William James “Willem” Dafoe (born July 22, 1955) is an American actor.
In an interview with GQ, Dafoe explained that he fell into Ashtanga yoga because, as he put it, “I got old.” Dafoe regularly practices yoga to help maintain his balance and physical strength. He regularly meditates as well. Dafoe seems to be a very reflective, relaxed sort — a far cry from many of the intense roles he often portrays.
Dafoe also follows a “mostly vegan” diet, and he mostly tries to lead an unassuming private life because, as he told The Hollywood Reporter, “it makes it easier to disappear into roles.”
What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
The most useful advice comes from experience, but my wife is always telling me, “Don’t spit on your luck.” She’s Italian, and they can be very superstitious, but her reminder is useful because I’m always figuring out the worst possible scenario and accepting it, so anything above that is gravy. That doesn’t work out so well, because you carry around too much negativity. If you’re looking for the dark side, you’re always keeping score.
What’s the best way to grow old?
Have work that you love and also some sort of physical or spiritual practice. Get some kind of healthy routine. For me that’s yoga practice.
What piece of music do you go to for inspiration?
It slides around, but the only constant is old Bob Dylan. I can go back to him over and over again, and I can remember hearing lyrics and songs when I was 18 and recall what I thought, and they’re still meaningful – sometimes in a different way to me now. Back then it was ‘There’s another world out there and I’m not seeing it, but I feel it – another way of looking at things.’ Dylan’s incorruptible. He’s the guy that’s really the model for keep on going and doing. A troubadour. That’s a performer’s thing, you know, ride out with your boots on.
What’s the best way to grow old?
Have work that you love and also some sort of physical or spiritual practice. Get some kind of healthy routine. For me that’s yoga practice.
What piece of music do you go to for inspiration?
It slides around, but the only constant is old Bob Dylan. I can go back to him over and over again, and I can remember hearing lyrics and songs when I was 18 and recall what I thought, and they’re still meaningful – sometimes in a different way to me now. Back then it was ‘There’s another world out there and I’m not seeing it, but I feel it – another way of looking at things.’ Dylan’s incorruptible. He’s the guy that’s really the model for keep on going and doing. A troubadour. That’s a performer’s thing, you know, ride out with your boots on.
Sources:
- https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/willem-dafoes-life-advice-20140321/
- https://www.rowthree.com/2011/02/13/willem-dafoe-makes-choices-but-ultimately-chooses-alcohol/
- https://www.looper.com/139229/the-best-willem-dafoe-movies-you-havent-seen/