates to climate change and is proud to work in a company that does its part.

Although he did not follow in his father's footsteps, Jack undoubtedly makes Willem proud. He reportedly has a total net worth of $600,000 from being a public-policy researcher, and although this is not at par with what a movie star would make, it is enough to make him financially secure.

What Is Willem Dafoe's Relationship with His Son?

Jack shares a close relationship with his son and spends time with him despite his busy schedule. While growing up, Jack has been a constant in his father's red carpet events.

The actor proposed over lunch and asked for a spontaneous wedding the following day.

Jack DaFoe and Willem Dafoe arrive at the 16th Annual IFP/West Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images

In 1988, he attended the premiere of "Oliver and Company." He was also spotted at the West Independent Spirit Awards, the Oscar Awards, the Closing Night Gala Presentation, and the North American premiere of "At Eternity's Gate."

In 2009, Willem shared a glimpse of how he is raising his son to be independent. The actor wants Jack to learn by example and through his own experiences. He said:

"I have a son who's in his 20s now. I've never given him advice about women – I think it would be too oppressive for his old man to give him that kind of advice. He's got to find his own way; I can't help him. I teach by example."

Who Is Willem Dafoe's Current Wife? Do They Have Kids Together?

On March 25, 2005, Willem tied the knot with Italian film director and actress Giada Colagrande. Born on October 16, 1975, Colagrande is 20 years Willem's junior.

They have even worked as a team on several occasions. In 2005, Colagrande made her second feature film, "Before It Had a Name," co-written by her now-husband.

Giada Colagrande and Willem Dafoe during Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Celebrates Architect Renzo Piano, on October 18, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Although born in Italy, Colagrande did not settle in her native land. She received her education around the globe, in countries such as Australia and Switzerland.

In 1995, Colagrande relocated to Rome and started her professional career curating videos and documentaries. A few years later, she displayed her multiple talents and wrote, directed, and starred in "Aprimi il Cuore," her first movie that premiered at the 2002 Venice Film Festival.

Willem and Colagrande tied the knot one year after they met. The actor proposed over lunch and asked for a spontaneous wedding the following day. He said:

"We were having lunch, and I said, 'Do you want to get married tomorrow?' [...] She and I are inseparable. He doesn't act like a star; if anything, an artist."

Willem Dafoe and Giada Colagrande during the opening night of the MoMA film series "Abel Ferrara Unrated" at MoMA on May 1, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Their shared passion for the entertainment industry has kept the couple together. They have even worked as a team on several occasions. In 2005, Colagrande made her second feature film, "Before It Had a Name," co-written by her now-husband.

Their other collaborative work includes "Bob Wilson's Life & Death of Marina Abramovic," "A Woman," and "Padre." Although the couple did not have children, they continued to live happily and married.

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