TikToker Stops Random Stranger on Street for a Chat Who Turns Out To Be Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe TikTok

Photo: DenisMakarenko/Depositphotos

Willem Dafoe—one of Hollywood’s biggest legends—is famous for his remarkable roles in Born on the Fourth of July, Spider-Man, Poor Things, Nosferatu, and more incredible films. But a viral TikTok video reveals that the actor is just as humble as anyone else.

Content creator Khan is known for approaching people on the streets of New York City and asking them about their jobs. In his latest video, Khan stops an unsuspecting Dafoe as he’s out for a walk and asks, “What do you do for a living?” Despite Dafoe’s fame, he responds with such humility that it’s unclear whether Khan even recognized him as a famous actor. Still, Dafoe takes the time to answer the questions.

When asked what he loves most about his job, Dafoe reveals, “It's always different. Nothing’s ever the same.” But when it comes to giving career advice, the modest actor says, “I don't give advice. Everybody’s got to find their own way. Just enjoy.” When asked how he wants to be remembered, Dafoe humbly responds, “I don't think about that,” showing that he's not motivated by fame.

For his final question, Khan asked Dafoe, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” And just like many of us, the actor struggles to answer. He simply says, “I don’t know, I have a hard time thinking beyond tomorrow.”

The video, now with over 12 million views, quickly filled with comments from Dafoe fans wondering if Khan even recognized the legendary actor. One person wrote, “Not knowing Willem Dafoe is a crime,” while another wrote, “Dude just asked the most recognizable man in the world who he is.”

This isn’t the first time Dafoe’s gone viral for a street-side chat. Back in March 2024, his interview with The People Gallery blew up online when he casually talked about his “fit.” Just like when he’s asked for career advice, Dafoe wasn’t about to give style tips, leaving it all up to the individual. In both videos, Dafoe takes the time to greet and smile at fans passing by, showing just how down-to-earth he really is.

Dafoe’s humble demeanor makes him incredibly relatable, but his charity work adds another layer to his likability. He consistently supports organizations like the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR), Save the Children, and VHL UK Ireland, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, a rare genetic condition that can lead to various types of cancer.

Watch Dafoe’s impromptu interview below and explore more of Khan’s videos on TikTok.

Content creator Khan stopped legendary actor Willem Dafoe on the street to ask him what he does for a living. Dafoe's responses highlight just how humble he is—even when he's not recognized.

Khan: TikTok

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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