Willem Dafoe Caught in Viral TikTok Encounter on NYC Streets

NEW YORK — Hollywood veteran Willem Dafoe found himself at the center of a viral TikTok moment this week when a content creator stopped him on a New York City street for an impromptu interview. The encounter, posted by Feroz Zadran under the username @hikhann_, has garnered millions of views and sparked widespread reactions online.

In the video, Zadran approaches Dafoe, who is bundled in a brown leather jacket, scarf, knit cap, and gloves, and asks, “What do you do for a living?” Dafoe, known for his roles in films like “Spider-Man” and “Platoon,” replies with a smile, “I’m an actor.” The exchange continues as Zadran inquires about Dafoe’s career and whether he has advice for aspiring actors.

“It’s always different. Nothing’s ever the same,” Dafoe says about his profession. When pressed for advice, the four-time Oscar nominee demurs, stating, “I don’t give advice. Everybody’s got to find their own way.”

The video quickly went viral, amassing 8.9 million views and sparking a flurry of comments. Many viewers were amused that Zadran didn’t recognize the iconic actor. “Not knowing Willem Dafoe is a crime,” one commenter wrote. Another joked, “Dude just asked the most recognizable man in the world who he was.”

While some speculated whether the encounter was staged, Dafoe’s polite but hurried demeanor led others to believe it was genuine. “I thought it was scripted, but he looks really uncomfortable,” one viewer noted.

Dafoe, 69, has long been recognized for his distinctive appearance and prolific career, which includes over 150 screen credits. In a 2023 interview on NBC‘s “Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist,” he shared a humorous anecdote about realizing his recognizability. “Some guys got on the train — and they’re looking at me, and they’re looking kind of rough,” he recalled. “Then I heard one say, ‘Yeah, it’s gotta be him. Nobody looks like that m—–f—–.’ That’s when I knew.”

The TikTok video has since become a talking point among fans, with many praising Dafoe’s humility and down-to-earth nature. Despite his fame, the actor remains approachable, even when caught off guard on the streets of New York.