- Jack Dafoe was born to Willem Dafoe and Elizabeth LeCompte in 1982, despite being his parents being entertainers, he chose a career away from it
- His parents lived together and raised him, but were never married, they went separate ways in 2004 after 27 years
- He is an environmentalist, and as of 2008, he works with New York Apollo Alliance as a senior policy and research associate and the host of the organization
It is likely that most children born and raised by celebrity parents would take a page off their parents’ book to build a career, but there are those that would rather write a book with their name on it. This is the path taken by Jack Dafoe, the son of one of the greatest Hollywood actors, Willem Dafoe.
Unlike his father who built an incredible resume in the movie industry for his roles in various movies, Jack on the other hand tackles social and environmental issues. In as much as he took a different career path from his father, there is a strong bond of friendship that exists between the two.
Who Is He, And Where Is He?
Jack Dafoe is the only son of Hollywood legendary actor Willem Defoe and theater artist and dancer Elizabeth LeCompte. He was born in the year 1982 in the United States. Despite the popularity and fame of his parents, details regarding his childhood days are under the carpet.
However, there is an interesting angle to it, that is the relationship he had with his father while growing up. Based on reports, Jack used to follow his father to red carpet events and pose for photographs together. He has been spotted at events such as West Independent Spirit Awards, Oscars, Closing Night Gala Presentation, and movie premieres.
While he and his father had this good relationship, there is nothing to indicate whether he was close to his mother or not. Moreover, his parents are no longer together.
It seems he is based in New York where he works.
Willem Dafoe’s Son Took Career Path Away From Entertainment
Jack Defoe is on the long list of children that are building their personal images despite the celebrity status their parents acquired through the entertainment industry. Therefore his parents wouldn’t be on the list of famous entertainers who share the screen with their parents such as Michael Gandolfini and James Gandolfini, Kate Winslet and Mia Threapleton, Emme Maribe Muniz and Jennifer Lopez, North and Kanye West, just to mention a few.
Since he didn’t want to walk in the shadow of his parents, particularly his father, Jack picked a career away from the screen. According to reports, Willem Defoe’s son works in public policy as an environmentalist. More so, the above videos reveal that as of 2008, the actor’s son works with an organization that fosters clean and sustainable living known as New York City Apollo Alliance. In addition, he was the senior policy and research associate as well as the host of the organization.
Part of his job description was to find ways to improve the healthcare systems, combat social issues and look for better options to keep the environment safe.
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His Parents Never Walked Down The Aisle
Jack Dafoe’s parents, Willem Defoe and Elizabeth LeCompte didn’t marry each other. They only had a prolonged relationship that lasted for nearly three decades. . Moreover, the relationship was said to have begun in 1977, and five years after, Jack was born. Before he became romantically involved with her, she was in a relationship with actor Spalding Gray.
The relationship which never led to marriage came to an end in 2004 after 27 years. Interestingly, he was 22 when his parents went their separate ways.
A year after his parent’s relationship ended, his father found love and tied the knots with Italian actress, director, and screenwriter Gaida Colagrande on 25th March 2005. Prior to the wedding, the couple was said to have crossed paths at a premiere of Colgrande’s films in Rome in 2004.
Jack’s father reminisced over the period he asked her to marry him. According to him, he threw the question at her during lunch, and behold a marriage took place the next day in the presence of two friends who served as witnesses.
How Rich Is He?
He may not be as rich and famous as his father, but he is not earning badly in his place of endeavor. Reportedly, Jack Dafoe’s net worth is estimated to be around $600, 000. He earns this from his job with the New York Apollo Alliance.
On the other hand, this is a small fraction compared to what his father has been making from his acting career. His father, a three-time Golden Globe Awards and four-time Screen Actors Guild Awards recipient has an estimated net worth of $40 million. He acquired the fortune from his incredible career.