Over 12 Million People Have Watched Willem Dafoe's Heartwarming Response To Being Stopped By A Content Creator On The Street

Willem Dafoe has once again gone viral for his casual and impromptu interviews with content creators on the streets of New York.

Willem Dafoe  in a dark turtleneck and jacket at a public event, smiling slightly
Samir Hussein / WireImage / Getty Images

In March, the actor's interview with The People Gallery received major love for his casual fit check on the sidewalk.

Willem Dafoe  smiling on a city street, wearing a leather jacket and dark shirt, with hands in pockets. Urban background with people and storefronts
@thepeoplegallery/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

Well, it's happened again, and this time Willem isn't just the chillest guy in a good jacket. He also had some excellent life advice to share.

  Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic / Getty Images
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic / Getty Images

In a video posted earlier this week, content creator Khan approached Willem on the street in New York. Khan is known for his interview series, in which he asks everyday people, "What do you do for a living?"

  @hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com
@hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

After Willem introduced himself as an actor, he identified himself by just his first name when asked by Khan.

  @hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com
@hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

Khan then asked Willem what he loved about his job. "It's always different. Nothing's ever the same," he said.

  @hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com
@hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

However, Willem didn't answer Khan's next question about career advice. Instead, he said, "I don't give advice. Everybody's got to find their own way. Just enjoy."

  @hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com
@hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

Willem also gave thoughtful answers to Khan's final two questions, noting he doesn't think about how he wants to be remembered or where he wants to see himself five years from now.

Person outdoors in winter coat and beanie, smiling at camera. Text:
@hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

"I have a hard time thinking beyond tomorrow," he said.

  @hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com
@hikhann_/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

The nature of the interview caused many in the comments to wonder if Khan knew who Willem was. After all, the actor has starred in some major blockbuster films like Born on the Fourth of July, Spider-Man, and Nosferatu, which is currently in theaters.

Scene from Nosferatu with Willem Dafoe and Lily-Rose Depp in 19th-century attire, possibly in a snowy cemetery. Both wear period-appropriate hats and cloaks
Focus Features / Courtesy Everett Collection

The video went viral on TikTok with over 12 million views. The comments were full of people wondering if Khan actually didn't know who Willem was.

Person in a smart dark suit and turtleneck smiles against a black background at a formal event
Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images

"Not knowing Willem Dafoe is a crime," one person wrote, while another said, "Bruh… really? “Whats your name”? 😅😂."

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This person specifically caught on to the fact that Khan probably knew who Willem was. After all, he said, "I love your work," to the actor in the video. "Pretending to not know him is crazy work," they wrote.

Comment saying,
@a1edwin1/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

Many marveled that, no, this isn't Willem. It's one of his legendary characters, like Norman Osborn from Spider-Man and Carson Clay from Mr. Bean's Holiday.

Others simply found Willem's demeanor delightfully frenzied.

Perhaps the best comments, though, go to two people. One person aptly asked, "WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING TO HIM"?

Comment by Jess:
@feral_introvert/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

While another praised Willem's impromptu words of wisdom: "'Everybody should find their own way' is ironically the best advice."

Comment by SnapTapestry reads: “Everybody should find their own way” is ironically the best advice. It has 12.8K likes
@snaptapestry123/TikTok / Via tiktok.com

You can watch the full video and read all the funny comments here.