The Best Short Male Actors

Being short hasn’t stopped many talented actors from succeeding in film and television. Several shorter leading men have won awards, achieved box office success, and created iconic characters. Here’s a look at some notable actors who are on the shorter side, along with information about their height and their most famous roles.

Peter Dinklage

I’m a huge fan of Peter Dinklage! He’s incredibly talented and, even though he’s only about 4 feet 5 inches tall, he’s become one of the most celebrated actors on TV and in movies. I was especially blown away by his performance in ‘Game of Thrones’ – he rightfully won four Emmy Awards for that role. Beyond that, he’s been in some amazing films like ‘Cyrano’ and ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, and even ‘Avengers: Infinity War’! Plus, I didn’t even realize how much I enjoyed his voice work in animated movies like ‘The Croods’ and ‘Ice Age’.

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito, standing at around 4 feet 10 inches tall, has had a successful and lengthy career as a comedic actor and character performer. He’s known for winning an Emmy and Golden Globe for his work on the show ‘Taxi’ and for appearing in popular films like ‘Twins’, ‘Batman Returns’, and ‘Matilda’, which he also directed. More recently, he gained a new following for his role in the television series ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’.

Joe Pesci

Joe Pesci is a highly acclaimed actor who stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall. He’s famous for his intense roles in crime films, including the Academy Award-winning ‘Goodfellas’, as well as classics like ‘Raging Bull’, ‘Casino’, and ‘The Irishman’. He’s also proven his comedic talent in films such as ‘Home Alone’ and ‘My Cousin Vinny’.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman is a celebrated actor known for completely immersing himself in his roles. Standing at around 5 feet 6 inches tall, he’s won two Academy Awards, for his performances in ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ and ‘Rain Man’. He’s starred in many famous films, including ‘The Graduate’, ‘Tootsie’, and ‘Marathon Man’, and has a successful career in theater and voice acting, notably as a voice in ‘Kung Fu Panda’.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino, standing around 5 feet 7 inches tall, is one of the most important actors in American film history. He’s known for iconic roles in movies like ‘The Godfather’ films, ‘Scarface’, and ‘Heat’, and won an Academy Award for his performance in ‘Scent of a Woman’. Beyond film, he’s also a successful stage actor with Tony Awards, and continues to work on acclaimed projects like ‘The Irishman’.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, who is about 5 feet 5 inches tall, first became famous for playing Harry Potter in the popular films. Since then, he’s worked steadily in both movies and theater, appearing in films like ‘Swiss Army Man’ and ‘Guns Akimbo,’ and stage productions including ‘Equus’ and ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan.’ He’s also earned praise for his work on the TV show ‘Miracle Workers’.

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood, who is around 5 feet 6 inches tall, first became well-known for playing Frodo in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Since then, he’s worked on smaller, independent films, both acting in and producing projects like ‘Come to Daddy’ and ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’. He’s also a voice actor, with roles in ‘Happy Feet’ and ‘Tron: Uprising’, and co-founded a production company specializing in unique genre films.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox, best known for his role in ‘Back to the Future’, is about 5 feet 4 inches tall. He’s a celebrated actor, winning several Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his work on shows like ‘Family Ties’ and ‘Spin City’. Beyond acting, he’s a bestselling author and established a leading foundation dedicated to Parkinson’s disease research. Even today, he continues to make appearances and advocate for medical research.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is a highly successful comedian, standing at 5’4″ (163 cm). He’s known for his record-breaking arena tours and popular comedy specials like ‘What Now’ and ‘Irresponsible’. He’s also starred in blockbuster movies such as ‘Ride Along’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’, and has expanded his work into film production and a popular interview series.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller, around 5 feet 7 inches tall, is a multi-talented actor who also writes, directs, and produces. He’s known for his work in popular films like ‘Zoolander’, ‘There’s Something About Mary’, and ‘Night at the Museum’, and won an Emmy Award for ‘The Ben Stiller Show’. More recently, he directed the highly praised series ‘Severance’ and has received accolades from both the Producers Guild and the Directors Guild.

Seth Green

Seth Green is about 5 feet 4 inches tall (163 cm) and has had a successful career in movies, television, and voice acting. He’s best known as the co-creator and star of the Emmy Award-winning show ‘Robot Chicken,’ and for roles in ‘Austin Powers’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’ He’s also a voice actor on ‘Family Guy’ and works behind the scenes as a producer and director for both animated and live-action projects.

Martin Freeman

Okay, let me tell you about Martin Freeman. He’s not a giant – around 5’7″ – but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in talent. This guy is seriously versatile, effortlessly switching between dramatic and comedic roles. He’s a BAFTA and Emmy winner, largely thanks to his brilliant work on ‘Sherlock’. You probably know him from huge projects like ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, the darkly funny ‘Fargo’, or even the British ‘The Office’. And if you’re a Marvel fan, you’ve definitely seen him – he’s been in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and ‘Black Panther’. A consistently excellent actor, and always a welcome face on screen.

James McAvoy

James McAvoy, standing around 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm), has starred in both blockbuster franchises like ‘X-Men’ and critically acclaimed films such as ‘Atonement’ and ‘Split’. He’s a recognized actor, with nominations for several BAFTA Awards and a win at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards. McAvoy also regularly performs on stage, including a recent production of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’.

Jack Black

Jack Black, who is about 5 feet 6 inches tall, has become a successful entertainer by combining humor, music, and acting. He’s been nominated for a Golden Globe for his roles in ‘School of Rock’ and ‘Bernie’. He’s a leading actor in the ‘Jumanji’ movies and provides the voice for Po in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise. In addition to acting, he’s a musician with the band Tenacious D and runs a well-known online channel.

Ken Jeong

Let me tell you about Ken Jeong – this guy is seriously multi-talented! Standing around 5’5″, he’s not just a hilarious actor, but a fully qualified doctor as well! Most people probably first noticed him in the wild comedy ‘The Hangover,’ and he was fantastic on the sitcom ‘Community.’ But did you know he actually created and starred in his own show, ‘Dr. Ken,’ playing on his medical background? And if that wasn’t enough, he’s a regular panelist on ‘The Masked Singer’ and still finds time for movies and stand-up. It’s impressive, really!

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal, standing around 5 feet 7 inches tall, is a prominent actor known worldwide. He’s received a Golden Globe award for his work on ‘Mozart in the Jungle’ and has starred in critically acclaimed films like ‘Amores perros’, ‘Y tu mamá también’, and ‘No’. Beyond acting, he also helps support and promote the work of other Latin American filmmakers through his production companies.

Emile Hirsch

Emile Hirsch is about 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm) and has acted in both small independent films and large studio productions. He’s known for his roles in movies like ‘Into the Wild’, ‘Lone Survivor’, and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, as well as genre films such as ‘Alpha Dog’ and ‘The Autopsy of Jane Doe’. He continues to work regularly in both film and television.

Josh Hutcherson

Josh Hutcherson, who is around 5’5” (165 cm) tall, became famous for his role in ‘The Hunger Games’ movies. He’s also worked on smaller, independent films like ‘Detention’ and ‘The Kids Are All Right,’ both as an actor and a producer. More recently, he’s been appearing in action and thriller series for streaming services. Beyond acting, Hutcherson is a dedicated supporter of organizations that help young people and promote equality.

Toby Jones

Toby Jones is a skilled actor, standing around 5’5″ (165 cm) tall, who’s known for his detailed and nuanced performances. He’s worked on a wide variety of projects, from critically acclaimed films like ‘Infamous’ and ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ to blockbuster franchises such as ‘Captain America’ and ‘Jurassic World’. He’s received BAFTA and Emmy nominations for his work in film and television, and has also performed in prominent stage productions in both London and New York.

Warwick Davis

Warwick Davis, who is about 3 feet 6 inches tall, has been a prominent figure in fantasy and adventure films for many years. He’s best known for his role in ‘Willow’ and appearances in both the ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Harry Potter’ series. In addition to acting, he hosts TV shows in the UK, works as a producer, and dedicates his time to supporting charities that focus on dwarfism and disability representation.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise, standing around 5 feet 7 inches tall, has starred in some of the most successful action and drama films ever made. He’s best known for the ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise, performing many of his own stunts. He also received critical acclaim for his roles in films like ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Magnolia,’ and consistently collaborates with leading directors, remaining a major box office draw today.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams was about 5’7” tall and was incredibly versatile as a performer, seamlessly switching between funny and serious roles. He won an Oscar for his performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’ and became famous for movies like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, ‘Dead Poets Society’, and ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’. He was also a highly regarded stand-up comedian and famously voiced the Genie in Disney’s ‘Aladdin’.

Rami Malek

As a critic, I’ve been following Rami Malek’s career for a while now, and it’s been fascinating to watch him rise to prominence. Standing around 5’7”, he really made a name for himself on television, notably leading the series ‘Mr. Robot’ for several seasons, before becoming a major film star. Of course, his Oscar-winning portrayal of Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was a true standout moment. And he’s clearly not shying away from big projects, with roles in films like ‘No Time to Die’ and, more recently, ‘Oppenheimer’.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña is an actor around 5’7” tall, known for his ability to blend comedy with realistic performances. He’s appeared in critically acclaimed films like ‘Crash’ and ‘End of Watch,’ and gained popularity for his fast-paced, funny scenes in ‘Ant-Man.’ He’s also starred in movies like ‘The Martian’ and the series ‘Narcos: Mexico’.

Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari, who is around 5’6″ (168 cm) tall, became famous through stand-up comedy and TV work. He’s known for his roles in ‘Parks and Recreation’ and for creating the series ‘Master of None.’ His comedy specials have been very popular on streaming services, and he’s also the author of a successful book about relationships and how we communicate today.

Patton Oswalt

As a film and TV buff, I’ve always been impressed with Patton Oswalt. He’s not the tallest guy – around 5’3″ – but he packs a huge punch as both an actor and a comedian. Most people probably know his voice from ‘Ratatouille’ – he was amazing as Remy! But he’s also popped up in shows I love like ‘The King of Queens’, ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, and more recently, ‘The Sandman’. And beyond that, his stand-up is consistently hilarious and critically acclaimed, and he’s also a really thoughtful writer – he’s penned some fantastic memoirs too.

David Spade

David Spade is a comedian and actor who gained fame through sketch comedy on television. He’s known for his roles in popular movies like ‘Tommy Boy’ and ‘Joe Dirt’, and he had long-running parts on the sitcoms ‘Just Shoot Me!’ and ‘Rules of Engagement’. He still performs stand-up comedy and hosts various talk shows and specials. He’s about 5 feet 5 inches tall.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence is around 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm) and began his career as a stand-up comedian before becoming a movie star. He’s best known for co-starring with Will Smith in the ‘Bad Boys’ films, and for starring in comedies like ‘Blue Streak’ and ‘Big Momma’s House’. He also gained popularity as the lead in the TV show ‘Martin’.

Jason Alexander

Jason Alexander is best known for his acting, especially his role as George Costanza on the hit TV show ‘Seinfeld,’ which he played for nine seasons. Standing around 5 feet 5 inches tall, he’s also appeared in films like ‘Pretty Woman’ and done voice work for animated projects. Beyond acting, Alexander has experience performing on Broadway and directing for both stage and film.

Wallace Shawn

Wallace Shawn is a writer and actor known for his unique work in both film and theater. Standing at around 5’2″, he’s recognizable from roles in classics like ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘My Dinner with Andre’, as well as more recent shows like ‘Young Sheldon’ and ‘Gossip Girl’. His plays and screenplays have been highly praised and performed around the world.

Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal is about 5’7″ tall and is a well-known actor in movies, TV, and theater. He’s famous for roles in films like ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘City Slickers’, and he provided the voice of Mike Wazowski in the ‘Monsters, Inc.’ movies. He’s also a popular host for award shows and has been honored with Tony Awards for his work on stage.

Bob Hoskins

Bob Hoskins, standing around 5 feet 6 inches tall, was known for playing complex and relatable characters. He gained significant recognition for his role in ‘Mona Lisa,’ earning both praise and awards. Many also remember his performances in films like ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ and ‘Hook.’ Throughout his long career, he acted in both British and American movies.

Jet Li

Jet Li is a highly influential martial arts film star, standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall. He’s known for leading roles in popular movies like ‘Hero’ and ‘Fearless’, and also appeared in Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Lethal Weapon 4’, ‘Romeo Must Die’, and ‘The Expendables’. He began wushu training at a young age, which greatly prepared him for performing demanding stunts in his films.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, standing around 5 feet 5 inches tall, is a highly respected and popular actor in Indian movies. He’s known for starring in critically and commercially successful films like ‘Lagaan’, ‘Dangal’, and ‘PK’. Many of his projects not only perform well at the box office but also address important social issues. He also gained recognition as the host of the TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’, which highlighted problems facing the public.

Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao is an Indian actor around 5 feet 7 inches tall. He’s celebrated for his realistic and natural acting in Hindi cinema, and gained significant recognition for his role in the film ‘Shahid’. Some of his well-known movies include ‘Trapped’, ‘Stree’, and ‘Newton’. He often works with both up-and-coming and established filmmakers, appearing in a variety of films from independent projects to popular blockbusters.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Tony Leung Chiu-wai is a highly acclaimed actor, well-known in both Hong Kong and international films. Standing around 5’7” (170 cm) tall, he’s famous for his collaborations with director Wong Kar-wai on films like ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Chungking Express’. More recently, he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his role in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Throughout his career, he’s received numerous best actor awards from prominent Asian film festivals.

Tom Hollander

Tom Hollander is approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and has a long and impressive career in film and television. He’s known for roles in popular productions like ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘The Night Manager’, and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Hollander is particularly skilled at portraying real people with accuracy, and he also frequently performs in stage productions both in London’s West End and on Broadway.

Peter Falk

Peter Falk, who stood around 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm), became a famous face on television. He was best known for playing the detective Columbo in a long-running series of shows and specials. He also appeared in films like ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ and ‘The Princess Bride,’ and won several Emmy and Golden Globe awards throughout his career.

Mickey Rooney

Mickey Rooney was a short actor, around 5’2”, with a remarkably long career, starting in the earliest days of film and continuing into more recent times. He became famous for playing Andy Hardy and appeared in several popular musicals with Judy Garland. Later in his career, he had memorable roles in films like ‘The Black Stallion’ and ‘Night at the Museum’. Throughout his life, he received many Oscar nominations and awards honoring his work.

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin, standing around 5 feet 5 inches tall, was a major figure in the history of comedy films. He’s best known for creating the iconic “Tramp” character, featured in beloved movies like ‘City Lights’ and ‘Modern Times.’ Chaplin wasn’t just an actor; he also wrote, directed, produced, and composed the music for many of his films. His innovative work continues to inspire filmmakers and is still analyzed by students today.

Share the short kings you would add to this list in the comments and tell us who we missed.

2025-11-01 03:19